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IRELAND · SPORTIVE

RING OF BEARA CYCLE
TRAINING PLAN.

Ring of Beara is the coastal Kerry sportive — 140km around the wildest peninsula in Ireland, with the Caha Mountains and Healy Pass as the defining climbs. Smaller field than Wicklow 200, steeper climbs.

140 km·2,200 m climbing·5-8 hours·May

PICK YOUR WINDOW

HOW LONG TILL YOUR RING OF BEARA?

Count back from your event date. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window. Each one is a week-by-week framework built around the demands of this specific course.

EVENT INTEL

WHAT THE RING OF BEARA ACTUALLY DEMANDS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • ✓Healy Pass — the signature climb, 8% average, switchbacks
  • ✓Exposed coastal sections with unpredictable crosswinds
  • ✓140km is shorter than Wicklow but the terrain is punchier
  • ✓Early May means the road is often wet
  • ✓Small villages for feed zones — plan your stops carefully

COMMON MISTAKES

  • ✗Treating Healy Pass like an easy climb because it's 'only' 9km
  • ✗Packing like it's July when it's May on the Atlantic
  • ✗Cranking the gearing too hard — long compact gearing saves the day

PACING

The first 80km are rolling with two controllable climbs. The Healy Pass at km 100 is the ride. If you arrive at the base feeling fresh you'll finish strong. If you're already ragged you'll crack on the steep section. Pace for Healy, not the flats.

FUELLING

Shorter than Wicklow but more climbing per km. 70-90g carbs/hour. Refill at Kenmare or Glengarriff depending on the route. The Healy Pass has no feed zone — come to it with a full bottle and a gel.

KIT

Gilet and armwarmers even in May. Compact crankset with 11-32 cassette. The descent off Healy is technical — check brake pads before you start.

FAQ

RING OF BEARA TRAINING, ANSWERED.

How long should I train for the Ring of Beara Cycle?

For the Ring of Beara Cycle (140km with 2,200m of climbing), most riders benefit from at least 12-16 weeks of structured preparation. If you've been riding consistently, 8 weeks of focused work can still be enough to transform your result. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window.

What's the typical finish time for the Ring of Beara Cycle?

Most amateur finishers complete the Ring of Beara Cycle in 5-8 hours. The spread is driven by climbing fitness more than flat speed — the course has 2,200m of vertical, and pacing the climbs is what separates a strong finish from a suffering one.

When does the Ring of Beara Cycle take place?

The Ring of Beara Cycle typically runs in May. That sets the training window: count back from your event date and pick the weeks-out plan that matches.

What's the biggest mistake riders make at the Ring of Beara Cycle?

Treating Healy Pass like an easy climb because it's 'only' 9km

How should I pace the Ring of Beara Cycle?

The first 80km are rolling with two controllable climbs. The Healy Pass at km 100 is the ride. If you arrive at the base feeling fresh you'll finish strong. If you're already ragged you'll crack on the steep section. Pace for Healy, not the flats.

WANT THIS BUILT AROUND YOUR FTP?

READY FOR A PLAN MADE FOR YOU?

The framework above gets you in the right territory. Roadman coaching builds it around your FTP, your life, and your weeks remaining.

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