The Donegal Ultra 555 cycle race will take place around the county this Saturday.
This intense endurance cycle has become a staple in the Donegal sporting calendar. The event has three different distances for cyclists of various levels – 222km, 333km and 555km, while there is scope for individual and team entries.
Organiser Sean McFadden set up the race in 2015 and there have been many highpoints over that time.
He admits that the interest isn’t quite as high this year and that is a theme that has played out throughout Ireland.
However, the cycling enthusiasts will ride along the Wild Atlantic Way and travel through iconic locations such as Glengesh Pass and Malin Head, taking in the Atlantic coastline and it should be a memorable experience for all concerned.
“Things are looking good for it and it should be a good day of cycling.
“Our numbers are down a bit but that was to be expected because numbers are down throughout the country.
“There’s a lot of races this year that didn’t go ahead at all and there were good races in Mayo and places with just around twenty people competition.
“You can bring a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. All you can do is try to supply and if people don’t come then that’s it.
“In fairness, we have sixty competitors signed up and we’re happy enough with that number.
“I said last year if we could get thirty or forty, we would keep it going so we have to be happy with sixty. Donegal is still a big attraction for people.
“I understand myself as an athlete and a competitor, if you have done a race of event a couple of times, you’re probably going to look to try something you haven’t done before.
“We have the 555, the 333, and the 222 so we can cater for all needs and it should be competitive.
“We have a couple of big-hitters coming like Ronan McLaughlin and Sam Lynch – who is the husband of Sinead Jennings, and a two-time Olympian.”
With 7,000 metres of climbing across the course of the route, it’s sure to be a real test for competitors.
A lot of work goes on in the weeks and months leading up to the event in order to make sure things run smoothly.
McFadden is looking forward to watching the action unfold
but safety is of paramount importance.
“This is our 11th year and I have to say we have a good team there to provide support.
“The course is set and it’s just about keeping an eye on the tracker then and trying to support people.
“The first rider will set off from the Mount Errigal Hotel at 5am and it will be a long day.
“The main thing is to get everybody back safe and sound.”