Tomás Mac an t-Saoir

Tomás Mac an t-Saoir cycled across the US and rode unsupported from Cairo to Cape Town. Here he takes us on a less extreme ride…

KEEP TICKING OVER

“After being on a Vitus Substance V2 Apex for seven months, a break was needed when I returned home. But now I’m getting back out on my own Cannondale Synapse I do anything from 50km to 120km.”

LUCKY LOCAL

“I’m very lucky to live on the Dingle Peninsula where my favourite ride is the 53km loop around Slea Head, one of the most spectacular rides in the world. If I fancy a short, hilly spin I head for Brandon’s Point, which includes two ascents of the Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass at seven per cent over 6.5km. It absolutely opens the lungs up!”

GO ALL OUT

“Cycling is the greatest gift given to mankind. The freedom of being able to jump on your bicycle whenever you like and go wherever you like is amazing. Plus, you can eat loads and not feel guilty! In the summer I’ll ride until about 11pm. I aim to get out four or five days a week.”

WINE TASTER

“If I’m doing a two-hour or less ride I’ll have a coffee and porridge, but if it’s three hours plus then it’s a banana-Nutella combo sandwich. I avoid gels – instead, I’ll take Mars bar or packet of wine gums if I need a sugar hit. I always take a pump and two 750ml bottles of water.”

NEVER GIVE UP

“When I broke down in back-country Zambia I was toying with packing the trip in. Thankfully, I saw sense and a few months later I rode into Cape Town. If you’re struggling to climb a hill, or to ride 100 miles, or whatever it may be, never give up. You’ll get there and once you do it’s the sweetest moment!”

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