MARACYCLE WEEKEND

• Cyclist time information
• Photos from Saturday
• Photos from Sunday
• Photos by Pro Photographers
• Video by the Belfast Telegraph

This weekend 26 & 27 June 2010, sees the welcome return of Maracycle after an absence of 11 years. More than 1000 cyclists will take part in the return trip between Belfast and Dublin, a route which covers 216 miles in total. It is supported by the Belfast Telegraph and the Irish Independent.

On Saturday morning, the cyclists will gather at Queens PE Centre and they will follow a route which takes them through Moira, Banbridge, Camlough and on to Dundalk. From there they will travel on to Castlebellingham, Drogheda, Naul and finishing at Dublin City University.

The next day the cyclists will return to Belfast via the same route.

The Co-operation Ireland Maracycle has been brought back due to popular demand and it is poised to become a fixed event in Co-operation Ireland’s fundraising calendar.

This year the Maracycle has attracted club cyclists and leisure cyclists alike, with the eldest participant being 77 years and the youngest 14 years.

Maracycle is Co-operation Ireland’s mass participation fundraising event. By partaking in the challenge, cyclists raise money for Co-operation Ireland, whose aim is to promote improved relations between communities in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.

Through Co-operation Ireland’s unique fundraising system, the Maracycle participants can also raise funds for another charity of their choice.

Peter Sheridan, Co-operation Ireland’s Chief Executive said,

“We are delighted with the number participating in this new Maracycle event. We have spent time and effort to ensure that the cyclists have a safe an enjoyable trek. We are working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, An Garda Síochána, a range of emergency services, local authorities and a host of volunteers to ensure that the event is a success for all the participants.”