Ronan McLaughlin smashes opposition to win 555km ultra bike race

Ronan McLaughlin was a clear winner of the inaugural Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race, beating Jason Black and Joe Barr in a time of 19 hours 45 minutes and 48 seconds.

Former Irish elite international and professional rider Ronan McLaughlin has won the inaugural edition of the Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race - a non-stop bike race around his home county.

The Foyle CC man only completed the An Post Rás a few weeks ago but instead of opting to ride the national championships this weekend he chose to support an event right on his doorstep in aid of a very good cause.

McLaughlin crossed the line in 19 hours 45 minutes and 48 seconds, over an hour clear of the next solo competitor Jason Black.

Well-known endurance athlete – and fellow Donegal man - Joe Barr was a further minute behind Black, giving some indication as to how superb McLaughlin’s time was.

Competitors set off yesterday at 10am, Friday on a 555-kilometre journey that took them from Letterkenny to Malin head, over the ferociously steep Mamore Gap, onto Knockalla and along the Atlantic Drive before passing Horn Head, Carrickfin, Glengesh Pass and the dreaded Barnesmore Gap.

The event - still ongoing at the time of writing - was open to solo racers, 2-person, 3-4 person and 8-person teams.

The cut-off point is 60 hours and the last competitors should arrive home some time tomorrow morning.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Ireland's Meehan climbs with best on brutal Alpine terrain

In total, there was over 6,000 metres of climbing elevation and each rider had a minimum of two crew members following them throughout to make sure they were adequately fuelled and protected.

McLaughlin – and everyone else had the option to sleep if they wanted but the time stayed going and his winning time meant that roughly, he completed the whole thing in a shade under 30 kilometres per hour which is a damn fine achievement.

We’ll have a word with him soon.