Race Around Ireland starts in Trim
No. 109 JASON RYAN (Ireland - Clare). Jason has participated in many sports throughout his life but after taking part in a number of charity events he was bitten by the cycling bug. This will be his first attempt at a major competitive cycling event but he has prepared well and knows what to expect. He will surely be buoyed by home support as he makes his way through the halfway point of the race in Co. Clare
No. 108 BERNHARD STEINBERGER (Germany). 33 year old Bernhard is coming to this year’s race as one of the most experienced ultracyclists in the field. In 2006 he beat the world record for 24 hour static cycling and in 2010 he finished 3rd in the ‘Race Around Austria’. In 2012 Bernhard finished 9th in the ‘Race Across the Alps’ which takes the riders over a brutal route of 11 mountain passes in less than 32 hours. An illness earlier this season nearly put a stop to his plans however he managed to recover successfully and is eager to test himself on the roads of Ireland.
No. 107 CHRISTIAN KRAUSE (Denmark). Christian is another experienced ultracyclist. In 2011 the Danish soldier took part in the ‘Race Across America’ as part of a 4-person team and they completed the 5,000 km race in just over 6 days. He is the current record holder for cycling across Denmark and in 2012 he came to the Race Around Ireland as crew chief for Jan Larsen who finished 3rd. Seeing the race up close only whetted his appetite to come back and take part himself.
No. 106 KARL TWOMEY (Ireland – Dublin) This London based Irishman has been aiming to take part in the race since its inception in 2009. He is a keen cycle tourer and mountain biker. While he has limited experience in competitive cycling events, his previous exploits in adventure endurance races will be a great help to him as he pushes himself through the physical and mental challenges of the Race Around Ireland. As if to underline his ability to relish a challenge, he once completed a marathon while running backwards.
No. 105 CHRISTIAN MAUDUIT (France). Christian is no stranger to extreme endurance events. Along with cycling specific events such as ‘Paris-Brest-Paris’ and ‘London-Edinburgh-London’, Christian has taken part an array of punishing events. In 2008 he took part in ‘Spartathlon’ which is a 250km running race, he has also taken part in triple-ultratriathlons and in 2010 he placed 1st in a deca-ultratriathlon in Mexico. His victory there saw him complete the challenges of a 38 km swim, a 1,800 km cycle and a 422 km run (the equivalent of 10 Ironmans), in 8 days and 7 hours. His proven ability to push himself over long periods of time will stand him in good stead when he comes to Ireland.
No. 104 CIARAN O’REILLY (Ireland – Meath). This will be the Garristown native’s 2nd attempt at the race having been forced to abandon at Galway last year. Despite good preparation, nothing compares to experience when it comes to an event like this and Ciaran is determined to make good use of his knowledge garnered in 2012. If things go according to plan this year, a large crowd will be expected to welcome him home to Navan at the end of the race.
No. 103 DONNCHA CUTTRISS (Ireland – Cork). Donncha is a perfect example of the power of determination. He has previously taken part in the Race Around Ireland twice and has finished on both occasions, despite having to briefly visit hospital during each of these races. The former Irish Army Ranger was also the first Irish solo racer to take on the ‘Race Across America’ and to date is the only Irish soloist to finish the 5,000km race. St. Patricks hill in Cork City is generally regarded as one of the toughest points of the whole route. While it is quite short it is also viciously steep and in 2012, soon after the Race Around Ireland, Donncha cycled up the hill 100 times. This year Donncha will be aiming to surpass his previous best place of 5th.
No. 102 CHRISTOPH STRASSER (Austria). At 30 years of age, Christoph is relatively young in the sport of ultracycling, yet he has become a true legend and has proven himself to be one of the greatest ultracyclists of all time. Having won a number of 24 hour races in Austria and Germany, Christoph then went on to finish 3rd in the 2007 ‘Race Around Slovenia’. These results would soon be overshadowed by his victory in the 2010 ‘Race Across America’. In 2012 he finished 1st in ‘Race Around Slovenia’ however a 2nd place in America made him more determined than ever. This year Christoph tackled the strongest ever field in ‘Race Across America’ to once again take victory. Not only did he take victory but he also proved to be the fasted rider in the history of the 31 year old race by finishing the 5,000 km event in a time of 7 days, 22 hours and 11 minutes and thus becoming the first person to do it in under 8 days. While there a number of difficulties which differ between America and Ireland, there is no doubt that Christoph will be coming here with one eye on victory and another on the record which was set last year by German, Bernd Paul.
No. 101 VALERIO ZAMBONI (Monaco). Valerio is one of the most consistent competitors on the ultracycling circuit and is also one of the most liked and respected. Having previously won the Race Around Ireland in 2011 at his 2nd attempt, hopes of a follow up victory in 2012 were dashed when he was forced to pull out with an Achilles injury. However the fan favourite still managed to end the season as World Champion for the 2nd year in a row and is coming back to Ireland this year to make up for his disappointment of 2012.
No. A01 CIARAN SMITH (Ireland – Dublin). Ciaran has a different type of number to the rest of the solo racers as he is taking part in the inaugural ‘Race Around Ireland 1100’. The 1100 race covers almost half the distance of the main race before turning at Galway and heading straight for the finish in Navan. Due to the shorter length and the relative flatness of the final 200 km, this event is regarded by the organisers as a perfect starter race for people wanting to try their hand at longer ultracycling races. Ciaran will be the very first person to tackle this event and he hopes that the experience and knowledge he gains will help him to move onto bigger events in the future.