Performance Extras

Report compiled by Cathy Kinnarney and Ciarán Cafferkey of Sport Ireland

Sport Ireland’s participation in Mondello24 Cycle was not just about the race but about coming together as a team, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting memories. The camaraderie and shared experiences made it an unforgettable adventure and we were delighted to be part of the 2024 edition of the event.

Sport Ireland initially decided to enter one team of eight members after receiving rave reviews from partners who had previously participated in the event. The allure of team bonding was irresistible, especially since one of our colleagues, Cólleen, planned to join with her gym group. Eventually, the enthusiasm grew, leading to the formation of two teams. The primary aim was participation and fostering team spirit, inviting colleagues of all cycling levels—from seasoned cyclists to those dusting off their bikes after years.

The event presented an exciting opportunity to bond with colleagues in a setting different from the usual work environment. The thrill of the relay cycle challenge was an added bonus, making it a unique and appealing experience. Before this event many of us had never completed an event like this, the closest experience was participating in the Great Dublin Bike Ride, which was a leisurely activity compared to the intensity of this relay cycle. Many members of the team hadn’t been on bike in a number of years, but we all came together to embrace and enjoy the challenge together.

Despite receiving detailed information from past participants, and the organiser Oisin, nothing could truly prepare us for the reality of the event, especially the graveyard shift from 11pm to 5am. The experience during these hours was unlike anything described, adding an unexpected layer of challenge, fun and exhilaration.

The event was thoroughly enjoyable, filled with constant activity and a vibrant atmosphere. We were fortunate to experience two sunny days with only a light drizzle at night, enhancing the overall experience.  Highlights included spending time with the team, optimising our bike handovers, and solving minor issues together with unwavering support from our crew of Susan O’Meara and the amazing Paddy. There was plenty of banter and fun between the two teams across the 24 hours, everyone supporting each other along with the hint of competitiveness between us made for lots of entertaining memories made!  

The biggest challenge came during the night-time shift when our two teams of eight split into four person sub-teams. Cycling for 30 minutes and then having only 1.5 hours before the next round made it difficult to rest or recover. Additionally, cycling in complete darkness was a new and daunting experience, (especially with subpar front lights—definitely a lesson learned for next year) Sleep was elusive. Despite a planned three-hour rest period, due to the 4×4 team rotation, sleep evaded most of us. However, there were no regrets as the experience was worth every sleepless minute.

The pit was a hub of great conversations and camaraderie. After 11pm, the atmosphere quietened significantly, with fewer people on the track and a heightened focus on completing the dark, challenging cycles. The highlight was Liam’s TV screen, allowing us to watch GAA and Euros games, blending sports entertainment with our cycling adventure, our biggest disagreement was whether to switch from the Mayo GAA game over to the Belgium Euros game, but we settled that pretty quickly!

The most difficult part was adjusting the Sunday morning schedule at around 8am to accommodate the varying energy levels within the team. Ensuring everyone had the stamina to complete the last four hours of the race was a critical task, being fluid with our tactics really helped with us all getting to the finish line in one piece..

In the lead up, Benny stressed relentlessly in our pre meetings that “It’s really important that everyone sticks to the schedule.  Now if you’re coming through on 25 minutes, come into the pit so we can keep the schedule”  This rule was abandoned by none other than the timekeeper himself on Sunday morning. After a tough slog through the night, Liam was ready to take over for his final stint at 10 am or so, waiting patiently, turbo warm up done, expecting Benny to come flying in about 9:59 for the handover……………he comes flying around the corner on the track in a pack and shouts over the wall ‘two more laps’. 

If we learned nothing else from our experience at Mondello, we learned that a key element to competing in a race is having air in your tyres. After numerous attempts in the first 12 hours to catch the tail wind offered by fellow Sport Ireland team member Gerard, on the opposing team, Ciaran couldn’t seem to keep with the pack. We later found that there was close to no air in his tyres. After a quick pump and boost of motivation he went out and recorded his quickest laps of the 24 hours. Moral of the story, tyres need air and we had a funny story to share post event!

We will definitely be signing up to next year and would encourage others to take the plunge, being part of a team made for a really fun, engaging and entertaining 24 hours of sport with the added bonus of going completely outside of our comfort zones to achieve something none of us would previously have thought possible or even considered. Be fearless and embrace the challenge. It’s an incredibly fun and worthwhile experience. And remember, when in doubt, always bring extra snacks and make sure there is air in your tyres.

Photo Credit: Mondello 24, ©INPHO/Bryan Keane