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Make a break for the border: Belfast to Dublin Maracycle returns

By Claire McNeilly

Dust down your bike, pump up the tyres and saddle up for the ride of your life — the Belfast/Dublin Maracycle is back after 12 years.

It’s good news for cycling aficionados on both sides of the border. The original was discontinued due to road safety issues surrounding the volume of traffic.

But you don’t have to be an expert, a club cyclist, or even a keep fit fanatic to sign up.

All you need is enthusiasm, energy, encouraging friends ... and, of course, a bicycle — or a tandem, in some cases. Even better, you have 10 weeks to shape up for what could be a superbly satisfying summer challenge.

More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the Co-operation Ireland Maracycle — supported by the Belfast Telegraph and the Irish Independent — which is scheduled to take place over the weekend of June 26/27.

Described by the organisation's chief executive Peter Sheridan as “challenging but do-able”, this year’s route will preclude main roads where possible as the ‘maracyclists’ cover more than 200 miles over two days between Belfast and Dublin.

Starting in Belfast, participants head towards Lisburn, then on to Moira, Banbridge and Camlough and onwards to Dundalk.

The route then snakes south to Castlebellingham, Dunleer, Drogheda and Naul before finishing at Dublin City University.

The next day the map will be reversed as cyclists are encouraged to pedal it back across the border.

Supported by DHL, as well as sporting bodies and individuals on both sides of the border, the challenge aims to raise money for Co-operation Ireland, an organisation dedicated to improving north- south relations.

The charity affords people an opportunity to come together to explore common issues and thereby develop mutual understanding and respect.

Terry O’Neill, fundraising director at Co-operation Ireland, said the return of the Maracycle — which last took place in 1998 — was down to its past success.

“We have brought back the cross-border Maracycle due to popular demand as so many people have expressed an interest in cycling between the capital cities of Belfast and Dublin,” he said.

“The route has been chosen with the safety of cyclists at the fore and a number of shorter options are also available, so that it can be a real family event.

“This is a challenge that can be taken up by anyone provided they follow the training schedule. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, while enjoying the beautiful countryside between Belfast and Dublin.”

Maracycle is returning to mark Co-operation Ireland’s 30th anniversary year. Starting in 1984, the Maracyle ran for 15 consecutive years before organisers felt the then-main Belfast to Dublin road was too busy to be safe. At its peak, more than 4000 cyclist took part in the annual Maracycle challenge.

Belfast Telegraph

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