CYCLOSPORT REVIEW OF KELLY TOUR

Words and Pictures by Howard Johnson

They say you should never meet your heroes. When I was a lad, and sprinting for signs, I always wanted to look like Johan van de Velde, slim lanky with long hair and when I won I always wanted to sprint like Sean Kelly, he was my hero. So when you get the opportunity to meet one of THE all time greats of cycling, you don’t turn it down.

Let me say straight away, I make no apologies for the length of this review; this wasn’t your average sportive event.

Last Friday was spent cleaning and lubing the bike to within an inch of its life, packing it carefully in the bike bag along with super clean kit ready for the flight to Cork and taxi ride through God's own country of Ireland to Dungarvan, the host town of the Tour of Waterford.

As in the UK, cycling is seeing a massive resurgence in Ireland due to a number of initiatives from central Government, local councils and sporting bodies. Sportive events are growing both in the number of events and in the participants, which can only be a positive for both the sport, cycle trade and hotel trade.

The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford is named after Sean Kelly in a manner befitting his legendary cycling status. It also came about because of Sean Kelly’s willingness to lend his name to an event which would benefit his own area and people. Finally, it came about because of the willingness of local authority and development agencies to come together with the cycling community to plan and deliver this exciting event. And the key to the success of the 2010 Tour was due to the organization and communication between the many different bodies such as councils, Police, Civil Defence, and event organizers in ensuring the day’s events ran smoothly.

Host town was Dungarvan, approximately an hour in the car from Cork, and about 45 minutes from Waterford. Normally a sleepy little town with a small harbour, but with over 4000 cyclist’s descending on it for the weekend, it was busy, and the welcome from hoteliers, restaurants and bars was typically warm and enthusiastic.

There was a 10km “spin” on the Saturday, for younger riders with parents, and this was headed by Sean Kelly’s elder brother Martin Power who is such a charming character.

The Sunday morning hosted three events, The Kelly Cruise at 50kms, The Kelly Coast at 90kms and the Kelly Comeragh Challenge at 160kms. Registration was open on the Saturday in order to process some of the 4000 riders that had paid their 40 Euros. In return each rider had a goody bag containing event number, your orange wristband (no band no food) a handful of flyers for differing charities etc, a 58 page booklet on cycling tips/etiquette etc, maps for each course, oat cake, water, Isotonic drink and a good quality cycling jersey to commemorate the event.

Registration was quick and easy, and special thanks to Muriel and Clare for your help in this, and so it was time for dinner, a sneaky beer and bed time ready for the big day on Sunday.

Clare (left) and Muriel

I have to be honest and had some reservations about the weather and the forecast was bright and breezy, but if anyone has ever been to Ireland in the past, that forecast could mean anything. And so at 8:30 over 1500 intrepid riders lined up for a mass start on the waterfront to be lead out for the first 10km by Sean Kelly himself. With the speakers blaring out U2 tunes and Queen classics, the cheers from well wishers and volunteers, it was going to be a long day for some of the riders. There were no timing chips for the event, and I think this was a great idea. Why?? I will tell you later.

The 160km route included many of the roads Sean Kelly used for his training, and also had two Category One climbs of Seskin Hill and Mahon Falls. It dips into the Comeragh Mountains on a couple of occasions to fully test the strength, perseverance and stamina of the riders. Once out of Dungarvan, the route veers to the left in Lemybrien towards Carrick-on-Suir, in honour of Sean Kelly’s hometown. Here there is a loop which takes in Seskin Hill, made famous by the Nissan Classic. This is Kelly country. But it is also grueling country. The route continues as far as Clonmel where it swings to the left and heads to Ballymacarbry. Here it follows along the gorgeous Nire Valley before again swinging left over the Nire River and heading into the heart of the Comeraghs.

The route climbs to over 400 meters altitude at the wonderfully-named Powers the Pot, where it descends through enchanting uplands to the lovely village of Rathgormack. Then it’s a southwards turn, as far as Mahon Bridge where it once again heads into the mountains via the Mahon Falls, once more at over 400m altitude. At Beary’s Cross riders can finally breathe a sigh of relief - it is still over 13km back to Dungarvan, but it is almost completely downhill. This is 13km which should be devoted to enjoying the sense of achievement that can only come from surviving the challenging roads and mountains.

9:30 was looming for my 90km spin on the Coastal route. With a good position at the front of the 1500 strong group, I was tucked up and behind the lead car for the first few miles, having a chat and riding with my hero - unbelievable. Soon the lead car pulled away and it was time to put the hammer down.

With rolling road closures, the “peloton” was quickly through the major junctions getting out of town into the countryside, and it was sheer joy to be cheered on by motorists that had been forced to stop to let us through, church goers stopping and applauding, people in villages getting out their chairs to just sit and applaud the riders.

The first 15 miles were undulating, nothing too challenging, no gradients more than 10%, but I was warned the second half of the day was lumpy. The first water stop was at Bunmahon at 20km (the first of two visits to this seaside village!).

After Bunmahon we headed inland and northwards for a time towards the villages of Kill and Dunhill where the ‘Waterford Welcome’ was loud and very welcoming. The road surfaces throughout were good, very little traffic at all, and any cars that were passing gave lots of space.

The hills were getting a little steeper now and the feed stop was at 30 miles at Tramore Racecourse. There were long queues for the food, but it wasn’t an issue. As there were no timing chips, the long stop made the day into a challenging ride rather than a full blown sportive going for a gold or silver time. It meant you could stop, chat, have lunch and have an enjoyable day. And in Ireland, you are not stood alone for long before someone talks with you. Why the queues at the food stop? There was a ham roll or salad roll, hot pasta with either a tomato and basil (really tasty) or chicken and mushroom sauce, with a blueberry or chocolate muffin, tea, coffee, orange juice, or simply water to top up your bottles.

After being suitably fed and watered it was time to take the return leg home, hugging the spectacular coastline. It was very similar to the Cornwall Tor event, steep descents, and steeper ascents as you rode through the Copper Mine coast.

With a headwind and a little bit of rain, the last 20 miles were a challenge, and the literal translation of “lumpy” means climbs up to and including 18%, some longer than others, all of them hurting tired legs.

The final few miles back into Dungarven once again had spectators cheering you on all the way into the finish area where the U2 and Queen soundtracks were blaring away to a warm welcome.

Once at the finish the Sports Centre was transformed into vast catering facility. You are spoilt for choice for food, yet again. There was pasta, hot sausages, ham, cheese, corned beef sandwiches, fruit cake, muffins, tea, coffee, juices. If you wanted or needed to, you could just help yourself for more.

And of course there was your finish certificate.

During the day Sean Kelly was leading out the three events, then making an appearance at all of the feed stops to chat to riders before returning to the finish where he freely gave his time signing autographs, posing with riders and families for photos and having a quick word with everyone.

An event of this size does not just happen, and the organizers need to stand up and take a bow. John Brunnock Junior and Senior, gentlemen thank you for a wonderful weekend to remember, and pass on my regards to the 740 other volunteers and helpers of the day. Each one of them was fantastic.

If you are planning a holiday to Ireland next year, try and incorporate one of the events into your stay, you won’t be disappointed.

Riders Comments

Brian Morriarty – 160km

Brian from Cork is a regular sportive rider in Ireland and found the route tough and a good challenge. He commented “the food and stewarding was top drawer couldn’t fault any of it” but would have preferred a staggered start. With one more event planned on 11th September Brian will be riding the Tour of Cork.

Shane O’Toole – 160km

Shane from Mullingar is a regular rider for Lakeside Wheelers that was Cycling Ireland Club of the year. Shane rides in both sportives and racing and thought “it was a tough spin, with fantastic marshalling and well organized”. Shane thought the scenery was unbelievable, but didn’t like the sneaky little climb after Mahon Falls. Shane was waiting for his wife who had completed the 90km ride earlier in the day and is looking forward to riding the Tour of Flanders sportive next year.

Jennifer Tobin – 50km

Jennifer from Waterford City is a newcomer to cycling and was riding her first event. Her partner was riding the 160km event, “so if you can’t beat them, join em, and I will be back next year to do the 90km” Jennifer enjoyed the atmosphere the most but didn’t like the hills and sore bum! With no more cycling events planned for the rest of the season, Jennifer is planning her winter of running events before getting back into training for next year and cycling.

Therese Clancy – 90km

Therese from West Clare and living in Dublin thought there were a few tough hills “and a real challenge but doable if you are fit”. Not a regular rider, Therese is more of a runner, and may do more cycling next year. Therese enjoyed the first half of the ride on the rolling hills, but the second half of the ride was a bit harder on the steeper hills. The feed stop was “excellent and the food supplies were amazing”.

John Morgan - 160km

John from Co. Kildare was staying in the same B&B as me, so we had a pre and post ride chat. John is a regular rider, out on his bike every chance he can but only rides one event a year. Last year he completed the Wicklow 200km event. John found the ride to be tough, but loved the last 20kms down hill to the finish. The showers and last half of the ride were a challenge, but once again high praise for the organizers.

We liked: - Everything, no complaints at all.

We didn’t like: - having to travel home