2nd Tour of Ulster coming up

The Tour of Ulster in Ireland will take place for a second year on Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5, 2008 in the Omagh District. The race has returned to the County town of Tyrone, Omagh mainly due to the huge success of last year's event, which was based within the wider Omagh District Council area.

The 2008 event will follow a race format of four stages over three days, a 55 mile road stage followed by a 2.3 mile time trial on Saturday evening, a 69 mile road stage on Sunday and finally finishing with a 73 mile road stage on Monday.

Colin Boyle, Race Organiser for the second year, spoke enthusiastically about the forthcoming event and enthused about the challenging route he had devised. "I am looking forward in particular to the second stage on Sunday, which will bring the competitors over four tough climbs over the Sperrins, with the final ascent of Gortin Glen, to the stage finish at Omagh Leisure Complex. Some potential Olympians will compete in this premier race," he commented.

The winner of last years event was Ballymena man Ryan Connor (Pezula Racing Team), with second place going to Kerry man Paul Griffin (Giant Asia) and third place to Andy Roche (Isle of Man). Most of the top Irish riders are anticipated to enter, making up a full field of around 100 cyclists.