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The Wild Mayo Ultra cycling challenge will take place this weekend across the 12^th and 13^th of May starting and finishing at the Mariner Hotel in Westport. Throughout the weekend, ultra-tough cyclists will travel the roads less travelled of Co. Mayo with some embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

This year the Wild Mayo Ultra has attracted participants from France, Holland and the UK. It is well recognised as one of the toughest endurance cycling challenges in Ireland and has been added to Ireland’s Ultra cycling Trilogy which also includes Mondello24 Cycle and Donegal Ultra 555 both of which have attracted a wealth of ultra cyclists from across the country and beyond.

Ultra-cycling has really taken off around the world in recent times, cyclists of all abilities are conquering all sorts of amazing feats of endurance, be that Everesting, cycling long distance point to point, multi-day racing around a country, or fulfilling a lifetime ambition of cycling around the circumference of the world. Exploration, adventure, and fun are at the heart of ambition for success on two wheels in endurance cycling.

With four distances to choose from in this year’s event, there is something for everyone who has an interest in going long on the bike.  The 200km route is achievable for many cyclists who enjoy a regular Sunday spin or who are looking to challenge themselves.

The 300km route will most definitely test riders as the steep climbing hills of Achill will magnify any chink in the cycling armour.  Some have signed up to the pairs category in the 200k and 300k distances cycling in relay team until the distances are completed.

The 650km and 500km routes are real monsters, not for the feint hearted. The hills and scenery will surely take your breath away, but the pride and achievement of completing the event far outweighs the grit, determination, and focus required to even get to the start line of the event.  With the right mind-set, training,  and a strong will to go long pushing body and mind to the limit, finishing an event like the Wild Mayo Ultra 650km can be achieved.  It won’t be easy but then achieving great things takes time, commitment and dedication. For the 2023 edition of the event there are participants in all four categories of the event; solo, solo unsupported, two and four person teams.

Speaking about the events for 2023, Padraig Marrey Raceface said ‘Ultra cycling allows participants to go deep, go further, go harder and challenge themselves whilst having the safety net of a backup crew and vehicle to support them. In 2023 we are offering four routes for the Wild Mayo Ultra, to cater for the growing demand from cyclists to go long, to push themselves and to see how far they can go. Completing an Ultra event is one of the most personal and satisfying experiences, be it as a solo rider or on a team. A lot of participants use Ultra events to fundraise for a charity and this helps give purpose for completing these tough events.  By using the routes from the Wild Mayo Ultra we promise it will push the body and mind to the limit but will satisfy the soul! The beautiful scenery will help to take their mind off the difficulty encountered on the challenge.”

All cyclists can be tracked live on the https://primaltracking.com a unique feature for families and supporters who can ‘ dot watch’ their riders on the course, which is almost a sport in itself! If you see a cyclist lit up like a Christmas tree and cycling at all hours of the night around Mayo this weekend, don’t be alarmed, it’s one of the Wild Mayo Ultra cyclists.

To find out more about the routes and events click HERE