Lapping the lough? Neagh problem

Northern Ireland’s Lap the Lough cycle sportif which takes place on August 24 will see hundreds of riders attempting to complete a circuit of the largest lake in the British Isles. 

Lough Neagh is 35km long and 20km wide and to get around it participants will need to cover 140km. Last year over 500 riders took on the challenge and this year – the third running of the event – organisers Castlehill Cycling Club are hoping for more.  

The event registration fees of £25 per rider are donated to The Lough Neagh Rescue, RNLI and Sporting Hearts and riders are additionally encouraged to raise money for these or other charities independently. The organisers say it takes just 20 minutes to drive to the starting point at Kinnego harbour from Belfast and 80 minutes from Dublin, making the sportif highly accessible to riders from north and south of the border.  For more information, route maps, registration and training plans, log on to www.lapthelough.org. You can see pictures from last year's event here.