Cuchulainn Cycling Club were keenly following the progress of three of its members, Jacinta Black,
Kevin Black and Jim Doyle, as they took on the grueling 225km distance event at the Mallorca 312
recently. This endurance event has become extremely popular in recent years and attracts upwards
of 8000 participants across its three different distances (312km/225km/167km). The 225km crosses
the northern part of the island and includes almost 4000m of climbing. To put that in perspective
that is the equivalent cycling up 7 Slieve Foyes stacked on top of each other. To make matters worse
there are cut-off times that participants must stay within along the route or they will be eliminated.
Thankfully all three managed to complete the distance in excellent fashion. Jim Doyle was first of our
intrepid trio home in 10hrs and 52 secs finishing 561 th in the male category. Kevin’s time was 10hrs,
17mins and 41 secs finishing 878 th in the Masculino category and Jacinta completed the event in
11hrs, 9mins and 23 secs and was the 125 th female finisher.
CuChulainn’s Couch to 50km.
CuChulainn has also been busy with its couch to 50km programme over the past few weeks, which is
aimed at encouraging individuals to join the growing ranks of leisure cyclists and take on a challenge
of preparing for and completing their first 50km distance. A comprehensive programme it covers
safety aspects of cycling solo or in groups, basic bike checks and road side repairs in a fun
environment. It is a programme that leisure club members love to support and many join the weekly
spins perhaps reliving their own recent experiences of taking up cycling as an adult. The culmination
of the couch to 50 programme is the 50km route of the club’s annual Tour of Louth event on the 4 th
June.