‘Finish Line Fantasy’ for ROK enthusiasts

IN ABSENCE OF THE REAL RING OF KERRY CYCLE, LOCAL CYCLISTS TAKE PART IN FINISH LINE CHALLENGE

IT may not have made up for the absence of the real thing but for all those cyclists who should have been taking part in the ‘Ring of Kerry’ cycle last Saturday, they at least got to make their own bit of fun when they took part in what has been dubbed the ‘Finish Line Fantasy Challenge’.

The challenge was a simple one. With cycling becoming an increasingly popular sport - especially during lockdownthe ROK organisers wanted to create a challenge that would encourage more people to take up the sport after lockdown had ended.

The ‘Finish Line Fantasy’ challenge took place over the weekend and it saw cyclists recreate their own finish line photo on what should have been one of the busiest weekends of the year on the cycling calendar.

To enter, participants were simply asked to take a photo of their recreated ‘finish line’ with family or friends, share it on Saturday July 4 on their social media channels, and tag the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with the# Finish Line Fantasy.

While the actual fundraising cycle event could not not take place this year, the idea with the challenge was to encourage participants to get some much needed practice in before what promises to be the cycle event of the year on Saturday July 3 2021.

In addition to this, The ROK organisers have not one, but two prizes for the winners of the challenge. The grand prize is a brand-new road bike sponsored by O’Sullivan Cycles, Killarney to the value of €1,000 as well as entry for the 2021 event, a jersey and a neck buff for The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2021 (#ROKCC2021). The runner up will also receive entry to #ROKCC2021, a jersey and a neck buff.

The volunteer-led charity cycle has raised over €17 million for more than 160 charities since it began 37 years ago, and in more recent years, over €1 million per annum. Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of this year’s event, they are unable to fundraise in the same capacity for their carefully chosen charities.

This has had a knock-on effect for charities including St Francis Special School and the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

Máire, Joey and Patrick Wall with Arpit Tyagi and Nuala Wall pictured taking part in the ‘Finish Line Fantasy Challenge’ ROK challenge at the weekend. LEFT: Jagruti Rathod pictured taking her ‘Finish Line FantasY Challenge’ to the next level with some creative licensing. Patrick and Paudie Wall pictyred after taking part in the Ring of Kerry Finish Line Fantasy Challenge on Saturday July 4.

MAIN: Brian Fallon and Martin Bergs were delighted to be able to take part in the Ring of Kerry’s ‘Finish Line Fantasy Challenge’ at weekend. RIGHT: Brian Fallon and Martin Bergs are joined by their cycling partner Lidia Maria as they took part in the ‘Finish Line Fantasy Challenge’.