MUFF CYCLIST RONAN MCLAUGHLIN was the winner of the first Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race.
McLaughlin arrived back at the Mount Errigal Hotel this morning, 19 hours 45 minutes and 48 seconds after he left the start ramp on Friday as the winner of the innaugural event, a stunning 555km cycle around Donegal.
Competitors left Letterkenny yesterday and followed a route through Inishowen, going over Mamore Gap and will take in the Wild Atlantic Way through Knockalla, Atlantic Drive, Horn Head, Carrickfin, Glengesh Pass, Sliabh League and Barnesmore Gap.
Letterkenny mountaineer and adventurer Jason Black was second in 20 hours 53 minutes and 13 seconds, beating Donegal cyclist Joe Barr by mere pedal strokes, with Barr finishing in 20 hours 54 minutes and 28 seconds.
Picture caption: Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race winner Ronan McLaughlin (centre) with Jason Black and Joe Barr.
“I was nervous coming into the race,” said winner McLaughlin.
“I’d never done anything like that before. I stuck to the plan as much as I could for as long as I could.
[adrotate group=”31″]“I got in under 20 hours which was incredible. That wasn’t the goal from the start, only when it became possible. I’m delighted to have finished it and delighted to have won it.”
Jason Black has climbed Everest, but said this morning: “That was really hard. Unbelievably hard. Myself and Joe were going toe-to-toe right to the wire. To be squashed between two pros, I’m so proud. I am absolutely over the moon.”
Members of Team Donegal Oil after the event
Barr made a mistake on Mamore Gap that cost him an hour and he said: “It was always going to be tough from the start. What happened me in Mamore Gap is my own fault. We made a huge navigational error, not once, but twice and it cost me almost an hour.”
[adrotate group=”39″]Charlie Collins was at the finish and also spoke with Rory Kennedy, Boyd Robinson as well as event organisers Sean McFadden and Shaun Stewart.
Listen to the full interviews below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/finish-of-the-donegal-atlantic-way-ultra-race
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