Wild day of cycling in Mayo
Kelly Anne Speight from Fermanagh was third overall and the first woman to cross the line in the 400k cycle to and from Westport.
Cycling: The Wild Mayo Ultra delivered exactly what was expected, with relentless north-easterly winds making every kilometre hard-earned. Thankfully, the rain stayed away, but there was no hiding from the grind of what was a savage day on the bike for all of the participants.
Massive credit goes to every rider, each of whom will have had their own battle be that physical, mental, and everything in between, before reaching the finish line outside the Clew Bay Hotel in Westport.
Ultra cycle racing isn’t just about legs: it’s 40% fitness, 40% mental strength, and the remaining 20% comes down to planning, nutrition and strategy. That balance was on full display across all distances.
The standout contest of the day came in the 400km event, where Michael Hall (DB Cycling Club, Cavan) and Ken Egan (Tuam CC, Galway) pushed each other to the absolute limit. The race stayed tight deep into the final 30 kilometres, where Hall’s experience proved decisive as he broke the elastic and held on for an impressive win.
Egan deserves huge credit, driving the pace and keeping the pressure on for over 13 hours.
Kelly-Anne Speight (Fermanagh) delivered one of the performances of the event, finishing third overall and first female – a serious effort that underlines her form ahead of a tilt at the 2400km Transatlantic Way in mid-June.
In the 300km event, Bray Wheelers rider Andrey Zagumennov from Russia powered to a strong and controlled victory. Declan Kenny (Longford Cycling Racing Club) took a commanding win in the 200km, showing strength and consistency throughout, while the 100km produced a surprise result, with Westport Covey Wheelers’ Noel Kelly turning the tables and taking a well-earned win in a strong ride against the clock.
Paula Ryder, also representing Westport, delivered an excellent performance to claim the women’s title.
100k: 1, Noel Kelly; 2, John Gilleran; 3, Anthony Murray (all Westport Covey Wheelers). First female, Paula Ryder (Westport Covey Wheelers).
200k: 1, Declan Kenny (Longford Racing Club); 2, Ed Murphy (Cork); 3, Mick Collins (Clare).
300k: 1, Andrey Zagumennov (Bray Wheelers); 2, Dean Herron (Finn Wheelers); 3, Damien Donohue (Moynalty CC).
400k: 1, Michael Hall (DB Racing Cavan), 14h26m; 2, Ken Egan (Tuam CC) 14h32m; 3, Kelly Anne Speight (Fermanagh) 17h11m (first female); 4, Pedro Ceitil (Fermoy CC) 17h32m.
