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#RichieBarry #eSportsChampion #EverestingOnZwift #CharityRide #FundraisingHeroes #ChildrensHealthIreland #TempleStHospital #CrumlinHospital #ZwiftChallenge #EpicCycling #RacingWithoutBorders #EnduranceAthlete #ZwiftEveresting #SportsForGood #InspiringCyclists
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Richie Barry, Ireland’s eSports national champion, and Luke Birrell, a cyclist from Dublin with Racing Without Borders, are preparing for an extraordinary challenge this weekend: Everesting on Zwift. The duo aims to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest’s height (8,848 meters) by riding up Alpe Du Zwift 8½ times. This grueling endurance test, expected to take at least nine hours, will be completed from their respective homes in Campile, Co Wexford, and Clondalkin, Dublin. The pair are undertaking the challenge to raise funds for Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin and Temple Street Hospital, two Dublin hospitals that have provided critical care for their young children.
Richie Barry, who has competed at the UCI eSports World Championships, is stepping into uncharted territory with this challenge. While he’s accustomed to competitive indoor cycling, this will be his longest session on Zwift by far. Barry admitted that the idea of Everesting wasn’t his own but saw it as an opportunity to give back to Temple Street Hospital, where his youngest son, born prematurely with spina bifida, has received ongoing care. For Barry, this ride is a way to support the hospital that has been instrumental in his son’s treatment.
Luke Birrell, on the other hand, is no stranger to extreme indoor cycling challenges. Last year, he rode for 24 hours on Zwift to raise funds for Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin. Like Barry, Birrell has a personal connection to the cause, with his own child having undergone treatment at Crumlin. This shared motivation is driving both riders to push their limits for a greater purpose.
The Everesting challenge on Zwift requires meticulous planning and mental resilience. Barry estimates the effort will take around nine hours, depending on how his body responds during the ride. He emphasizes the importance of pacing, fueling, and staying mentally focused, especially as this is a step into the unknown for him. While indoor cycling has become more manageable over the years, particularly during the pandemic, nine hours on a trainer is a significant leap from his usual three-hour sessions.
One advantage of Everesting on Zwift is the ability to rest during the downhill sections. The virtual avatar continues descending automatically, allowing riders to take short breaks off the bike. However, Barry plans to limit these breaks to 10-15 minutes every three hours to avoid getting cold and maintain momentum. Staying fueled will be a critical aspect of the challenge, as the physical demands of climbing Alpe Du Zwift repeatedly will test both riders’ endurance.
Barry and Birrell are driven by the cause they’re supporting. They’ve seen firsthand the exceptional care provided by Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals, as well as the resources they lack. By raising funds, they hope to make a tangible difference for children in need of medical care. Barry encourages people to donate, emphasizing that no amount is too small. Every contribution, whether it’s a Euro or more, will help support the hospitals’ vital work.
This challenge is not just a physical test but also a mental one. Barry acknowledges the uncertainty of the effort and the risk of mental fatigue. However, knowing the purpose behind the ride—supporting the hospitals that have cared for their children—provides the motivation to push through. For Birrell, this is another opportunity to combine his passion for cycling with his commitment to helping others.
The duo’s effort highlights the growing popularity of indoor cycling and the potential to use virtual platforms for meaningful causes. Both riders have embraced the eSports side of cycling, with Barry’s success at the national championships and Birrell’s previous endurance challenges. This weekend’s Everesting attempt will not only test their physical limits but also showcase the power of cycling to bring people together in support of a shared goal.
As they prepare for the challenge, Barry and Birrell are focused on staying disciplined and positive. Their determination to succeed is fueled by their personal connections to the hospitals and the desire to give back. Whether they complete the challenge in nine hours or longer, their efforts will make a significant impact on the lives of children in need.
