On the most glorious of mornings in 2009, over 30 cyclists and 20 supporters stood side by side with National University of Ireland researcher Dr. Karl McCullagh and Fine Gael TD Padraic McCormack at the launch of the inaugural "Tour Duchenne" charity cycle event in support of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research.

The cycle took participants from Galway to Maynooth, two university towns active in Duchenne Research. The cycle was superbly aided by the Gardai who kept the routes clear for the speedy peletons as they made their way across Ireland in the sunshine.

Cyclists accross Ireland are getting ready for the inaugural "Tour Duchenne" charity cycling event on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of September 2009.

The cycle arranged to fund research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will take the participants from the National University of Ireland in Galway to Maynooth. Both Galway and Maynooth have Irish research centers linked to Duchenne research. The event will end in the newly renovated "Mantra" bar in Maynooth Town Center.

Duchenne Ireland, organisers of the event are encouraging everyone on the route to go out and support the cyclists in this cross Ireland challenge.

Duchenne Ireland supporters will be fundraising for the cycle in the towns en route and would be delighted to received support from members of the public and our supporters accross the country.

Be on the look out for our yellow "Tour Duchenne 2009" cycling jerseys. When asked why so many yellow jerseys, John Gorman organiser of the event said:

"Everyone supporting Duchenne Research was a winner and deserved a yellow winners jersey".

Kickoff of the cycle is on Saturday the 12th of September at 9am from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

100% of proceeds go directly to Duchenne Ireland's "Duchenne Muscular Dystophy Research Programme", which last year alone was involved in supporting five different research projects with many more planned for this year.

See the Tour Itinerary here