Keep an eye out this evening for cyclists participating in the 2,500km TransAtlanticWay Bike Race which commenced in Dublin’s Phoenix Park last Thursday morning, culminating in Blarney.
92 riders from 21 countries took to the start line riding from the capital to Derry and following the Wild Atlantic Way to Cork. These riders are now dotted along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal through Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork.
Since the start of the race lead riders have covered more than 2,000km solo and unsupported, just stopping every second night for short spells of sleep lasting 3-4 hours!
Race Director Adrian O’Sullivan, a second generation Irishman living in the UK, himself a veteran of the TransAmerican and TransContential Bike Races, established the event last year to bring the sport of ultra endurance bike packing races to the Emerald Isle with 30 entrants.
O’Sullivan said “While crossing America and Europe during my own rides, I felt that the scenery on the west coast of Ireland was a much nicer location for an event like this, the constant rolling hills, tough climbs and weather make it a challenge for the serious riders while the more recreational cyclists get to be part of a massive event in postcard perfect vistas.”
The cyclists have been overwhelmed with the hospitality shown to them along the route from offers of food to accommodation to repairs. Best of luck to the riders on the final leg of this fantastic challenge!