Cycle your way to success with the “Couch to 40km” Challenge

Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive 2019 set for Sunday, April 14th

This year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive is set to take place on Sunday, April 14th, with the popular cycle raising funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, four Cork City and County Lions Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Committee.

As a new addition to the three prevailing routes around Cork Harbour, this year’s Fort 2 Fort Cycle Sportive includes a new, shorter route to entice new cycling enthusiasts to get involved in a “Couch to 40km” challenge. The outbound route departs from Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven, and reaches Monkstown in approximately 55 minutes. The inbound route takes a little longer at just over an hour on return to Camden Fort Meagher. This route has a low lying terrain so is suitable for beginners, however training for any sporting event is always advised.

Commenting at the launch of the 2019 Fort 2 Fort Cycle, Jim O’Connor, Chairman of this year’s Fort 2 Fort said, “We are really looking forward to welcoming back the enthusiastic cyclists who have supported the Fort 2 Fort year on year, as well as the new faces who will join us for this fantastic event. Without the cyclists continued support, the Fort 2 Fort’s wouldn’t be the success that it is today. We have a great variety of routes to choose from, and we encourage riders of all levels, abilities, and ambitions to join us for this enjoyable day.”

With now four routes to choose from, refreshments along the way, and incredible views of Cork Harbour, the 2019 Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle is an event not to be missed! The 40km, 60km, 85km or 120km routes will all start and finish in Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven.

Speaking on behalf of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, CEO Micheál Sheridan said, “Here at The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital, our mission is to inspire people to support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments to enable us to provide a world class hospital, right on your doorstep. Without the amazing support of so many people, this advancement would not be possible. “

Micheál continued, “This year is the year of encouragement, the Fort 2 Fort cycle has always welcomed participants of all levels and abilities, but the addition of this new route further strengthens our commitment to helping get Cork active.”

Registration is now available online at www.mercyfundraising.ie or call (021) 4274076. For anyone interested in participating, early bird registration is just €39 until March 1st. Registration is €45 for those who sign up online before 12 noon on April 12th, or at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Saturday, April 13th from 5pm to 8pm. For those who register on the day itself, from 8am to 9.30am in Crosshaven GAA Club, it is €50.

Fort 2 Fort, now in its 8th year, has firmly established itself in the calendar of Cork’s cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, offering a choice of distances. In 2018 the Fort 2 Fort cycle raised nearly €20,000; and since its inception, over 3,000 cyclists have participated, raising €150,000 for the local beneficiaries.

Thanks to the generous support of main sponsor Ulster Bank, as well as Cork County Council, Raddison Blu and many other valued sponsors. All funds raised go directly to the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, four Cork City and County Lions Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Fund.

Declan Daly, Relationship Director, SME Banking South West, Ulster Bank, who have sponsored the cycle since its inception “We are delighted to once again support the worthy causes that the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle raises funds for. It is an exciting and energetic way to raise important funds for key Cork charities. Many of our own Ulster Bank staff members who take part in the cycle annually, see it as a real highlight of their year and I hope as many people as possible can join them on April 14th.”

For further information go to www.mercyfundraising.ie or visit the new website www.fort2fort.ie, or keep an eye on the Fort2Fort Facebook Page or the Mercy Hospital Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest Fort 2 Fort updates.