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At the launch of the SRAC Atlantic Challenge at The Rose Hotel on Tuesday morning were, in front; Seamus Cotter, John Murray, Sean Kelly and Neil Bradley, back from left; President of Tralee Chamber Alliance Aidan Kelly, Managing Consultant with Tralee Chamber Alliance Ken Tobin, Josephine Molyneaux and Kay McNamara of the Alzheimers Society of Ireland, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Norma Foley, The Rose Hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing Michele King and Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring. Photo by Dermot Crean
TRALEE will see a major boost next Spring when thousands of cyclists are expected to base themselves in town for the SRAC Atlantic Challenge which features Irish cycling legends Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and Nicolas Roche.
Cyclists from all over the world will gather in town on Saturday, March 30 to participate in Ireland’s most popular cycling event in conjunction with the Chain Gang Cycling Club Tralee
This is the 7th year of the cycle and every year it has grown from strength to strength. Last year it took place in Co. Clare.
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3,000 cyclists from 18 Countries participated in the 2018 SRAC Atlantic Challenge. Cyclists travelled from the USA, South America, Asia, Australia, UK and all over Europe to cycle the SRAC Atlantic Challenge and see the Wild Atlantic Way.
Many of them will be staying in Tralee and a range of entertainment is being planned around the event in the town.
Over the years, guest cyclists from around the World have cycled the Atlantic Challenge including Tour de France winner Stephen Roche, Sean Kelly, Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backsteadt (Sweden), World Champion Maurizio Fondriest (Italy), Phil Anderson (Australia) and Malcolm Elliott (UK).
In 2019, the guest list is impressive with;
• Stephen Roche – 1987 Triple Crown Winner of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and WorldChampion.
• Sean Kelly – Winner of the Veulta Espana, 4 times winner of the Green Jersey at the Tour de France, 7 times winner of Paris –Nice, Ranked Number 1 in the World for 6 years.
• Nicholas Nico Roche – professional cyclist with Team Sunweb and previously with Team Sky and BMC racing. Nico is taking time out of his race calendar and will cycle the SRAC between the Paris Nice and the Giro d’Italia.
The SRAC Atlantic Challenge is a world cycling event and recognised as Ireland’s premier cycling event.
From the rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula and the Wild Atlantic Way, the location, the route, the scenery is all breath taking and includes the famous Conor Pass and Slea Head.
All proceeds raised from the cycle go to support charities Make a Wish, Seeking Vision and Alzheimer’s Ireland Tralee Branch (The Rosemary Centre).
This year there are 2 routes, 100km and 140km, both starting from the Rose Hotel, Tralee at 9am.
The 100km route;
Starting at the Rose Hotel Tralee, Camp, Conor Pass, Dingle, Annascaul, Camp and back to Denny Street, Tralee
The 140km route;
Starting at the Rose Hotel Tralee, Camp, Conor Pass, Dingle, Slea Head loop, Dingle Annascaul, Camp and back to Denny Street, Tralee
