Enniscorthy on the Tour map

DETAILS of the start of the Tour de France in Ireland next year were announced at Dublin Castle yesterday. Although the prologue time trial and start and finish of stage one will be in Dublin as expected, Enniscorthy is the surprise starting point for stage two to Cork.

Pat McQuaid, who has been the driving force behind the venture to bring the race here, said the opening time trial will start in O'Connell Street and the closed circuit of five miles on Saturday, July 11th, will be around the streets of old Dublin to Christchurch and back to O'Connell Street.

The first stage will start there the next morning and go through Bray and Arklow. The route then takes in Woodenbridge, Avoca, Rathdrum, Laragh and over the Wicklow Gap to Blessington and Tallaght, with the finish in the Phoenix Park after 110 miles.

On trips to Ireland last year JeanMarie Leblanc, director general of the Tour, was very impressed with the open space in the Phoenix Park and said it would be ideal for a stage finish.

On Monday, July 13th, there will be a transfer for the start of stage two in Enniscorthy to commemorate the 1798 rebellion. The route will take in New Ross, Waterford and then Carrick on Suir followed by Dungarvan and Youghal with the finish of the 125 miles in Cork.

The location of the finish line has not been decided but although an ascent of St Patrick's Hill was considered, it will not be included.

Then the biggest operation of its kind between Ireland and France will be undertaken as about 1,500 race vehicles' will be transported to Roscoff by three ferries for the start of stage three the next day in France. The 198 riders will fly out from Cork with another aircraft booked to take the leading officials.

Sean Kelly, who won five stages during the 13 years he took part in the Tour and also has a record of four green jerseys as winner of the points classification, said yesterday: "On my years in the Tour I always heard and read about the number of town and cities that fought hard for the race to be included on the route and now it's great that Carrick on Suir, with a population of just 6,990, will also have that distinction.

Stephen Roche, the Tour winner in 1987, said he was "absolutely delighted it has all been, finalised. It's hard to realise it's going to happen. Although I have been involved in many discussions on the project, I did not really believe it would come off but congratulations to all who have made it possible."

For McQuaid it is the realisation of a dream and he said yesterday he was just relieved it has got to this stage. However, he added that those involved with him now have a huge task to ensure everything is in order for July 11th, 12th and 13th next year.