Generali team complete Race Around Ireland

The Navan-based Generali PanEurope team successfully completed the Race Around Ireland (RAI) where the solo race was won by Christoph Strasser who crossed the finishing line in a time of 93 hours, 16 minutes.

The eight strong Generali PanEurope team, who for the purpose of the race, called themselves the 'Generali Lions’ completed the cycle in 96 hours.

The most remarkable feature of the 'Lions’ team was that they were made up of cyclists who had little or no competitive cycling experience.

The stamina of each cyclist was remarkable as they were stretched to their physical and mental limits surviving on an average of only six hours sleep since departing Trim on Sunday 15th September and arriving back in Navan on Thursday 19th September.

The team was made up of Generali PanEurope CEO Paul Gillett with Nicola Panozzo, David Bourke, Barry Kelly, Irene Munnelly, Jennifer Healy, Tomas Scullion and Barry O’Keeffe.

The team also had an able and organized crew of six Generali staff members consisting of Lynne Clegg, Peter McGeough, Ciaran Keogh, Carly Lloyd, Kirsty Reid, and Michelle Leahy, as well as the physiotherapist Bridget Reilly who kindly volunteered her services and was invaluable to the team.

Staff members showed their support by continuously sending texts and words of encouragement as they followed the Generali Lions via the live GPS tracking device that the RAI committee had in place.

Arriving back at base in Navan, Alan Heary and his team had the necessary reception in place to welcome the Generali Lions over the finish line, and to make the presentation ceremony which was proudly looked on by many Generali staff members who made their way from the office in Johnstown.

Generali PanEurope would like to pay a special word of thanks to Alan Heary and his team for making the Race Around Ireland event happen.

The event was a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience for both the Generali cyclists and the support crew.

 

Conall Collier