Cyclists saddle up for tough US race challenge

EIGHT cyclists from east Cork are saddling up to become the first Irish team to compete in one of the world’s toughest cycle races.

Team Youghal will depart for America later this month to compete in the epic Race Across America (RAAM) — a non-stop 3,000-mile race from coast to coast.

They are competing to raise money and awareness for the Emer Casey Foundation, and will take part in several fundraising events during the race, including one at the Consulate General of Ireland’s Offices on Park Avenue in Manhattan, and a fun run in Central Park.

Emer, who was from Youghal, was just 27 years old when she was diagnosed with ovarian/uterine cancer in February 2006.

She died on June 10, 2006, four days after her 28th birthday.

Her parents, Juliette and Brendan, and sisters Julie, Annelee, Susan and Ruth, set up the foundation in her honour, which has raised more than €500,000 for research over the years.

Team Youghal hope to boost that.

They will begin the RAAM in Oceanside, California, on June 18.

They hope to cross the continent to Annapolis, Maryland, on the east coast, by June 26.

Unlike other famous bike races like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race — it is one long time trial. It is 30% longer than the Tour de France and there is no drafting or taking shelter from the wind.

Competitors will race through 12 states, climbing over 170,000 feet, averaging between 350 and 500 miles per day.

Team leader Ger Flanagan thanked his team members for their commitment and their main sponsors, Firedog, who are providing €20,000.

Other sponsors include Magners Irish Cider, Excelsys, Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, Irish Distillers, Youghal Town Council, Race Around Ireland, Lee Travel and Juliette and Brendan Casey.

Team Youghal’s fundraising in the US is being backed by influential US groups, including the Irish US Council, Enterprise Ireland’s US division, The Irish Consulate General in New York, The American Chamber of Commerce, The Trinity Foundation, The Discovary Consortium, Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, Emer’s former employers, and The Cork Association in New York.

* Follow Team Youghal’s progress on Facebook: www.teamyoughal.com.

emercaseyfoundation.com