Hopes that race around Ireland will attract elite
The inaugural 'Race Around Ireland Challenge' will take place next September. The 1,350-mile event loops around the entire country passing some of our most famous landmarks -- not that the participants will be sightseeing.
The route includes the Ring of Kerry and the Wicklow Mountains, as well as Malin and Mizen Heads.
Unlike other Irish cycling races such as Ras Mumhan, Bertoni Gorey Three-Day, FBD Insurance Ras, MDonnelly Junior Tour and the Failte Ireland Tour of Ireland, the course will have no static marshals and there are no planned rest stops or stages in this event.
Once the clock starts in Navan on September 16 it will not stop until every rider has reachedthe finish line at the end of the 1,350-mile circuit. This is designed to be one of the most gruelling bike races in the world.
The great thing about this event is that the competitors can do the race as part of a four or eight-person relay team. The teams will be cycling day and night to finish the event in less than four days. Solo riders will spend up to 22 hours on the bike to be competitive.
Some teams will be extremely competitive in this event, but for others it will be a chance to take part in an adventure and savour an amazing experience to raise funds for charities that they have chosen.
The Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) has sanctioned the event and has included it as part of their World Cup series which includes other huge endurance races such as The Race Across America. Inevitably, the organisers are hoping that it will encourage some of the toughest bike racers in the world to take part.
The Race Around Ireland is inspired by Alan Heary's management of a team which competed in 'The Race Across America 2008'.
Preparations for the 2009 event start with a training weekend which takes place on December 6 and 7. Olympic and RAAM coach Padraig Marrey will be taking the coaching sessions and the weekend will also feature talks on training and nutrition.
Cyclists of all levels are invited to take part whether they have decided to take part in the event or not, but with places limited, people should book early.
To find out more about the race or to book for the weekend camp, call Alan on 087 900 8845.
- Tommy Campbell
