Local Home to Rome cyclists reach Italy!

Despite bicycle problems, torrential rain and getting lost several times, the 30 cyclists taking part in the Home To Rome Cycle challenge, including local pair Ollie Rohan from Athlone and Breege Henson from Castledaly, have arrived in Italy after traversing the Alps.

The group are pedalling their way to the Eternal City in just a fortnight for charity and will bring a scroll with the Donal Walsh Foundation ‘Live Life’ message to St Peter’s Square where they are due to arrive on July 5.
The group has been travelling 160 to 200 kilometres a day since they set off on the 2,000 km fundraiser on June 20 last, passing through the French countryside before crossing the Alps and into the Apennines in Italy, where they are travelling today.

All sponsorship and funds raised from Ollie’s gruelling cycle will benefit South Westmeath Hospice and the group is also promoting the Donal Walsh Foundation’s ‘Live Life’ message during the trip.

The cycling contingent will be joined on the cycle by the late Donal Walsh’s mother Elma, who is expected to cycle the final couple of days into the Italian capital.