The Lions Club Charity Sportive Cycle is set to take place in Dungarvan this Saturday, July 4th, with cyclists gathering at 9 am at the Fusion Centre for the start and finish of the event.

Speaking on Sport Lairge, Dungarvan Cycling Club chairperson Mark Flavin said preparations are well underway for the popular charity cycle, which raises funds for the Lions Club and their local community work. He confirmed that there has already been strong interest, with over 100 participants registered, and hopes that numbers could reach around 150 on the day.

“We’re kicking off at nine o’clock from the Fusion Centre in Dungarvan. An early start, but nothing cyclists aren’t afraid of,” Flavin said. He added that the Lions Club does significant work locally and the club is proud to support their fundraising efforts.

Participants will have two route options on the day, a 74.4km course and a more challenging 133km route. The longer distance includes several climbs, including the Vee and Berryporeen, while the shorter route offers a more accessible but still scenic ride through West Waterford.

“It is a serious cycle. The 133km has a good few climbs, and the 74km is a bit flatter but definitely manageable,” Flavin explained. “They’re challenging but not over-challenging.”

Entry is set at €40, which includes food stops, water stations, and full event support such as a lead car and Garda escort out of the town. Organisers have also confirmed that on-the-day registration will be available, which is not usually the case for similar events.

“We normally don’t allow on-the-day entries, but we’ve arranged for this one. If someone decides last minute, they can still come down,” he said.

Marshals and volunteers from both Dungarvan Cycling Club and the Lions Club will be stationed along the route to ensure safety, though participants are reminded that the event takes place on open roads.

Beyond the sportive, Flavin highlighted the wider role of Dungarvan Cycling Club in the community, noting its membership of over 100 riders and its involvement in bike safety programmes, school visits, and events with Waterford Sports Partnership. The club is also preparing to launch a new bike skills initiative for children aged 6–12 in Dungarvan later this month.

He also spoke about cycling safety on Irish roads, saying there is still a need for greater awareness and patience between motorists and cyclists.

“There’s a disconnect between drivers and cyclists. In places like Holland and Belgium, cyclists are far more protected. Until that changes here, safety will remain a concern,” he said.

Flavin added that cyclists often travel in groups for safety, but acknowledged the frustration this can sometimes cause for motorists, stressing that patience is needed on all sides.

“A bit of patience goes a long way. We’re all trying to stay active and healthy, and we all have to share the road.”

The Lions Club Charity Sportive Cycle takes place this Saturday, July 4th at 9 am from the Fusion Centre in Dungarvan. More information is available through Dungarvan Cycling Club’s social media pages or via Eventmaster.

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