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The Kelly Coast exits the start area close to Dungarvan Sports Centre and heads for Abbeyside, Barnawee Bridge and the open road. Even though this route is slightly shorter than the Kelly Legacy (the route which it replaces) it is designed for the touring cyclist who has possibly decided to step up the training regime from having participated in the Kelly Cruise in previous years. It is an extremely scenic route, but covers quite hilly terrain and your training programme should reflect this.
Waterford’s railway heritage is on display over the first 20 kilometres of the route, before riders reach the first water stop of the day in Bunmahon (the first of two visits to this seaside village!). After Bunmahon riders head inland and northwards for a time towards the villages of Kill and Dunhill where the ‘Waterford Welcome’ will be evident! After approximately 50 kilometres participants reach Tramore and the main food stop of the day in the fabulous surrounds of the town’s Racecourse. After taking a trip through the streets of this wonderful seaside resort riders will hug the coast for the remainder of the return journey.
Breathtaking scenery is guaranteed for this leg of the route through the villages of Fenor and Annestown with Kilmurrin Cove and Dunabrattin Head worth a rest stop from where to simply admire Waterford’s wonderful coastline. Riders are now at the heart of the Copper Coast UNESCO Geo Park and nowhere is Waterford’s mining heritage brought to life more vividly than at the old Tankardstown copper mining complex which cyclists will pass shortly before the return visit to Bunmahon.
The final village of the day is Stradbally at the 70 kilometre mark and this will be the ideal place to take a well earned rest and a drop of Tipperary Natural mineral Water before getting back into the saddle and tackling the final stretch to the finish at Dungarvan Sports Centre.
