Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 4:43pm

Aisling squads prepare for 2,100 km Race Around Ireland cycle challenge

Ellie Kate McDonnell helped the Aisling International launch its teams for the Race Around Ireland.

Two teams of cyclists representing the Aisling Group International Charity, will take part in the Race Around Ireland, which will be departing from Navan on 12th September next.

The 2,100km route travels from Navan, past Newgrange, the Giant's Causeway, Malin Head, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head, the Garden County of Wicklow and back to Navan, returning within a week. Solo riders start Sunday 12th September and two-person, four-person and eight-person teams start on Tuesday 14th September.

The teams riding for Aisling, 'Atlanta' and 'Underdogs', are in training and hope to raise awareness in young people about healthy drug and alcohol-free activities.

The participation is the second phase of Aisling Group's national drug awareness campaign, launched on World Drug Day, also the anniversary of the death of journalist Veronica Guerin.

The race is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup series, which includes other huge endurance races such as The Race Across America. The race is run by Navan Road Club and is sanctioned by Cycling Ireland.

"Almost 70 cyclists took part in last year's inaugural Race Around Ireland," Alan Heary, race director, explained.

"The entire event was a huge success not just amongst the cycling elite but for all the amateur cyclists who took on this amazing challenge and really made the event special. This year, we are going to be offering training and information days for all participants who would like extra support in the lead up the event.

"From crew to cyclist, every participant is a winner and their sense of achievement after completing the internationally renowned course will be immense," he said.

The Navan teams' progress can be followed on Aisling Group International's website where information on drug-related issues will be displayed.

Marie Byrne, director of the charity, said: "The north-east has the second highest rate of drug use in Ireland. This can be turned around by community involvement supporting young people living drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles, and support for those who have already succumbed to addiction," she said.

The third phase of the charity's awareness campaign will consist of a special awards ceremony later in the year.