Lance Armstrong has sent an autographed photo in support of Mayo Cancer Support Association’s record breaking cycle on the 26th June.
20 cyclists from all over Ireland will be attempting to break the time record of 20 hours to cycle from Mizen to Malin Head. This challenge will be performed non stop and each of the cyclists will be cycling all of the 600km.
Lance Armstrong is one of the world’s best cyclists. He has won the Tour de France 7 times and many other World Cycling events including the World Championships but the biggest challenge Lance Armstrong faced was his battle with testicular cancer. By the time the cancer was detected it had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. Lance underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease. During his treatment and recovery he set about creating awareness of cancer survivorship and has since devoted his life to advocating for people living with cancer through his foundation and its LIVESTRONG global cancer campaign.
It is fitting that Lance Armstrong should support this mammoth undertaking by the brave group of cyclists who have devoted their efforts to raising awareness and funding for Mayo Cancer Support Association.
“As soon as I contacted the Organisation they came back with encouragement and support for our cycle,” said
Angela Kirrane, Manager of Services, Mayo Cancer Support.
The first ever LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin will take place from 24th to 26th August 2009. The purpose of the Summit is to bring World Leaders, NGO’s, grassroots organisations and others together to make combating cancer a global priority. For further information visit www.livestrong.org
Mizen to Malin cyclist final preparation event
The challenge is to cycle from Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal a distance of 598kms (368miles)in under 20hrs non stop, the speed they will have to average 31 kph (19.3mph)
This is what was proposed to the cycling fanatics all over Ireland last January, 49 people replied back then, now we are down to 20 riders who are still keen to finish the job, the attrition rate has been worst than expected said Padraig Marrey organiser of the bid on behalf of the Western Lakes CC, he believes that the main obstacle has been getting the time to train as the training time required is up on 20hrs a week which is a big commitment for people with full time jobs.
This weekend the 6th and 7th of June is the last big test, over the weekend the aim is to cycle 250 miles (430k) over the 2 days… the group will cycle from Ballinrobe Co Mayo to Dublin (230k)on the Saturday and then cycle the 200 hilly KMS of the Wicklow 200 on the Sunday.
These spins will test the limits of the remaining participants and if they get through these tests it will help imbed confidence that they are prepared for the challenge to come.
Undertaking a challenge like this requires a lot of planning with routes and food stops having to be mapped out, experienced back up personal required, having cyclist who are fit with the right mentality and then having the unpredictability of the weather where we will need lady luck on our side, hopefully having a strong South South Westerly wind and dry warm conditions.
More reports will follow closer to the event.
The majority of the group are doing the bid in aim of Rock Rose House Cancer support care unit in Castlebar. The promotion of a cancer care charity like Rock Rose House ties in neatly with the arrival of Lance Armstrong in Ireland later in the summer for the Tour of Ireland in August and the World summit on Cancer to be held in Dublin on the 24th of August.
Any cycling clubs who are based near the route can give the group a roar or a cheer on Friday the 26th of June as it would be much appreciated.