Kilkenny man set for Irish Hospice Foundation's Cycle Challenge 2023 from Prague to Vienna

Kilkenny man Martin O’Neill will be among a group of cyclists taking part in the the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) Cycle Challenge 2023 – this year a stunning route through Bohemia and along the Danube, starting from Prague and finishing in Vienna.

Martin has been an incredible long term supporter of IHF, having completed 11 cycles and will join us again this year starting in Prague for his twelfth. Last year, Martin was awarded the IHF Yellow Jersey to mark his longstanding commitment to this event. No matter how many miles cycled Martin always has a smile on his face and is a great man for a few jokes!  

The Cycle Challenge is IHF’s largest and longest standing fundraising event, running every year since 2009 and proudly supported by Kingspan for 14 years. Since established, it has raised over €2 million for IHF’s Nurses for Night Care service; benefitting thousands of families with the provision of over 2,000 nights of care every year.

By joining the 2023 Cycle Challenge, participants will help IHF to continue this vital work and support the other services IHF provide including the Bereavement Support Line  and other work in end-of-life and bereavement care.

When:  Sunday, July 2 to Saturday, July 8.
Where: Prague to Vienna
What is it: A five-day cycle, covering 500km in total.

IHF’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Cycle Challenge will start in Prague on Monday,July 3, with the route progressing  through the undulating landscape of the region, moving alongside rivers and forests and leading to 14th-Century towns and picturesque villages.

Midweek, the Cycle will pass through the unique Trebonsko UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to overnight in the Renaissance town of Telc.  Cyclists will enjoy the sights before picking up the cycle path along the Danube and into Austria to arrive in Vienna on the final day. Overall, the itinerary will provide a wonderful opportunity for different levels of cycling enthusiasts. There are a number of route options with daily distances ranging from 85-125km  and  optional climbs for those seeking to push themselves further.

Cyclists can come alone or with friends and family and some may take on the challenge in memory of a loved one.  Cyclists of varying levels are welcome on this unique journey and to share the goal of cycling 500km.  By taking part in the Cycle, supporters will take on a personal challenge but will also be helping IHF to support people facing dying, death and bereavement.  Cyclists will be supported throughout the journey by the IHF team.

Flights, accommodation and full board are included. Places are limited so if you are interested in taking on a challenge of a lifetime contact Louise on 01-6793188.

Helen McVeigh, Director of Fundraising at IHF, said: “By joining IHF on the Cycle this year, you will be embarking on a personal challenge and you will also be supporting people across the country who are facing end of life. It is IHF’s vision that no one should face these difficult times without the care and support they need. This is your chance to make a difference for end-of-life care and bereavement care for families across Ireland.” 

For more details, please see www.hospicefoundation.ie/cycle