Lower Ormond team completes race
A team of cyclists from Lower Ormond successfully completed a gruelling 24-hour cycle race staged in Mondello Park last weekend, raising vital funds for Milford Care Centre and for an organisation that helps former members of the Defence Forces who have fallen on hard times.
The team, consisting of Greg Starr (Aglish), Ian Kennedy (Borrisokane), Timmy Kelly (Crowle, Ardcroney) and Seamas MacSamhradáin from Leixlip, completed a total of 205 laps of the famous motor racing track in the first staging of the Mondello24 event.
In doing so the squad, all members of the Lower Ormond Cycling Club, covered a total of 717.5 kilometres and succeeded in breaking the 700kms target they had set themselves.
Speaking after the event, Greg Starr told this newspaper: “We finished in eleventh place in horrendous weather conditions, and thankfully there were no incidents on the track.”
Greg added: “Timmy Kelly was our start man, in a Le Mans style start with competitors running across the track to their bikes, which is not an easy feat in cycling shoes.
“Next up was Ian Kennedy, who put in a great performance to seat us in or around the top ten placings and lapping nicely.”
Greg himself then took over the relay from Ian and continued lapping at a great pace, keeping well clear of chasing teams.Seamas MacSamhradáin was handed the baton after Greg, and he put in a very solid race. “Considering it was Seamas' first event and that he only took cycling up recently, this was a trial by fire,” said Greg.
He went on: “We continued in this order all through the night, in 30 minute segments and three-hour blocks, lap after lap in complete darkness. About 5pm the rain started, but from 8pm to 4am the wind and rain really picked up.
“This tested not only the mental strength of all competitors, but also the technical ability of bikes, clothing and support. Thankfully we had a nice comfy caravan to get some rest in, but some participants had to sleep in cars or on airbeds in the race garages.
“The fading of the rain, and eventual sunrise about 7am was a real uplift to all teams and the pace started increasing again slightly as we had more visibility.
“Although we all had tired legs and bodies, it was lovely to throw off the rain jackets, turn off the lights and feel the sun on our faces once more.
“For the last hour, we took turns putting in fast laps, using up any energy reserves, finally crossing the line after 24 hours with 205 laps.
“We covered a total of 717.5kms and raised over €2,000 for the ONE Veteran Support and Milford Care Centre.”
Greg said he wished to thank the team's main sponsor, Advantech, and also Moynan's Bikes, Nenagh, for all their support and assistance in preparation for the event. “We could not have done this without them.”
The team is still accepting donations for Milford Care Centre and for ONE.
Go to the following link if you wish to contribute: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11413914_the-spinmasters-24hr-challenge.html