An Ennis man has successfully completed an almost non-stop ultra marathon cycling event.
The Race Around Ireland cycling event took place last week and Noel Cusack completed the event with hours to spare.
Noel, is chairman of the Clare Crusaders Cycling Club and committee member of Clare Cycle Safety Initiative, finished fifth with a time of 65 hours and 16 minutes well within the 68-hour limit. He cycled a total of 1,100km with less than four ours sleep during the entire event.
Noel’s crew comprised four other clare men who followed him by car for 67 hours, almost non-stop, while the support team also had a camper van so crew members could swap over to to get some sleep. The competing cyclist only sleeps when required 20 minutes naps usually in accordance with strict rules.
The race around Ireland is a 2,200km non-stop cycle. For the challenge to be recognised as a world cup event, you have 132 hours to complete the cycle or be disqualified. usually only 50% ever finish. Its one of the toughest endurance events in Europe.
Cyclists from around the world come to take part in the event which can involve teams or solo racers.
Noel Cusack said: “I competed in the ultra Irish challenge which is half of ireland 1100km in 68 hour time limit. This is a chance for cyclists starting into endurance racing to experience what its all about.”
“We started outside trim castle at 4.21pm on Sunday 29th August. From there, riders departed 3 minutes apart and first to make it make to back to trim was the winner. We raced through day and night to complete the event,” Noel added.
Noel’s crew included Dermot Smyth, Pat Scully, Martin Cusack and Ross Hussey while he was sponsored by Western Garages, Ennis. Noel also used the event to raise funds for the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield.