Strabane to feature in Tour of Ulster

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent

The Tour of Ulster proclaimed as the premier cycle race in the North, will have two stage ends in Strabane this year. It's the first time for the event to make its way to Strabane. Local cycling representative Colin Boyle, who is on the organising committee, has been involved in the planning.

Stage 2, on Sunday, May 1, brings the expected one hundred cyclists from Craigavon, over the top of Lough Neagh, onto Strabane by way of some of the hilliest roads in the Sperrins. Unfortunately, the competitors will have little time to enjoy the spectacular views, as they race at top speed for the finish, alongside Strabane's Canal Basin. The race is expected to arrive there around 3.30 pm on Sunday.

"Last year Tommy Evans won the overall event by virtue of just a few seconds that he gained in the time trial at Gorton Glen," said Boyle. "I think the same could happen again this year." Tribune people will have a unique opportunity to see the time trial on Monday 2 May. It will be based around the Canal Basin area, and will last for nearly two hours.