A Tipperary duo are hoping to make history over the coming days as they bid to become the first tandem cyclists to complete the Race Around Ireland.
Peter Ryan from Upperchurch and Carrick on Suir’s Sean Hahessy set out on Sunday next from Trim in County Meath – ahead of them lies a 2,150 kilometre spin around Ireland with just minimal amounts of sleep and rest.
The Race Around Ireland has been listed as one of the World’s toughest endurance events – the pair have to complete the course in 132 hours.
Peter says they aim to complete the event in 105 to 120 hours covering 500 kilometres a day for 4½ days.
In all there are 33 teams are entered in this years Race Around Ireland – they include individual cyclists, teams of two, four and eight as well as the Tipp Tandem duo.
As well as a large Irish contingent there are also competitors from the US, Iceland, the UK, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Monaco and the Czech Republic.
The route takes in Belfast, Malin Head, then down the west coast to Mizen Head before heading through Cork and over the Knockmealdowns and into Clonmel and Carrick on Suir before making their way up the east coast to the finish line in Meath.
For all the aim is to finish within their respective time limits – however Peter and Sean have an added incentive to reach the finish line.
They’re trying to raise funds for the Doran and Gleeson families who both have seriously ill children.
