Leitrim Sportive
The Leitrim Glens Sportive, run by Leitrim Glens Cycling Club, is a popular annual cycling event based in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim.
Riders can choose from four routes—40 km, 100 km, 150 km, or a challenging 200 km—with up to nine categorised climbs and stunning routes through Leitrim’s wild, scenic terrain. Well-organised with food stops, marshals, and mechanical support, the event offers something for both leisure cyclists and seasoned riders.
an ActivE CYCLING Life
What makes the sportive stand out is its setting—rolling hills, glacial lakes, quiet roads, and lush green glens like Glenade and Glenfarne. The clean air, peaceful landscapes, and sense of community make the experience deeply rewarding. Physically demanding yet mentally restorative, it’s a unique blend of endurance, health, and the natural beauty of rural Ireland.
If you love long races, tough climbs, and the wild Irish countryside
Access to iconic routes & climbs
As a club member you get to ride the same terrains that feature in the 200 km Sportive: nine categorised climbs across County Leitrim, including Bencroy.
Superb route support & logistics
The event provides food stops, marshals at key junctions, mechanical backup, and continental‑style signage marking climbs.
Stunning scenery & terrain variety
You’ll ride through glens (Glenade, Glenfarne, Glenaniff), rolling hills, quiet backroads and beside lakes—so training and racing never get dull.
Improved fitness & endurance
Tackling long distances and climbs builds cardiovascular capacity, muscle resilience, and stamina, especially when done regularly.
Mental health & stress relief
Riding in nature, pushing personal limits, and escaping everyday stresses helps reduce anxiety, boost mood, and increase mental clarity.
Community, camaraderie & networking
Being in a club means training partners, sharing tips, motivation for race prep, and meeting like‑minded cyclists who push you forward.
Recognition & club prestige
Participation in a well‑organised, well‑publicised sportive helps raise your profile, and you carry the badge of a respected event in Irish cycling circles. For example, the event draws cyclists from far (e.g. 10 riders from Dublin’s Orwell Wheelers)
Boost to local cycling infrastructure & legacy
As a member, you contribute to projects like the continental signage along climbs (24 signs installed on the Leitrim routes) which enhance the cycling experience for all.
Motivation & structured goals
Having a flagship event like the Leitrim Glens Sportive means you always have a target: training plans, personal bests, race days, and progression through the 40, 100, 150, 200 km options.
This project received grant aid from Leitrim Local Community Development Committee under the Rural Development Programme which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2014-2020 and by the European Agricultural
Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas.
