Kelly Pedals Cycle Week Launch

Cycling legend Sean Kelly has told two Government Ministers to "get on their bike" next month.

Sean joined Noel Dempsey and Ciarán Cuffe as they announced the details of National Bike Week.

Minister Dempsey said, "I'm delighted that Sean has joined us for this launch.

"Sean not only lifted the hearts of the nation during the eighties and nineties with his extraordinary cycling achievements but he also raised awareness of cycling generally during his wonderful career.

"Bike Week aims to raise the profile of cycling - for leisure, competition and commuting - not only during the period 13 to 20 June, but throughout the year," he said.

Ciarán Cuffe said: "Bike Week is about connecting with different types of cyclists: the regular cycling commuter; the sports cyclist and those leisure cyclists who may not get on the bike as often as they'd like.

"In implementing the National Cycling Policy, of which Bike Week is a key part, we're trying to get more people to choose the bike as their primary mode of transport and to realise the health and fitness benefits of cycling regularly.

"As an everyday cyclist, it's great to see that so many events will be taking place locally across the island of Ireland as part of Bike Week," he said.

For his part, Sean Kelly said he was delighted to be an ambassador for Bike Week.

"Cycling has given me a terrific life and I'm privileged to continue my work for the sport, particularly in association with the An Post Cycle Series.

"The Series has already visited Sligo this year and will visit Clare, Cork, Meath and Waterford over the Summer months.

"I'm delighted that An Post's Tour de Burren takes place on 19 June this year, and will be a key Bike Week event."

Full details of events will be posted on www.bikeweek.ie as they come to hand.

(BMcC/GK)