By Joe Barrett

Portlaoise College hosted a fun filled cycle event as part of the annual Laois Bike Week.

The sunny weather set the perfect scene for the Town Loop Cycle which covered a 10km route led by a Garda escort.

Over 70 enthusiastic cyclists, including students and teachers, took part in the event.

The event was aimed at promoting cycling as part of a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transport and to encourage more students to cycle to school. The collages’ location provides easy access by cycle lanes and has a spacious bike rack on site, which has been at full capacity all during bike week.

To cap off the event, students returned to the college to enjoy some well-deserved refreshments.

All those who took part were entered into a draw to win a new bike which was valued over €500. The lucky winner was Thomas Ryan, who was also celebrating his birthday on the day.

The Portlaoise College Bike Week event proved to be a remarkable success for everyone involved.

The college said that it would like to thank Laois County Council, Race Right Cycle and the Portlaoise Gardaí for their support in the event.