Rocky two — cyclists aim to compete in epic event

TWO intrepid Kerry cyclists are flying to Canada today to compete in the TransRockies Challenge, one of the toughest mountain bike events in the world.

Brian Galvin, 37, from Beaufort, and Stephen Moore, 33, of Tralee, have been training since Christmas, mainly on the mountains around Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula.

“The event will be run over very rough terrain, including tracks and rocky areas, and takes in 600km over seven days,” said Brian.

“In all, there will be 12,000 metres of climbing, with one very long-haul day of 135km and 2,500 metres of climbing.”

Brian, a contracts manager with Irish Rope Access, and Stephen, who works with Coillte, will ride under the title, Team Work At Heights, called after their Dingle-based sponsor.

The stage race will take place in British Columbia.

“There will be some professional teams competing and standards will be exceptionally high, but we’re hopeful of getting a good result,” said Brian.

“We should benefit from all the training over rugged terrain in Kerry. We certainly feel very fit.”