DHL Express amateur cyclists take on one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

News Article | 20 Sep 2013
  • Eight novice cyclist complete in “Race Around Ireland”, widely recognised as Europe’s most challenging endurance event
  • Speed, precision and teamwork critical as relay team aims to cycle 2,100kms around Ireland in under 96 hours

Dublin, September 16th, 2013: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, once again pledged its support to The Irish Cancer Society, as a team of eight amateur cyclists called “DHL Speed of Yellow”, with the assistance of a support road crew, set-off from Trim Co Meath on Sunday 15th September to take part in “Race Around Ireland”.  The team will cycle non-stop, travelling 2,100km around Ireland and are expected to cross the finish line on Thursday September 19th.

“Race Around Ireland” is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup series and has now become one of the most prestigious events on the Ultra-Cycling World-Cup Calendar.  “Race Around Ireland” is like no other race event, as the clock starts once the team crossed the start line and won’t stop until each cyclist reaches the finish line at the end of the 2,100km circuit. To make the race even more challenging, the route is not roped off, there are no marshals controlling traffic and there are no planned rest stops.

As a relay team event, the team will cycle day and night, while checking in at time stations. Over the course of the 2,100km gruelling circuit, the team will pass spectacular landmarks such as The Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal, and the Burren and The Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.  The team will also face the Ring of Kerry and Mizen Head. From there, the team will cycle on to Wicklow National Park and then back to the finish line in Navan, Co Meath.

Paul Marson, Health and Safety Manager, DHL Express Ireland and a DHL Speed of Yellow team member said: “Gearing up for this gruelling challenge has not been easy. We are a combined team of eight amateur cyclists along with a fantastic support road crew and we will be competing against professional cyclists as well as other amateur teams.  As a group we wanted to take on a challenge that would push our bodies to the max while enabling us to go the extra mile for The Irish Cancer Society. “

Marson added: “All those hours of preparation will be worth it as so far we have raised €9,500 for the Irish Cancer Society.  It’s impossible to embark on such a challenge without the support of our sponsors and we would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors including: Beumergroup, BDA, Ice Training Solutions, Leaseplan, Laya Heathcare, MJC Transport Limited, National Truck Rental, NiFast, Q.E.D, SD Transport, Skoda, Topaz, Universal Graphics, VAYU and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle. Not forgetting everybody who sponsored us thus far, via the online charity page.”

This challenge is a race against time as the DHL Speed of Yellow team are competing head-to-head against the other teams, cycling professionals and veterans of endurance cycling. However, they will be hoping that their preparation, speed, precision, determination and teamwork, will ensure they cross the line first and deliver during “Race Around Ireland”.