CYCLING — Robert Sets Sights On Ultra-Long-Distance Events
INVERCLYDE Velo’s resident long distance rider Robert McCready, has set himself another gruelling schedule for 2018.
Since he started recording his yearly mileage in 2003, Robert has covered more than 170,000 miles — almost seven times round the world.
As part of preparation for 2018 events, Robert is taking a slightly different approach to training. For additional motivation he is attempting to ride at least one 200km run per month for a full year. The new regime started in September and he is now on month five of the challenge.
Another challenge he is looking to achieve in 2018 is a tenth year of completing 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km events run by UK long distance cycling association Audax. If Robert manages to complete this he will achieve the status of Ultra Randonneur in the Audax world of cycling.
Robert is focused on three ultra-long-distance events for 2018. First up, at the end of May, is a 1,000km event starting in Edinburgh then heading to Campbeltown and Fort William before returningto Edinburgh.
After a few weeks of recovery miles, he will be off to Bordeaux in the south west of France for a 1,200km event. This traverses the Aquitaine region with a section heading in to the Pyrenees to climb the Col d’Aubisque, just two weeks before the riders in the Tour de France take their turn up the mountain.
Finally at the beginning of September, it’s back to France, this time the Alps, for a 1,000km event with climbing being a major feature. The route will take Robert over 20 Alpine climbs, including the Col D’Allos, Col D’Izoard, Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux.
Training for these events involves covering thousands of miles in organised events, DIY training routes as well as participating in club events and training runs. To try and replicate the mountainous terrain, Robert has devised his own 200km training route which he has called the Argyll Alps. The route details can be found online.
Inverclyde Velo winter training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights, meeting at 6:30 at Hunter’s Place, Greenock. The route consists of a climb up Clune Brae, Port Glasgow followed by five laps of Woodhall/Parklea. Generally, there are two groups depending on ability of the riders. The training nights are ideal for cyclists of any level who are looking to either join the club or improve their overall fitness. All are welcome to go along and join in.
