CYCLISTS GEAR UP FOR P&O FERRIES TOUR OF THE NORTH

P&O Ferries sponsors International Cycle Race in landmark year

P&O Ferries is to title sponsor the Tour of the North International Cycle Race in what will be the 50th edition of the 4-day Easter stage race.

The race is likely to be the largest event in the UK & Ireland this Easter and has attracted a quality field of riders with one hundred cyclists set to battle it out for the coveted Leader’s Yellow Jersey from Good Friday in Belfast.

Arthur Murphy, Business Development Marketing Manager at P&O Ferries, said: “P&O Ferries is delighted to continue its long standing sponsorship for this exciting and prestigious event in the cycling calendar.

“The race draws many of the biggest names in cycling from across the UK, Ireland and Europe and we are delighted to play our part in enabling the event to continue with fantastic support from both the participants and spectators.

Anthony Mitchell, Race Director said: “Over the last 21 years P&O Ferries has become a real partner in this event and their continued support is what has enabled us to reach a great landmark as we stage the 50th edition of the race this year.

“The event continues to grow in stature and we can see that from the amazing field of cyclists lined up to take part. Winning here in Northern Ireland is a proud moment in any cyclist’s career and we’re delighted that the last four winners here have gone on to become professionals in their own right.”

Twenty five teams are on this year’s start list, representing Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England and Holland. Two previous winners are on the start line-up, each one capable of making it a double in 2013. Defending champion Moss has a strong Sigma Sport team and 2007 winner Tom Murray makes a return to the event with the Metaltek-Knights of Old squad.

Organisers have limited team size to 4 for this year, to accommodate as many teams as possible within the 100 maximum permitted field size. In all over £5,500 is up for grabs over the Easter weekend, with the action getting underway at the slightly earlier time than usual at 5.45pm on Good Friday evening at Stormont in Belfast.

Stage 2 will take place in County Antrim, with the scenic Antrim Coast featuring in the Broughshane-Broughshane stage.

Easter Sunday sees the longest stage of the race, taking in parts of County Antrim and Londonderry and including the Cam and Springwell forest climbs.

Sundays sting in the tail will be based in the County Down hills, with the Carryduff stage taking in the Boiling Wells climb along the way.

Details of the race, including live event updates will be available via the event website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Route details for the Easter P&O Ferries 4-day International Stage Race are now available for download on the race web-site www.tourofthenorth.com

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