The sheer savageness of the challenge posed by Race Around Ireland - especially racing it hard to win - is etched on Joe Barr's face at the finish in the early hours of this morning.
Video A shattered Joe Barr after Race Around Ireland
He was a top road rider when he competed at home and abroad and his achievements in the endurance field had conferred the status of legend on Joe Barr over the past decade.
The 59-year-old rode Race Around Ireland for the first time in 2009, very much as part of a personal journey.
His young son had battled cancer for two years. Joe Barr wanted to give back to the health system, and its workers, who helped his family.
So he took to the start line of the inaugural Race Around Ireland in 2009 to raise funds.
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He won it and has since picked up huge results on the international endurance racing circuit. Last December he was crowned 500 mile world champion for 2017.
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The title was bestowed on him by the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) after his results for the year were set against those of his rivals.
For the past five days he has been racing 2,150km around Ireland; often through wet, windy and cold conditions.
But in the early hours of this morning he prevailed; winning the event on the finish line in Trim, Co Meath.
And he says it was one of his last races as he believes the time is coming to stop.
Race Around Ireland have shot a fantastic highlights package; featuring Barr on the road, finishing this morning and speaking to Declan Quigley afterwards.
The former Irish national professional champion looks absolutely shattered. But he's still smiling (a little bit - Ed).
This video is well worth a look. Joe Barr; we salute you!
Joe Barr's Race Around Ireland
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