With the actual fundraising cycle event not taking place this year, organisers of The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle have launched a 'FinishLineFantasy' challenge in an effort to encourage cyclists to recreate their own finish tomorrow (Saturday), marking the original date of the 2020 cycle.

The idea is to encourage participants to get some practice in before what promises to be the cycle event of the year on Saturday, July 3, 2021.

And they have not one, but two prizes for the winners of the challenge, including a brand-new road bike sponsored by O’Sullivan Cycles, Killarney to the value of €1,000 as well as entry for the 2021 event, a jersey and a neck buff for The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2021.

To enter, participants are asked to take a photo of their recreated ‘finish line’ with family or friends, share it tomorrow (Saturday) on their social media channels, and tag the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with the hashtag #FinishLineFantasy.

They are also encouraging creativity and humorous photos while of course adhering to social distancing guidelines. Winners will be announced Tuesday, July 7.

The volunteer-led charity cycle has raised over €17 million for more than 160 charities since it began 37 years ago, and in more recent years, over €1 million per annum. Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of this year’s event, they are unable to fundraise in the same capacity for their carefully chosen charities. This has had a knock-on effect for charities including St Francis Special School and the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

“As we all re-emerge back into the ‘new normal’ and the additional stress that this may bring, we can only imagine what it feels like for children with extra needs and with that, it is even more essential now to have our own school bus," Fiona Carroll, Special Needs Assistant at St Francis Special School, aiming to raise funds for a dedicated school bus for the children said. "The Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle and the ‘Cycle For Us We Need A Bus' campaign have never meant more to us than they do now.”

Chairperson of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Committee, Bridget McGuire, said that they are extremely disappointed that they couldn’t hold this year’s event due to COVID-19.

"We would like to thank once again those who registered this year, all of our amazing volunteers and our charities for their ongoing support.
We really hope that people get on board with our #FinishLineFantasy Challenge, while of course, keeping it local and in small groups adhering to social distancing, as it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, go for a cycle, have a bit of fun and who knows, win some impressive prizes.”