Waterford cyclists participate in major cycle challenge
Ger Cusack, John O'Gorman and John Flavin, from Waterford were part of the group along with Barry Griffin
Three cyclists from County Waterford recently completed in a cycle challenge from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in support of the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Ger Cusack, from Kilmacthomas, John O'Gorman, from Tramore and John Flavin, from Ballinameela completed the entire challenge. However, another cyclist from Tramore, Barry Griffin, unfortunately had to return home on the second last day as a result of a bereavement.
The group who participated in the event raised €104,000 much to the delight of everyone involved.
This year was the 15th annual challenge, which took place during the first week in July. The 570km cycle began on the west coast of France, in Biarritz and five days later the cyclists rolled into the beautiful east coast French city of Canet Plage.
Beginning on July 1, the 45-strong team of cyclists, who came from all over Ireland, made their way from the start point to the city of Pau on the first day covering a distance of 125km.
The following day the incredible Pyrenees came into view to form an incredible backdrop along with the surrounding countryside. The next stop for the group was Lourdes where prayers were said for a safe journey.
The cyclists enjoyed a lovely outdoor lunch there and then they were ready for one of the greatest cycling climbs, the Tourmalet with an overnight stop in Bagneres-de-Bigorre.
The next two days saw the cyclists cover 235km to arrive into the wonderful city of Carcassone, home of the imposing Chateau de Foix. The group stayed that night in Saint Girons and on the way to Carcassone passed through numerous medieval towns such as Mirepoix and St Gaudens.
The final day of the challenge saw them take on the beautiful, gentle climb to Lagrasse one of France's most beautiful villages.
Six hours later the group found themselves on the sea front of Canet Plage with the blue Mediterranean Ocean providing a very welcome sight to mark the end of the challenge.
That night the Hotel Marciel provided the venue for medal presentations and speeches took place acknowledging the incredible feat.
To-date the team has raised over €2m for the Irish Hospice Foundation and incredibly, 80 per cent of the team have been together since the beginning.
Speaking in Canet Plage, the fundraising manager, Louise McCarron, thanked everyone involved for their great support.
On July 6, the team flew home from Perignan. Everyone involved was very appreciative of Cycling Safaris, in Dun Laoghaire, for doing a brilliant job transporting the bikes, providing back-up mechanics, group leaders and accommodation.
The group also expressed gratitude to Kingspan for providing sponsorship for the event.
Details of next year's cycle will be announced shortly and more information can be had by contacting Louise on 01 6793188.
For fundraising director, Helen McVeigh it was a bitter-sweet event as she is leaving the Irish Hospice Foundation after 10 years on the road with the cyclists. All the team wished her the best of luck in her new employment.
