Mizen Head to Malin Head in 19 hours

Once our technical director sets his mind on something theres only two things that can possibly steer him off course. Chocolate or windsurfing. Still when he told us he was going to be a part-time ultra-cyclist we didn't exactly believe him..

That was until he finished the Mizen to Malin cycle non-stop in a little over 19hrs. Now we listen to everything he says. The 18 strong group set a new record time for the Mizen to Malin cycle route this year. The group of hardened freewheelers powered the 590kms from Mizen To Malin at an average speed of 33kph, to complete the distance in a time of 18hrs 53mins and set a new record for a group on this route. Wow.

We're told that they were lucky to have dry conditions but the winds were mostly hitting the riders on their right shoulder. The post cycle analysis goes on to say they were almost hitting the under 18hr mark, but traffic problems in Derry city delayed them a bit (typical) and then they got knackered. Which is about 18.5hrs after the rest of the team here in Cubedroute would have got a bit tired.

The new mark is now nearly 2hrs better than the old time that was set back in July 2006.

Each of the cyclists burned an average 15,000kals, pedalled over 10,000 pedal strokes, and drank 20 litres of fluids over the duration of the cycle.

The cycle was in aid of Mayo Cancer care and is supported by the Lance Armstrong foundation.

Needless to say Tom got the day after off.

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