THE 2020 Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive will take place on Saturday, April 4th this year, aiming once again to raise vital funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, four Lions Clubs in Cork City and County and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Committee.
Building on last year’s success, this year’s cycle will include the three prevailing routes in addition to a popular shorter route, which was introduced for the first time last year.
The shortest route of 40km departs Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven and reaches Monkstown in 55 minutes, with the return route taking slightly longer at just over the hour mark.
Spanning a low lying terrain, this route is suitable for all levels of cyclist, however organisers suggest that some training for any sporting event like this is advised.
The four designated routes of 40km, 65km, 85km and 120km will all start and finish in Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven, each with stunning views of Cork Harbour. As an extra encouragement to join in on the fun, the good folks organising the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle will provide refreshments along the way on each route.
Jim O’Connor, Chairman of Fort 2 Fort said: ‘It’s always a very exciting time of year as we gear up to the cycle and Fort 2 Fort 2020 is no different. We’re happy to be welcoming back many cyclists who have supported our charity sportive in previous years and hope to see some more new faces taking to the roads this year. The success of the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle thus far has been due to the massive support we have received from our cyclists so I’d encourage anyone who might consider participating to come join us for an enjoyable cycle, regardless of your level, there are routes for all abilities!’
Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation added: ‘I speak for us all here at the Mercy Hospital Foundation when I express our gratitude to the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle for the fundraising support they have provided to us over the last number of years. The charity cycle is always a very enjoyable day out and has done great work in encouraging people of all levels to get active.
‘Our mission in the Mercy University Hospital is to inspire support and progress in research, health and medicine, so that we can provide world class services to the people of Cork and beyond. Without support from events such as the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle this simply wouldn’t be possible.’
Registration for the cycle is now available at www.mercyfundraising.ie or by calling (021) 4274076. For anyone interested in participating, early bird registration is €39 until March 1st. Registration is €45 for those who sign up online before noon on April 3rd, or at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Friday, April 3rd from 5pm to 8pm. For those who register on the day itself, from 7.30 to 9.00am in Crosshaven GAA Club, it is €50.
Subscribe to the Southern Star's YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news and sport from West Cork.