Cycle across Cooley launched by Natalya Coyle
OLYMPIC athlete Natalya Coyle got on her bike for the Special Olympics at the launch of the sport’s organisation annual Cooley Cycle Challenge. Natalya – who shot to fame at the 2012 summer Olympics in London – was joined at the official launch of the 70km cycle challenge, which takes place on Saturday September 28th, by Special Olympics Athletes Michael Gallagher and Stephen Lynch who are both from Navan.
The challenging 70km cycle sportif - perfect for seasoned cyclists - will take in breath-taking scenery across the Cooley peninsula. Starting and finishing at Dundalk Stadium, the route travels through scenic countryside from Ballymascanlan to Lordship, onwards to Carlingford and Omeath and Riverstown before looping round to return towards Dundalk.
Urging cyclists to sign up to participate in the event, Natalya Colye, who aims to compete at the 2016 Rio Games in the modern pentathlon said: “Special Olympics is a fantastic charity that gives people with intellectual difficulties a real sporting chance; I’m delighted to launch the Cooley Cycle Challenge and would encourage cyclists to sign up to what promises to be a great day out for an even greater cause. It is the ideal opportunity to challenge yourself while supporting a wonderful charity.”
Registration for the Special Olympics Cooley Cycle Challenge costs €30 per cyclist; each cyclist will receive a complimentary jersey on the day. Professional support will be provided along both routes, with roadside assistance, support vehicles and refreshment stops and light refreshments will be provided for all participants at Dundalk Stadium after the cycle.