Finn Wheelers Cycling Club hosted a successful 3 Counties Sportive cycle event on Sunday last.
More than 150 cyclists made their way to the Twin Towns to take on the 135km route through the scenic landscape of east and south Donegal, along the shores of Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh and over the hills and valleys of west Tyrone.
Leisure cyclists enjoyed a shorter 62km route taking them past Lough Mourne, down the Derg Line to Aghyaran and Castlederg and back to Stranorlar via Castlefinn.
Cyclists attended the Cycling Ireland affiliated event from clubs all over the North-West and from further afield including counties Down, Louth, Meath & Dublin.
The cyclists were treated to refreshments before and during the event with a hot dinner afterwards at Finn Valley College, the event base for the day.
Club Chairperson Brian Mc Elhinney thanked all the club members and volunteers who helped in any way to organise and run a safe and successful event.
Members of the Finn Wheelers who took part in the 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
Members of the Four Masters Cycling Club who took part in the Finn Wheelers 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography who took part in the Finn Wheelers 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
Members of Donegal Bay Cycling Club who took part in the Finn Wheelers 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
Members of Tirchonaill GAP Cycling Cub who took part in the Finn Wheelers 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
Members of Errigal Cycling Club who took part in the Finn Wheelers 3 Counties Sportive on Sunday. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
He also thanked the local businesses who sponsored and supported the event. Visiting cyclists complemented the wonderful facilities at Finn Valley College which proved an ideal venue for the day. The club would like to thank Principal Séan Mc Fadden and the staff for accommodating the event.
The Wark Hall in Belleek was the mid-route stop for refreshments and the club thank the trustees of the hall for the use of the facilities. First Aid support was provided by local paramedic Aidan Thompson and the club was assisted by the An Garda Síochána, and Donegal County Council in the running of the event.
Finn Wheelers Cycling Club would like to acknowledge the sponsorship and support received from Priorty Construction, Foy and Company, Mc Cullagh Architecture & Surveying, Donegal Country Products, Ballybofey Autofactors, Coffee on the Run, B & S Credit Union, The Bike Mobile, Castle Cycles, Henry Kee & Son Estate Agents, Highland Bakery, Sean Doherty & Sons Fruit & Veg, Aurivo, Jacksons Hotel and Harkins Gala. The support is very much appreciated.
Finally, the club would like to thank all the cyclists who travelled from near and far to take part in the event.
There were some impressive performances as the cyclists made their way around the event routes with many achieving PB’s on an ideal day for cycling.
