News Release -
World Famous Cyclist Tries Out New Shannon Region Cycle Trails
World famous US cyclist Greg LeMond, three-time winner of the Tour de France, was in the Shannon Region recently and took time out to sample some of the Region’s new cycle trails. The trails are part of a Shannon Development led initiative to develop a series of world class activity trails around the Region including cycling and mountain biking, driving, equestrian, canoeing, surfing, and scuba diving.
“I love Ireland and the magnificent scenery and the new trails in the Shannon Region make it a wonderful place to cycle,” said Mr. LeMond.
“We were delighted that a cyclist of the calibre of Greg LeMond has taken time out to come to our area and it’s a great endorsement of our new cycle routes. Working with Shannon Region local authorities and Fáilte Ireland, we want to create a world class regional cycle network linked to the national cycling network being developed by Fáilte Ireland. We are delighted with progress to-date which has seen us complete new cycling hubs for Doolin, Co. Clare, Nenagh in North Tipperary, a new cycle hub for Kilmallock, Co Limerick, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2009, and a new cycle hub for Birr, Co. Offaly, which is due for completion next year,” says John King, Assistant Chief Executive, Shannon Development.
Commenting on the growth potential in the cycle holiday market Mr. King said, “Over 102,000 overseas visitors participate in cycling holidays annually, generating €78m in annual revenue. There is significant opportunity to grow theses numbers along with domestic visitors to the Region. This new cycle routes will also be a major amenity to the local community. We would encourage local accommodation providers, cycling enthusiasts and general tourism operators to get behind the initiative and exploit the opportunity to grow cycling tourism to the area.”
About the Shannon Region Trails Programme:
Full details of the cycle hubs and other Shannon Region trails are available at www.shannonregiontrails.ie Maps and brochures on each of the completed cycle hubs will be available from Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices shortly.
Cycling legend Greg LeMond, three times winner of the Tour de France took time out to try out the new Shannon Region cycling trails. Pictured are (l-r): Anthony Considine, Assistant Engineer, Clare County Council, Flan Quilligan, Tourism Product Development Manager, Shannon Development, John King, Assistant Chief Executive, Shannon Development, Greg LeMond, and Pat Daly, Tourism Marketing Manager, Shannon Development.
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