Island ironmen Gary Kurth and Rob Merrifield are aiming to go a little further this year, well quite a bit further in fact, as the pair look set to take on the Race Around Ireland, an ultra cycling event of some 1600 miles.
The Race Around Ireland is regarded as one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world and will take the racers on a 2,150km journey past some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland.
Gary, 37 and Rob, 48 – both veterans of the Isle of Wight Fire Service’s 100 Here 100 There challenge in 2015 – are not happy with undertaking the challenge solo so are attempting to complete the race on a tandem. The duo from Cowes will cycle for 22 hours a day for 5 days straight starting 28th August.
A total of 5 tandem attempts have been made by other teams over the years but to date no one has ever finished the grueling challenge. Luckily, Gary and Rob will have the support of 6 support crew as they attempt to ride a minimum of 320 miles a day. The dedicated crew has been put together to manage everything from sleeping to feeding to logistics including a crew chief, two cooks, two roadies and a bike mechanic. Two vehicles will be rotating ‘follow’ duties and will ensure that not only the riders are catered for but the crew too.
The pair will ride under TeamSpy Race Team, a local team sponsored by bike shop SpyVelo in Cowes. They are also being supported by The Valentis Academy (Cowes) and Truestart Coffee.
It is hoped that if Rob and Gary complete the race they will gain entry into Race Across America, the hardest endurance race in the world covering 3000 miles in 10 days, crossing 14 states & 4 time zones.
The race is due to take place in August. For more details visit www.racearoundireland.com.
