Tour of Ulster, the premier cycle stage race in Northern Ireland, promises to be electric this year with support from Northern Ireland Electricity.

Taking place over the bank holiday weekend at the beginning of May (Saturday 5th to Monday 7th May 2007), it will be an exciting spectacle with most of the top Irish riders expected to make up the field of around 100 cyclists.

Organiser of the event, Colin Boyle, said he's delighted it has attracted sponsorship from such a reputable company as Northern Ireland Electricity. He said, "The route this year brings in some of the most challenging and beautiful areas of Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh.

"In particular, the second stage on the Sunday will bring the competitors to a tough climb at Gortin for the finish of the stage, before they tackle a short time trial the same evening."

The event, which will follow its usual format of four stages over three days, will cover 87 miles on the Saturday, 59 miles on Sunday followed by a 2.5 mile time trial that evening and finally finishing with a 65 mile road stage on the Monday.

The race starts in Omagh on the Saturday, then takes in Fivemiletown, Dungannon and Cookstown before heading back through Gortin to Omagh.

Sunday holds more challenges. Starting once again in Omagh, then going through Dromore, Castlederg, Strabane, Dunnamanagh and finishing in Gortin.

Monday sees the riders heading from Omagh through Castlederg and Kesh before heading closer to Enniskillen then back through Ballinamallard, Trillick and Dromore to the finish line in Omagh.

NIE's Arlene McConnell from Derrygonnelly, who recently announced the sponsorship deal, said, "This event not only encourages fitness, it also promotes a non-polluting form of transportation. By raising the profile of cycling, hopefully it will encourage more people to take to their bike.

"For anyone interested in reducing their carbon footprint – the impact you have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced – visit www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk for details on how to save energy, or make your own."

Tour of Ulster entry forms can still be downloaded on the race website at www.tourofulster.com