Next weekend sees two audax events, neither for the fainthearted. On Saturday, the Beara 400 will start from Midleton, Co. Cork.  Full details of the route have yet to be confirmed but with an estimated 4,500m of climbing including an ascent of Healy Pass, it’s guaranteed to be scenic in both senses on the word. Entries to Kevin O’Sullivan by the 17th.

Sunday sees the fourth running of the infamous Mick Byrne 200.  The Mick Byrne is without doubt the toughest 200 on the Audax Ireland calendar, taking in several lesser known Wicklow climbs before the finishing run over Slieve Maan and Sally Gap. Fortunately it is also the best catered with plenty of food provided at the three intermediate controls and excellent support courtesy of the host club, Sorrento CC.

So far, no-one has taken up the challenge of doing both….