2019 Pan Celtic Race: Event Recap

Main photo by Tomás Montes

On July 7th 2019, 84 riders set out from Inverness to race across three Celtic Nations—Scotland, Ireland and Wales—in the inaugural Pan Celtic Race. This was the first race in a five-year Race Series which will take riders on roads less travelled, tracing ancient paths, and eventually visiting each of the six modern day Celtic nations, also including Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany.

In the Pan Celtic Race, there were two route options. A ‘Full’ route of 1,476 miles, with 88,260 ft of climbing, and a ‘Shorter’ route of 838 miles, with 48,533 ft of climbing. The ride would encompass Celtic history as well as scenic splendour as riders pushed their physical and mental limits to reach the finish line in Llandudno in time for the party 10 days later.

• 
• 
  Above photos by Rupert Hartley

Our aim was to create something truly special where people from all over the world would come together to form a Clan. A family of racers and tourers, sharing the same sense of adventure and ‘belonging’, whilst battling the elements, the environment, and their minds astride their beloved steeds (bikes). It was clear during registration the day before the race that this was entirely what was happening. We had 100% attendance and the kind words being spoken were truly humbling of our efforts so far.

The race started on a cool Sunday morning and as the Full route headed north toward the Highland coast, the Shorter route headed south along Loch Ness. The races spread thin pretty fast as those intending to win pushed hard. A lot of matches were being burnt early on. The routes were breathtaking and beautiful yet brutal and unforgiving, passing stunning sights such as Durness Beach and Bealach na Bá. Solid headwinds and undulating terrain taking their toll early on. Barren landscapes and limited resupply forcing well laid plans to change.

• 
• 
• 
  Above photos by Rupert Hartley

The lead of both races swapped hands as varying factors affected those at the pointy end. Behind them, races within the race emerged as personal battles reigned on. Friends and foes alike as new bonds were formed and old reignited. Scotland would provide our Clan with their most brutal test on the Full Route, with heavy rainfall on day three that would continue into days four and five. Some thrived while others scratched. The Shorter Route made their way across the dramatic landscape over the course of two to three days. Those who rode on headed for the ferry at Cairnryan that would take them onto stage two and into Ireland.

Arriving in Belfast, the Full route once again headed north while those on the Shorter route heading south. The northern coastline and Torr Head awaited those aching limbs to arrive before punishing them with savage gradients. The reward of this endeavour came along the stunning cliffs of the Giants Causeway before turning south to be haunted by the majesty of the Dark Hedges. A brief respite from continuous undulation as both sets of riders made their way through Ireland along canal lines and past ancient sites such as Newgrange, en route to the Wicklow Mountains and a checkpoint at Glendalough. Here many would rest up before another dash to the ferry terminal at Rosslare, where they would be whisked to Fishguard in Wales for the brutal final leg.

Above photos by Tomás Montes

For many the weather changed and the sun shone hard. The gradients of each Welsh hill punishing weary legs, as they made their way through the ‘Desert of Wales’ and pushed on, along winding paths dwarfed by ancient mountain ranges. Gravel tracks and endless roads would again test riders to the limit as both routes journeyed through Snowdonia towards Llandudno on the north coast.

As riders rolled around the final hurdle of The Great Orme, family, friends and Clan members gathered at the finish ready to welcome them with open arms and celebrate a truly amazing ride and experience. In some respect, the end of the ride had arrived. However, for some of the riders, the beginning of their Celtic journey has only just begun!

• 
• 
  Above photos by Tomás Montes

A huge congratulations to all of the participants of the inaugural Pan Celtic Race, it takes a lot of courage to be amongst the first to tackle an event of this magnitude. As for the results, Chris Pitblado finished first at 6 days, 14hrs, 38mins. Stephen Haines took second place with a time of 6 days, 18 hours, 1 minute, and Craig Nilsson was close behind at 6 days, 23 hours, and 12 minutes. Ali Hutton took first female position with a time of 9 days, 11 hours, 55 minutes. To see the full race results, please head over to Pan Celtic the results page.

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.