10 April 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
With this year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive just around the corner on Sunday, April 14th, organisers of the Fort 2 Fort are looking forward to the return of the popular charity event which raised nearly €20,000 for local beneficiaries in 2018.
Registration is now in full swing for the cycle, which raises funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, four Cork City and County Lions Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Committee, having raised a total of €150,000 since inception.
Dr. Adrian Brady of The Mercy Hospital, Cork pictured at the launch of the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive 2019. The popular cycle, which is set to take place on April 14th features a new 40km route, and Dr. Adrian Brady is encouraging as many people as possible to get fit and take part in the couch to 40km challenge. The Fort to Fort Charity Cycle Sportive features four routes in total – 40km, 60km, 85km or 120km, all starting and finish in Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven. (Picture: Adrian O’Herlihy)
Taking in the incredible views of Cork Harbour, the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle has four routes to choose from – 40km, 60km, 85km or 120km which all start and finish in Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven. The first 450 cyclists to cross the finish line are also set to receive an exclusive branded Fort 2 Fort gilet jacket.
The new addition of the 40km option to the three prevailing routes around Cork Harbour is the perfect course for new cycling enthusiasts. Departing from Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven, the outbound route reaches Monkstown in approximately 55 minutes. The inbound route takes a little longer at just over an hour on return to Camden Fort Meagher.
For those looking for an additional challenge and to test their skills on an incline, “The King and Queen” of the Mountain is open to all pre-registered cyclists. This challenge takes place on Rafeen Hill, Monsktown with a prize for the best times for the Top Man and Top Woman.
With the countdown on to April 14th, Jim O’Connor, Chairman of this year’s Fort 2 Fort commented, “The countdown is on to Sunday, April 14th and we are looking forward to another successful Fort 2 Fort raising funds for some fantastic Cork charities. The introduction of the new 40km route has been very positive, with many new faces set to join us for a very enjoyable day and we look forward to welcoming everyone on April 14th”.
Speaking on behalf of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, CEO Micheál Sheridan said, “The Fort 2 Fort is always a fantastic event, and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to get involved on April 14th. Without the continued support of the people of Cork and Munster, it would not be possible for The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital to continue advancements in the areas of research, diagnosis, and treatments to provide a world class hospital. The Fort 2 Fort has a great variety of routes to choose from for riders of all abilities and we’re looking forward to meeting everyone on April 14th.”
Registration is available online at www.mercyfundraising.ie or call (021) 4274076. 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.
Thanks to the generous support of main sponsor Ulster Bank, as well as Cork County Council, Radisson 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.
For further information go to www.mercyfundraising.ie or visit 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.
