The Pro and the Novice prepare for Paris2Nice

Earlier this month the Sunday Life newspaper caught up with its4women Managing Director, Gary McClarty to learn more about the epic challenge he and legally blind Paralympic cyclist Peter Ryan are about to embark upon. This challenge will see the duo navigate 700KM across sloping valleys and sheer mountain tops, from Paris to Nice, this September over 6 days!

What prompted you to say yes to the cycle?

I am determined to raise €10,000 (£8,500) for Fighting Blindness as part of my company’s CSR efforts for the its4women brand – an online insurance product. The charity advocates for equity of access to timely and appropriate diagnosis, healthcare, therapies and support services. It works to empower the almost 272,000 children and adults in Ireland who are blind or visually impaired through education and information provision. The cycle challenge itself is a great experience for many different reasons – fitness, incredible scenery and meeting new people. I can’t wait!

Are you naturally fit/interested in exercise?

 I have always been interested in sport although I have never signed up to such a daunting challenge. I love rugby and cycling – but to agree to a tandem challenge with a Paralympian has certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone. Driving the Cure for Fighting Blindness is undoubtedly a remarkable challenge and not for those of a nervous disposition. I am looking forward to training with Peter over the coming weeks to take my fitness to the next level.

How can funding help the charity and research development?

Funding drives research; many patients do not know what has caused their eye condition, so research is their hope. That is why Fighting Blindness was created in 1983 – they have now invested over €20m in 115 research projects and in 1989 found the first gene responsible for sight loss. Their research is interconnected with similar organisations around the world and contributes to our global understanding.

What are you most concerned about during the cycle?

We will have to navigate over 700km (435m) of sloping valleys and sheer mountain tops with some downward tracks providing the backdrop for speeds up to 110km per hour.

Those speeds are fast; they are dangerous and they are definitely not for the faint hearted. The weather could also throw up a few challenges as the cycle is in Mid-September and, with the temperatures being experienced in France at the minute, it has the potential to be quite hot!

How have you found the training programme?

The training is critical. Peter and I were assessed by international cycling coach, Anthony Walsh, earlier this year. He is very much part of the team, sharing top tips which include building up bike-handling skills, techniques and stamina.

To be honest, I had no idea the training programme would be so intense. At the moment, I am completing at least two 50km (31m) ride-outs mid-week and a longer 100km (62m) ride-out at weekends. I will be meeting Peter regularly to improve our cycling technique so we are well equipped to successfully complete this tandem cycle challenge.

One of the hardest things is getting the nutrition right for such long cycles as you are burning around 600 calories per hour, so it is not only important to keep eating but also eating the right foods to provide energy.  Since Covid restrictions eased, I have been making the most it and I have more or less been travelling for the past six weeks. That means I have been training in places such as Portugal, cycling 30 miles in temperatures up to 34°C, so I might well hold the world record for the number of litres of water a man can consume in two hours!

It’s tempting to eat out and enjoy a bottle of rosé whilst you are travelling, but it’s time for me to swap the holiday lifestyle for a strict training regime that also demands a dedicated cycling nutrition plan.

How important is communication with Peter during the cycle?

Good communication is essential and it will underpin the success of this challenge.

Essentially, I am the pilot responsible for the brakes while my co-pilot, Peter, will be the ‘stoker’ responsible for speed.

Once in the saddle, the most important thing for me will be communication with Peter to make sure that we know exactly where we are going and what we’re doing so he can stop pedaling or push harder. The great thing is that I get to be the brake, while Peter gets to be the turbo.

I will have to be conscious of the road surface at all times making sure we avoid potholes, other traffic and when going through towns, traffic lights and other road signals. I will have to keep Peter informed at all times of potential hazards along the way.

Peter is very fit and that energy, along with my adrenaline, will push me along.

The cycle is not for the faint hearted – are you the type of person to say yes to challenges?

Yes! I love a challenge. It’s in my DNA. I am all set to endure 6 days of challenging terrain, and I am confident that Peter and I will make the finish line.

For me, this is just a physical challenge and, with enough preparation, it is achievable. It does not compare to the daily challenges faced by Peter and others supported by this great charity.