Radioshack pro Philip Deignan will join hundreds of amateur riders on Saturday September 17 for the inaugural Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive in Northern Ireland.
- Radioshack pro Philip Deignan will ride the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive
Three routes – 57km, 126km and 182km – run along dramatic cliff top roads and through deep, silent glens in a landscape that has inspired countless myths and legends.
Deignan finished ninth in the 2009 Vuelta a Espana, winning stage 18 on the way, and will speak about his pro career, his relationship with Lance Armstrong and his training regime at a pre-event dinner on the Friday night at Ballycastle Golf Club.
“I am really looking forward to coming back to Ireland to be part of this unique sportive,” he said. “It looks like it is going to be a great event with fantastic scenic cycling along the coast and through the glens with some challenging hill climbs to look forward to.
“Luckily hills happen to be my own personal strength so it will be a great opportunity to train before I head off to the UCI Road World Championships in Copenhagen.”
- Three routes – 57km, 126km and 182km – are available
The 57km Causeway Coaster is designed for riders who occasionally get out on the bike but would like to set themselves an achievable target to work towards, while the 126km Glens and Coast route throws in a range of tough hill climbs and the 182km Giant Killer contains some of Northern Ireland’s most infamous ascents.
“We have worked closely with outdoor event organiser 26 Extreme to create three cycle routes which successfully combine truly spectacular scenery with challenging sections of road, testing cyclists of even the highest ability,” said Aideen Exley from the Countryside Access and Activities Network.
The Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive is a not-for-profit event, with all money generated used to develop cycling facilities and cycling information throughout Northern Ireland.
Entry is £35 per person which includes a free buff worth £13.50, ChampionChip electronic timing, feed stations and hot food after the event. The pre-event dinner with Philip Deignan costs £15.
Visit www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com for more information.
