Ireland’s First Ultra Endurance cycle race

Alan Heary organised the Navan to Galway cycling event from 2002 to 2006 and in 2007 he organised the Navan to Cork one day cycle challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s. In 2008 he took on his biggest challenge by organising and putting together a team and crew to take part in the Race Across America. They exceeded all expectations by finishing second in the four person event breaking the Irish record by 30 hours.

In 2009 in association with The Irish Sports Academy he aims to bring not one but 2 new ultra distance events to Ireland. In May all runners are invited to take part in a cross country challenge. A race from Eyre Square Galway to Parnell square Dublin. Competitors can compete in the solo, 4 person or 8 person categories.

Competitors will take all day and night to finish the 120+ mile event. All amateur athletes and leisure runners are invited to take part. Some racers will be competitive over the distance but for most it will give them an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally.

Ireland’s Ultra distance Cycling Challenge

In September all amateur and elite cyclists are challenged to complete Irelands toughest endurance race. An ultra marathon cycle race Around Ireland. 1200 miles of open roads, over some of Ireland’s largest mountains taking in magnificent scenery and passing some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

This is a Race unlike other famous Irish races, like the Tour of Ireland or the RAS. The Race Around Ireland is not designed to be a stage race. The challenge will be set out as a time trial. Once the clock starts it won’t stop until each rider reaches the finish line at the end of a complete loop of Ireland. Unlike stage racing, there is no drafting or taking shelter in a peleton.

Racers will be supplied with a route book mapping out the course and must register at each of the designated checkpoints before carrying on. The rules of the road are followed by each participant and their crew. A rule book will also be supplied to the entrants and will be strictly enforced.

The Route

The route is in the process of being designed to cover 1200 miles and will pass through most of Ireland’s counties with tough climbing sections including the Ring of Kerry and the Wicklow mountains. It is thought that the soloists will finish the challenge in just over three days with the teams completing the challenge in about two days. Teams can use a relay format and race 24 hours a day. Solo racers will have the challenge of balancing a few hours of sleep against race deadlines.

Divisions

The heart of the race is the Solo division. That is where the ultimate challenge lies. The race also has team categories consisting of two, four or eight athletes. These divisions will be made up of elite ultra marathon cyclists as well as enthusiasts who are just looking for a tough challenge.

Entrants

The Ultra distance challenges should be seen as more than just races. It is about the ability of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. It's about creating a goal and then achieving it through a journey of self discovery, camaraderie, teamwork, and an incredible will to survive. Entrants will be seen as the toughest of the tough. Some competitors will use it as a way to take the stage for a charity or cause that matters, to raise awareness and funds.

The number of entrants in both the Eyre Square to Parnell Square and Ireland’s Ultra distance Cycling Challenge will be strictly limited. A website excepting entrants will be online soon but if anyone would like more information or would like to preliminarily book their place they should contact Alan Heary – 087 900 8845 Email – info@alanheary.com

Preparation and Training

Why now try a preparation event before hand, Western Lakes CC in association with Padraig Marrey are putting together a series of training camps for their bid on the Mizen to Malin (368miles) group record attempt in late June 2009, try outs start in January 2009 see www.marreytrainingsystems.com for more details