Moher daredevil says saga no cliffhanger

A DAREDEVIL mountain-biker who risked his life by cycling along a one-metre wide ledge at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare has said his actions have been blown out of all proportion by the authorities.

World Champion Swiss cyclist Hans Rey made the comments even after being informed that a large portion of the same ledge he cycled along four years ago crumbled into the Atlantic in recent weeks.

In October 2006, Hans Rey and Englishman Steve Peat cycled along a 20 metre-long, one metre-wide ledge on the 700ft high cliffs.

However, the daredevil antics were labelled as “totally reckless and irresponsible” by Clare County Council, and also slammed by the Irish Coast Guard. It was feared others would attempt to copy the stunt.

Reacting to criticism at the time, Mr Rey said: “I can understand if they are a bit concerned. Of course they don’t know me or my background. I have ridden my bike on volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, in caves and from the top of mountains like Mt Kenya. In comparison, riding the Cliffs of Moher was very easy, although I have to admit, the consequences where high and there wasn’t much room for mistakes.”

After being told this week that the same ledge he cycled along has since fallen into the ocean 700ft below, Mr Rey said: “Well at least now they won’t have to worry any longer that someone might copy our bike ride.

“I think this has been blown out of all proportion by the authorities all along. I find it interesting how they keep stirring up the subject. Bike riders in general don’t blindly copy what others do, otherwise, half the bike population of the world would be dead by now.

“But as I have said before, I would like to discourage anybody from trying this themselves. It is very dangerous.”

Last week, the social networking site Facebook was asked to remove photographs of daredevil antics at the cliffs amid fears they could encourage similar stunts among visitors.