Former RAAM Champion Pierre Bischoff Bids for Another Title in Europe’s Toughest Bike Race
Heading into the fourth night of Race Around Ireland Pierre Bischoff continues to lead the solo rider category in Europe’s toughest ultracycling Event.
The German rider extended his lead over Philip Culbert on the difficult overnight passage through the Kerry Mountains and emerging into Cork as daybreak arrived he was more than 100km clear of his nearest rival.
Bischoff further extended his lead through the day and as night fell on day four, he was more than 140km clear despite suffering from various aches and “a little fever” which he described as “normal” for in ultracycling.
Culbert’s progress through Munster has kept him well clear of new third place man Graham Macken who overhauled Scotland’s William McLennan in the Kerry mountains on Wednesday morning.
It’s been a tough day for all riders with Nicholas Longworth forced to retire with Shermer’s Neck, the muscular fatigue peculiar to ultracycling. Tucker Sorrell, Aoife Henry and John Musgrove were all forced to retire on Wednesday while double champion Valerio Zamboni is pushing on in fifth.
Whiteriver Wheelers are in a class of their own in the two-rider category, more than two time stations clear of The Wombats who are in a terrific fight for second with Tirconaill Wheelers with Beech Boys still on target to become the second father and son combination to complete Race Around Ireland.
Already home are the four-rider crew of Velo Club Balrothery who comfortably won the four-rider category from Team Recycled with Team Joy Riders hoping to hang on for third ahead of Box of Cogs despite being down to two riders.
Earlier in the day, H8 Lawlor’s comfortably headed three teams which beat the eight-person record, the winners racing home at an eye-watering average speed of 34kmh.
Just over an hour and a half later, Carn Wheelers completed their adventure in second position and they were also under the previous record. Team Make a Wish Waterford finished third ahead of Team Jack.
Article amended 29/08/19. The original article stated The Beech Boys could potentially become the first father and son pair to complete the race. The first father and son pair to complete the event was Ambrose and Blair Clinton in 2016.