The SKODA Celtic Cycling Series (www.celticseries.ie) is the newest series of cycling events in Ireland. The series is linked to the the international series of sportives that was created in 2012 and now includes the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, France and the Isle of Man.

This year the SKODA Celtic Cycling Series has expanded across Ireland to include three Irish events that includes two great new events in Clare and the Boyne Valley area of Meath and Louth.

SKODA Tour de Conamara – Saturday 27th May, Clifden (SOLD OUT)

SKODA Ring of Clare – Saturday 29th July, Ennis

SKODA Tour de Boyne Valley  – Sunday 10th September, Drogheda

This year the Celtic Series starts again with a visit to the ‘Paris Roubaix’ of the North and Tro Bro Leon in Brittany. Cycle the route on the Saturday and watch the pros in the 1.1 UCI ranked event the following day. Experience cycling the classics, the Breton way, home of Bernard Hinualt.

The Irish leg is next with the Tour de Conamara bringing cyclists along the most picturesque sportive route in Ireland. Sample the unique landscape of Connemara with mountains, valleys, lakes and coast. This year the event will include large parts of the Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way route and Ireland’s Ancient East.

The Lighthouse Challenge in the Isle of Man brings cyclists on a loop of the island providing views of all the neighbouring countries. The event starts at the famed Isle of Man TT course before skirting along the coast for the entire sportive. Cycle on the training ground for World Champions and Tour de France winning team members. We welcome back the Scots in 2017 with the Cowal Peninsula Sportive on the 15th July.  This is followed by the SKODA Ring of Clare (formerly Grandfondo Hibernia) in Ennis, Co. Clare with two spectacularly coastal scenic routes of 160km and 120km to choose from.

The SKODA Celtic Series then moves to the East coast of Ireland and the historic Boyne Valley.  The Tour de Boyne Valley starts and finishes in Drogheda and promises to be an epic spin through fantastic scenery and Ireland most famous historic sites.

The Celtic Series finishes in Wales. The Cambrian Coast Sportive starts from Aberdovey and is set entirely within the Snowdonia National Park. The routes follow the coast and beaches, climbs the mountains, skirt around lakes and descend through forests, making it arguably the most scenic sportive ride in the country.

The 2017 Celtic Series gives sportive cyclists an opportunity to sample a variety of cycling cultures, different terrains in 5 Celtic Nations. Are you ready to become the 2017 Celtic Cycling Warrior?

For more details on other events in the SKODA Celtic Cycling Series please visit www.celticseries.ie