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The inaugural Irish Cycling Show has been announced, taking place this May in the main hall of the Simmonscourt Pavilion at the RDS, Dublin.
On the weekend of May 19th and 20th, the new show aims to tap into what the organisers call Ireland’s fastest growing sport, worth €138.68 million (according to a report by the Irish Bicycle Business Association, testing the value of the cycling economy in Ireland following the introduction of the Cycle to Work Scheme in 2009).
The show is being run by Donegal-based events and media company Mara Media, which said the show is a product of the massive growth in cycling over the past number of years. Road cycling, BMX, mountain biking, competition, urban street cycling and all points in between are to be catered for at the show.
"As an active member of Errigal Cycling Club and my work promoting shows in Ireland and the UK, I saw an opportunity to combine my passion for cycling with my business," said Mara Media CEO Hugh Bonner. "With the huge upsurge in interest in cycling we recognised an opportunity to cater for the growing demand for cycling events.
"Our research indicates that there is a huge appetite for an Irish-themed cycling event from within the cycling industry and among the general public alike. There is a tremendous number of benefits arising from the sport including economic, health, environmental and tourism.
"So this show will give Irish firms an important promotional and sales outlet during this growth period heralded by the success of the Cycle to Work Scheme and the explosion in leisure cycling."
The Irish Cycling Show is set to feature exhibitors from every facet of cycling, including cycle retailers and distributors alongside general feature attractions to entertain visitors. Plans in the pipeline include a test track around the venue, demonstrations, shows and seminars throughout the weekend. Further details on the shows attractions will be announced in the coming weeks.
Bonner added: "This is an event for every branch of cycling activity from road cycling, BMX, mountain biking, competition, urban street cycling and all points in between.
"As well as cycle sales companies we’ll have exhibitors involved in coaching, cycling holidays, nutrition, health and cycle sport administration. This is a show to be embraced by everyone involved in Irish cycling whether as a consumer, retailer or administrator. We view it as an opportunity to create a focus for all the cycling activity on the island."
Enquiries should be directed to Hugh Bonner + 353 86 8239607 or hugh@maramedia.ie
