Endurance cycling has boomed around the world over the last decade. And now two new road races - of 200 miles and 500 miles - have been launched in Ireland. They are open to solo riders or teams. Endurance cyclist Joe Barr, above, and has crew are promoting both events; the Joe Barr 200 and Joe Barr 500.
New 200 mile & 500 mile cycling road races for Ireland
Having hit the headlines on more than one occasions in recent season for his endurance racing, Joe Barr has launched some events of his own.
The former professional road racer and his support crew – known collectively as Team Joe Barr – are running two events; over 200 miles and 500 miles.
The 200 mile event - route here - is open to solo riders and two-rider teams. And the 500 mile event - route available here - is open to solo cyclists and teams of two or four.
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And the good news is that both are being held in late April. It means you still have plenty of time to prepare.
Furthermore, if you get yourself into shape for either of these events you should be in great shape for the summer months.
The 200 mile race in particular will likely appeal to many from the road racing fraternity. And the team option in both events should also see plenty of sportive cyclists come together to test themselves.
Joe Barr turned in endurance racing after his road racing career ended. And he has since developed a career in the sport, racing all over the world.
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He was recently crowned world 500 mile champion. And late last year he broke the Malin-Mizen-Malin record; 735 miles in 48 hours and 40 minutes.
The new races both start in April 28th from Derry-Londonderry. And with riders and crews for both events all descending on the city, it should create a great atmosphere.
Those taking part will need to follow a set of rules; for safety and a fair contest. Chief amongst these is a cut off in which all riders must complete their events.
The ‘Team Joe Barr 200’ cut off is 18 hours for solo male riders and 22 hours for solo female cyclists. And the cut off time in the same event for a two-person team is 20 hours.
The ‘Joe Barr 500’ cut off is 44 hours for solo males and 49 hours for solo females. For two-person and four person teams cut off times of 44 hours and 38 hours respectively will apply.
At least crew members are required for each entrant as a vehicle must accompany riders during the night; designated as 7pm to 7am.
The events are endurance races meaning riders can stop. However, there is not designated period in which all racing will be stopped to allow for rests or sleeping. Marshalls will follow the riders to ensure safety.
The races start and finish at the Best-Western Whitehorse Hotel, Clooney Road, Co Derry-Londonderry, BT47 3PA on April 28th, 2018.
The Joe Barr 500 will start at 6am. Solo riders will start at five minute intervals. They will be followed by two and four person teams.
The Team Joe Barr 200 will start at 8am. Solo riders will depart at two minute intervals, followed by two-rider teams.
Entry has just opened and you can find all the details you need by following this link.
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