Westport played host to the Wild Mayo Ultra on May 30–31, and true to its name, the event delivered punishing winds, unforgiving terrain, and unforgettable memories. A strong southwesterly wind battered the riders all weekend long, making every kilometre earned and every finish line crossed an extraordinary feat.
One section in particular—the leg from Bangor to Currane and around Achill Island—proved to be the stuff of legend. Riders will speak of those stretches for years to come, where grit and group strength mattered more than anything. Despite the elements, participants embraced the challenge with defiance and camaraderie, knowing that every wheel on the road faced the same brutal headwinds.
🚴 500 km – The Beast of the West
The longest distance of the weekend drew a select group of elite ultra-endurance riders. Finishing it is an achievement. Winning it? Heroic.
🏆 Top Finishers
- 1st Supported: Colm Richardson (Errigal CC) – 19:50
- 1st Unsupported: Ken Van Someren (Yeats Country CC) – 22:28
- 2nd Unsupported: Edoardo Dal Bosco (Italy) – 25:18
🚴 300 km – Power and Pace
The 300 km event brought out serious racers. Fast-moving and fiercely contested, the route tested pacing and stamina across some of Mayo’s harshest coastline.
🏆 Top Solo Finishers
- 1st: Barry O’Driscoll (Bear Cycling, Dublin) – 10:20
- 2nd: Ken Egan (Tuam CC) – 11:30
- 3rd: Mark Cassidy (Errigal CC) – 12:07
👫 Top Pair
- 1st: Emma Walsh & Beanie Byrne (Dungarvan CC) – 13:30
🚴 200 km – The People’s Race
The most popular distance, the 200 km category, saw huge participation, especially in the team/group section, where up to six riders combined to take on the Mayo elements. This was where strategy, support, and spirit came together.
🥇 Top Solo Finishers
- 1st: Rory Devlin (Donegal) – 06:22:04
- 2nd: Jerry McCarthy (Tralee Manor West BC) – 06:28:58
- 3rd: Nigel Davenport (Inishowen CC) – 06:34:49
👑 Top Female Rider
- 1st Female: Sinéad Parsons (Islandeady CC) – 08:14
🛠️ Team/Group Category
- 1st: Over The Hill CC, Cork (Brendan McMahon, Oliver O’Neill, Declan Brady, Mike Condon) – 09:24:36
🏁 Event Hub & Sponsors
The Clew Bay Hotel served as event HQ, providing a warm welcome and solid support base for weary legs. Massive thanks to Westport Bike Shop and Marrey Bikes, the event’s generous sponsors who provided top-tier prizes for podium finishers.
💬 Final Thoughts
From the scenic hell of Achill to the windswept beauty of Bangor, the Wild Mayo Ultra proved why it’s one of Ireland’s most grueling and rewarding cycling events. Riders left with legs full of lactic, hearts full of pride, and memories of Mayo’s wild west coast etched forever.
Whether you’re elite, amateur, or riding with your crew, see you next year for more wind, more hills, and more unforgettable miles.
