Shortly before 16:00 p.m. yesterday, the starting signal for the 2.200-kilometer Race Around Ireland was fired in Northern Ireland. Right from the start, the Austrian Race Across America winner Christoph Strasser set himself apart from his competitors. It is currently leading after 540 kilometers. Irishman Donncha Cuttriss follows about 50 kilometers behind. In third place is the German Bernhard Steinberger, who is already almost 100 kilometers behind.
As beautiful as the Irish weather was in the days leading up to the start, it has been miserable ever since. Although it was dry at the start, it then began to rain continuously. Strasser's average speed of almost 30 kilometers per hour over the first 540 kilometers is therefore impressive. Accordingly, his conclusion so far is: "In terms of weather conditions, this is the most extreme race I have ever ridden."
So far he hasn't taken a break, he's always been on his bike. Today, after around 28 hours of driving, the Styrian will take his first 20-minute power nap.