From Novice to Winning Cyclist

To win the world’s toughest ultra endurance cycling races and to reach my peak in fitness and cycling strength in 2016-2018 by which time I hope to capture victory at the Race Across America and also at the Race Around Ireland and the Race Around Europe. And to:

(i) prove that anyone can be successful at whatever they put their mind to over 10,000 hours when combined with a few strokes of luck (ie that natural talent and genetics is a myth when viewed alongside smart and dedicated training hours);

(ii)  validate the theory that for many people a plant based nutrition/rainbow diet is in many cases the diet best recognised for the bodies that we have evolved into and often the key to athletic success. We live in a world clouded by a myriad of marketing nutrition claims of ‘a wonder diet that suits all’ or that ‘nobody can survive without dairy and meat products or protein supplements’ and it is important that each person occassionally steps back and critically examines where those dubious claims first originated from and who or what companies/organisations benefit from people believing and acting upon those claims. People should then ask themselves what diet is best individually suited for them after a personalised trial and error basis, whether it ends up as being full carnivore, paleo omnivore, vegetarian or vegan. During my events to 2018, I hope that people get to realise that you can in fact be superhealthy and superstrong on a vegan diet – it is not a limitation, it is a life bonus across all health areas; and

(iii) raise awareness of and inspire practical changes on climate change and biodiversity efforts and of my chosen charity Fauna and Flora International; and

What else?…To love life every day and to have fun!

This mission is not going to be easy and right now, it is possibly beyond my current capabilities – but the next few years are a journey and I believe in the 10,000 hour dream and science theory – that with persistence, hard work and focused and intelligent training sessions I will get stronger each passing day and that I will ultimately succeed in each of my goals with a coming together of financial and logistical support.

Getting there

In next 3 years, I plan on setting up to 2 Guinness World Records – one for the fastest time from Cairo to Capetown (I hope to do it in 50 days rather than the current 80 day record) and then set a record for fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. The current record stands at 106 days but I hope to do it in sub 100 days, setting off from Ireland, across Europe, into Russia, Mongolia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Portugal and Spain before returning back to Ireland. The saddle area might be a bit sore after this particular ride! As part of my world cycle in 2013, I plan to do the solo Race Across America as the penultimate leg of the journey.

From 2012 to 2018, I hope to take part in the 1,350 mile Race Around Ireland each year and am targeting at least one victory, having failed to finish the race in 2009 which hurt a lot but which provided the motivation to then return in 2010 where I finished 3rd. I am hungry to keep going one better each year as I get stronger as a cyclist.