You Are Here: About the race  > Event Quotes
Quotes
“The whole trip was a real buzz for the riders despite being tired yet still able to get on the bikes and cycle”.
Noel Tonge - Team Tailteann


“Just want to say a big thank you for putting together what is a unique and challenging event.  From start to finish you had our team thinking on its feet, learning new things about ourselves.  It left our team with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction to have taken part this year.  Amazing stuff”
Neil O’Brien, Crew Chief - Team Tailteann


 “The event helped me learn a lot about myself with regard how much pain I can put myself how little food and sleep you need, I mean really need. I’ve always believed in the "If this was easy then everyone would do it" mantra and that kept me going on numerous occasions when I had to have a few stern words with myself. What was it like? I’ve been asked lots of times since it finished. The physical and mental suffering was awful but I loved it. More than anything is a great sense of achievement and pride in myself and the whole team on really thriving on the adversity of the things that didn't go well for us in the lead up and during the race. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves and getting the excuses ready we dug in and ground it out and we had a proper race.”  
Shaun Gilbride – Swords CC


“As far as I’m concerned this is the hardest cycling event in the world”
Joe Barr - Solo


 “All finished. 2nd place. Brutally tough course and race. Very well organised though. Thanks very much to crew and organisers.”
Mark Pattinson - Solo


Again thanks for the help and support and the organisation which I thought was excellent. The course was very challenging and scenic and the work ye put in was amazing considering just the route book alone which was excellent! My crew feel the same. Well done to all the others also especially those that finished.
Eoghan Clifford - Solo


“RAI is the hardest thing we have ever done – and we have done many hard things! The sleep deprivation, physical challenge of the tough road surfaces and hilly terrain, and the immense challenge of logistics mean this event is not for the weak hearted. It takes a certain kind of person to keep going when your body is telling you to stop. But the body will only stop, if the mind does. You have to be able to dig deep and find out what works best to keep your body and bike moving forward. You find out new things about yourself and your team members - that can only stand you in great stead for all other walks of life.”
Bikedock Belles


Congratulations on a fantastic event which I have no doubt will grow over the next couple of years. The organisation and commitment from your team was brilliant and great credit to all involved. We thoroughly enjoyed the event and found it very difficult but bearing in mind that we are only leisure cyclists we got a great buzz from competing with international class racing cyclists.
Ger Flanagan - Team Youghal


Thanks for the opportunity to Race in RAI.  The climbing was awesome.
Stephen Bugbee - Solo


“Thank you to all the Race Around Ireland organising crew, for the most unbelievably intense and satisfying cycling experience of my life! Unforgettable.
Ian Geraghty - The Beara 4


“It was the most intense and exhilarating three days of my life, I think.  A truly splendid event, very wel organised and a superb challenge.  The amount of teamwork that is required is extraordinary, surpassed only by the amount of teamwork required to set the race up and run it smoothly and fairly.  Many congratulations to you for all that.”
Graham Little - Team No Prior Experience