Entries Now Open for the Next Event in the Women's Sportive Series
The Cycling Ireland Women’s Sportive Series took to Monaghan recently, as Emyvale played host to the Tour of Emyvale. The most recent event in the series saw over 70 women take to the roads of Co. Monaghan.
Emyvale member and Cycling Ulster PRO Donna Smith reflected on the event; “The Tour of Monaghan, hosted by Emyvale Cycling Club, delivered a fantastic day of cycling with 270 riders taking part across all routes, including 70 women. The atmosphere throughout the event was excellent, with a real sense of energy, support, and community both on and off the bike.
The women’s participation routes were a real highlight, with very positive feedback from those who took part. Riders spoke about how much they enjoyed the experience of riding together in a women-only group, with many highlighting the supportive atmosphere and the strong sense of camaraderie that developed quickly on the road. Whether arriving with friends or taking part independently, participants were able to connect with others and share the experience in a really positive way.
As Chair of the Cycling Ulster Women’s Commission and a member of Emyvale Cycling Club, it was particularly encouraging to see the impact of these women-focused routes and the clear appetite that exists for more opportunities like this within the sportive calendar.
We would strongly encourage women to sign up for the next round of the National Women’s Sportive Series and continue to support this fantastic initiative. Events like this play an important role in encouraging more women to take part in cycling in a welcoming and supportive environment.
We can't wait for the next one!”
The Queen Maeve Tour of Sligo is next up on the calendar for the Women’s Sportive Series on July 18th, offering a choice between a 45km and a 90km route. Both routes pass mainly along quiet country roads and exploring the majestic natural beauty of Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim. Both routes begin at the Mercy College, Chapel Hill, Sligo F91CF80.
Innisfree Wheelers’ John Daffy looked forward to the event; “Now in its 16th year, the Queen Maeve Tour of Sligo was one of the first Women only Sportives organised by a Cycling Ireland Club.
Innisfree Wheelers are delighted to be part of the Women’s Sportive Series 2026. Women cyclists make up 1/3 of the Club’s membership so Innisfree Wheelers can strongly identify with Cycling Ireland’s wish to attract more women and girls to cycling.
In the weeks prior to the Queen Maeve Tour, Innisfree Wheelers have partnered with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership to deliver a Women’s Bike for Life Programme. The Bike for Life Programme provides a welcoming and supportive environment for women to either take up cycling or to return to the sport after a break. The culmination of the programme would be the completion of the Queen Maeve by participants.
Innisfree Whelers will also make a donation to Domestic Violence Advocacy Services Sligo (DVAS Sligo) from the proceeds of the Event.
The Organising Committee would like to acknowledge the support of the following organisations, whose help is essential for the running of the Queen Maeve Tour - Sligo Civil Defence, Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council, An Garda Siochana and Mercy College Sligo”
Entries for the Queen Maeve are open now here.