What happens when you have annual leave to use before the end of the year?
You start flicking through the recent editions of the cycling mags, and rapidly have a growing shortlist for catching the last of the summer warmth before it's time to switch to long sleeves, merino base layers and full tights.
A week in Mallorca, hitting the Dolomites before the snow comes, maybe following in the wheels of the Vuelta a Espana...
Of course not, Ireland here I come!
Ireland, I hear you say! Not the most obvious option for an end of summer trip.
Having trained for a Gran Fondo which took place at the end of June, I'd carried on the miles in the saddle and the weekly Zwift workout so wanted to make the most of my summer fitness.
When I saw adverts for the first ever L'Etape Ireland taking place on 7 September it piqued my interest, and quickly the entries were placed for my husband and I to stick a number on the bike.
Getting there
For anyone who has done a French Etape event, you will know what I mean when I refer to the logistics; whether to stay near the start or the finish, the middle of the night wake-up call if you need to travel to the start line, the working out how you're going to get back after the event. I recall doing the 2022 Briancon to Alpe D'Huez stage and it turned into a three-day logistical mission.
Travelling to the L'etape Ireland event from England there was a couple of options; grab a flight to Kerry Airport, which is around 17km from Killarney so a taxi would be doable, or hop on a ferry. We decided to make the ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin and then a drive to Killarney as we also wanted to tag on some days of riding in the Wicklow mountains.
A bonus shakedown ride
As with most sportives, race pack collection was the day before at the event HQ or there was the option to collect on the morning of the ride. The pack contained all the essentials you'd expect; timing chip, handlebar number to be picked out in the photos, and some trusty cable ties.
When we registered there was the option to order a jersey too - this was the only disappointment of the whole event. The fit was terrible, design a bit out of date and it had a quarter zip! Since when does any cyclist wear a jersey with a quarter zip? Plus being female, the toilet logistics just went up another level. Can't ever see me wearing that one.
On the Thursday afternoon, I spotted an Instagram post from L'Etape Ireland promoting a secret roll out ride with event ambassador and cycling legend Dan Martin. Having arrived a few days early our bikes were ready and waiting so we jumped at the chance.
The secret can't have got out as there very far were only eight of us, including Dan, at the meeting point for depart. The shakedown was a little spicier than expected with the local Killarney riders setting the pace to the Dunloe Gap - maybe it was the perfect leg opener for Saurday's event!
Event day
Alarm clocks set, porridge pots ready and timing chip attached (although that was a faff with a sticky number around the seat post) ready to be in the pens for a 7.45am roll out for the 135km event we were doing or an 8.15am depart for the 98km route.
Getting to the start was really a short ride as we were staying nearby. So straight into the pens, which were split by average speed, and before we knew it, we were off. Unlike other events I've done, it was a 2km neutralised start which was respected and avoided the usual chaos of a mass start.
The first 10 miles started out flattish with a few little bumps, skirting around Lough Larne which was just visible through the trees and low mist. It was the perfect run it to warm the legs up ready for the first QOM of the day, Molls Gap quickly followed by Ladies View climb. Nothing too steep but long enough that you could get in your climbing rhythm and tap it out or if you were feeling up for it, push the pace.
It was still misty and cloud covered most of this section but we were greeted with the most stunning views as the sun broke through the cloud when we crested the top. A truly magical five miles of climbing, rewarded with a fabulous fast descent which wasn't too technical.
The first water stop came at the top of Molls Gap and the first feed station being in Sneem (36 miles) which looked to be a popular option as the huge peloton that I'd been riding with all seemed to turn into.
I like to carry all my nutrition with me so I can't comment on the stops provided. However, fellow riders did say it was well stocked with plenty of options of gels and real food. Following the feed stop the route proceeded to clock up some elevation, with around a five-mile draggy climb into what seemed to be the only headwind section of the day.
Following the descent the route started to twist through a forestry area and the second QOM loomed. The roads narrowed and the pitch started to increase. Then the Ballaghabema was in the sight. The cadence of riders ahead become more laboured with several deciding that the better option would be to stop and push the final spiky steep section. I was thankful that I'd had a gel a couple of miles previously. The descent was more technical and the marshals were great with providing warnings which I'm grateful I listened to.
The climbing wasn't over but become more of a punchy course which was leg sapping in places. I passed the second feed station and then a second water point. In my view for this distance of route the stops were well placed and sufficient.
As I rode along a rolling section alongside another lake with more plentiful vistas, at around 60 miles, it was time to get the head down and tackle the final third of the route.
By the time I'd counted down the miles with only 10 left to go, I knew I was on the home straight and back on flat roads. It was time to get the pace back up and pound the pedals all the way back into Killarney for the finish line photos.
What a route, what an event
I've been fortunate to ride in some great places and take part in some iconic sportives. This one was right up there. If you're a cyclist from the UK reading this, I'm sure you'll appreciate this comment; the road surface was fantastic, smooth and flowing. I don't think I shouted hole once, only the occasional point for drains.
Often on a route, there is a section of necessary evil as I call it. Either a boring section, or roads through a built-up industrial area, or along a main road simply as a way to connect the route.
There was nothing like that on this route. From the moment we rolled out of Killarney, to the run back in, the route was stunning. Mountain passes, treelined forest areas, fast descents, lake views, coastal roads, it really did have it all in the one ride.
Chapeau Ireland, you did the Etape series proud.
L'Etape Ireland will return in 2025. Anyone interested in taking part in L'Étape Ireland 2025 can register their interest on the official event website at ireland.letapebytourdefrance.com or email [email protected] and the link will be sent onto them.
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