Race Around Ireland

15.02.2009

In September 2009 an ultra marathon cycle challenge will take place in Ireland which will test your endurance, strength and mental toughness. Whether you are an elite or leisure cyclist you are invited to take part in and attempt to finish the toughest, and most gruelling cycling event ever to be held in Ireland. The Race Around Ireland is a time trial consisting of 1350 miles of open roads, over some of Ireland’s largest mountains taking in magnificent scenery and passing some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.
Time Stations will be set approximately 40 to 80 miles apart. At each Time Station, you must call into Race Headquarters and report your location and time. This information will be posted on the Race Around Ireland website and it will allow the officials as well as your fans to track your progress.

It is expected that as a rider or team you must provide your own support crew and support vehicles. It’s the responsibility of the crew to care for the cyclists by providing food, clothing, medical care, bicycle repair, massage, and navigation. Crewing for the cyclists will be as much of a challenge as riding itself. It offers some immense rewards of seeing the country, building some lifelong friendships and the pride of getting your cyclists safely around Ireland.

Divisions
The heart of the event will be the Solo division. That is where the ultimate challenge will lie. The race also has team categories consisting of, four and eight athletes. Teams can cycle in a relay format with one athlete always on the road.

As part of a team you may put more than one cyclist on the road at a time if you feel it will be advantageous. The strategy of who cycles when, and for how long, is dependent on the strengths of your team members and the terrain. With an 8-Person team, each person will spend about three hours a day on the bicycle. It is open to men and women over the age of eighteen.

The Route
The route is being designed by Joe and Emmet Roche and it is specatular! The race passes through most of Ireland’s counties with tough climbing sections including the Ring of Kerry and the Wicklow Mountains before finally finishing back in the town it started.

Safety
Your safety is paramount for this challenge. All participants are required to follow all rules of the road over the entire course - stopping at stop signs and stop lights, staying to the left, etc. The Race Around Ireland Challenge has a lengthy set of rules most of which is aimed at the safety of everyone - cyclists, crew, and all road users. Two dozen officials will travel the course during the challenge to monitor the cyclists to ensure all participants are being safe and following the route set out by the officials. A Rule Book will be supplied to you when you register and the rules will be strictly enforced.

Charity
The event is not associated with a specific charity so as an entrant you may use it as a platform to raise funds for a charity of your choice.

Entrants
The number of entrants will be strictly limited. Each participant must be licensed through UCI in order to take part (we will help you sort this) and part of your entry fee will be paid to Navan Road Club as promoters.

Start and Finish Times
The start date for the solo riders will be 10am Wednesday 16th September 2009 with the teams starting on Thursday 17th at 10am also. The cut off time for the event is 120 hours.

The Goal
This event will be run in the safest and most professional way possible. The Race Around Ireland won’t just be an event but an experience which all involved will remember.

Entrants are invited from all over the globe. It is being promoted through newspapers, websites, radio and TV. A documentary of the event will also be made.