Leith takes end to end record

By Shane Stokes

Sorrento cycling club rider Rose Leith had an excellent ride to break the 52 year old Irish end to end record on Sunday. The 45 year-old covered the 592 kilometre distance from Mizen Head to Fair Head in a time of 21 hours 40 minutes and 21 seconds, averaging 27.33 km/h.

Leith's performance saw her cut one hour 19 minutes and 42 seconds off the mark set by Isobel Woods/Clements in June 1955. The previous record holder is now 78 years of age, but she was at the finish to congratulate Leith on her achievement.

Leith is trained by Aidan Ryan and supported by previous Irish record holder Paul O'Donoghue. Her background in ultra-marathons saw her previously tackle the seven day Sahara Desert run. She is currently in training for the 1200 kilometre Paris-Brest-Paris this summer.