This is serious dedication.
Valley Rovers booked their place in the Cork Premier Intermediate Hurling Final at the weekend thanks to a 1-15 to 0-14 win over Ballinhassig.
They’ll meet fierce rivals Newcestown in the decider on October 11 and one Valley Rovers fan is making a very special trip home for the game.
Brian Canty, who’s a cycling journalist based in Girona in Spain, is planning on cycling home to Cork for the occasion. This is his plan.
“In a moment of weakness over the weekend, I decided I’ll cycle home to Cork for the Premier IHC final next month between Valley Rovers and Newcestown. The dream final,” said Brian.
“Home is currently Girona so that’s about 1,758 kilometres in total, and closer to 3,000 kilometres when wrong turns are factored in.
“I’ll be staying in or as close as possible to the French towns of Fronton, Angouleme and Nantes. The distances I’ll cover each day are 328k on day 1, 271k on day 2, 256k on day 3 and 295k on day 4.
“If anyone can offer any advice on where best to get saddle sore cream (or a bed) in either of these aforementioned towns I’ll be greatly obliged.
“I’ll be travelling extremely light, hoping to make Roscoff for 10.30pm on Friday night, October 9th. A 14-hour crossing to the real capital will follow.
“The arrival in Cork will mark one year living in Girona. It’s my nephew’s christening two hours after I arrive and one of the biggest games in the history of Valley Rovers GAA 24 hours later. Now, better get training.”
The journey is the equivalent doing half the Tour de France in just four days.
Best of luck to Brian on his journey, it’s a serious challenge. Follow him on Twitter: @BrianCanty.
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