A map can be deceptive. Stage Two of the Tour de France en Irlande didn't look a whole lot more challenging than the first, but it turned out to be an epic journey.
To be honest, I needed 48 hours recovery from Stage One before even approaching the bike again. Besides, the riders would have their own team masseurs and then express transport to the next start in Enniscorthy. A very early start had me in the town by 10.30 a.m., and after the necessary caffeine dose, it was slow steam ahead for Cork. It's a narrow, winding road for New Ross, and I can see the Tour riders taking their time. I certainly did. Plenty of strawberries for sale along the road for distraction, but neither I nor the riders, I'm sure, have time to stop. Some 33 km later, it's a pleasant drop into New Ross. Again, the roads in the town are smooth and slick, so the race won't be delaying.
Waterford: Le Preview 2 hr 25 min, Le Tour 1 hr 19 min.
Another rather mundane road into Waterford City and across another mundane bridge. It hasn't exactly been an inspiring route so far, although Waterford appears prepared for a festival greeting. The main street looks colourful as the race heads out the top of the town and towards Kilmeaden. Spirits are good and the prospect of Carrick-On-Suir is motivating - until I become unmotivated.
A puncture just metres later and it's pull-over time. Luckily my companion is a miracle worker with bicycles and the delay is kept to a reasonable minimum (a spare tube helped), about 10 minutes. Still, it's more like 10 seconds for the pros. Kilmeaden passes without notice (can this really be the fillet of cheddar?) and it's detour time as the road turns north towards Carrick. This is a little more scenic and the approach to Fiddown is quite pleasing. Both here and nearby Piltown are well decorated in the Tour colours of blue, white and red which help to keep the pedals turning.
Carrick-On-Suir: Le Preview 4 hr 50, Le Tour 2 hr 3.
Sweeping past the Sean Kelly Sports Centre and into the home of Ireland's cycling legend. The Tour organisers went to great lengths to ensure the race could pass through Carrick. Only two men have ridden more than Kelly's 14 Tours, and Sean Kelly Square just had to be on the route. So, with some ancient street stones and the like removed, it's a swift run through the town centre and over the bridge towards the hills.
There's some King of the Mountain points available here towards the honour of wearing the polka-dot jersey. I didn't have much energy for changing shirts so made it a casual climb. Actually the hill was not so demanding, and it soon broke into a stunning valley by the Comreagh mountains. This was enjoyable cycling territory and should look magnificent on television. Plenty of distractions along the way also, including a half mile of bicycle wheels nailed to telephone poles.
It's a long haul before getting back to the N25 and the road for Dungarvan. After nearly seven hours on the road, the signs still say 90 km to Cork. This is going to take a serious effort.
Dungarvan: Le Preview 7 hr 10, Le Tour 2 hr 54.
Another nice descent to rest the legs. The Town Square has an all-day festival planned for the Tour's visit next Monday, but it's fairly deserted right now. Time for another feed station. Something about these towns make you buy stuff usually never considered - in this case Wagon Wheels - washed down with another Coke, and then straight back on the long road south for Cork.
There was no mention of a King of the Mountain point on the map, but the road out of Dungarvan was a serious climb. There was no time to complain. It's getting late and Cork does not seem to be getting much closer.
Youghal finally arrives after a winding coast road and yet another bridge. Seems like a good place for a holiday, but, once again, like the Tour itself, it's a flying visit.
The sun is now disappearing and it's taking huge concentration to keep the momentum going. Killeagh is next up and Coke stop number seven. Two kids playing hurling on the road happily remind me that the Tour de France is coming here on July 13th. Really?
Midleton: Le Preview 10 hr 5, Le Tour 4 hr 13.
Using all my will-power, a slight detour takes me through Midleton. Another charming Cork town and the home, I remember, of that famous whiskey. No time for a sample, however, except another proof-of-visit photo and then continue, head down, for Cork.
It's a super road all the way to Cork. The Tour are supposed to do this segment in 25 minutes but it took me more than an hour. There's barely any life left in the legs and only the thought of rest and relaxation gets me into the city.
At last, the final "Road Closed" signs welcome me to Cork. It's now almost dark, and I still have to meander my way through the city and out to the Carrigrohane Road for the finish. The Tour organisers showed some sympathy and decided to pass on St Patrick's Hill. Still, I could probably put up a sprint if I had to such was the euphoria - although maybe not quite as fast as the Tour is going to finish.
Nearly 12 hours and 205 km later, Stage Two ends by the Lee - just as good for me as the ChampsElysees. It's a mammoth stage and the Tour has another 18 to go, eight of which are longer than this. This cycle may have lowered my heart-rate, but it certainly raised my reverence for the men who do this for a living.
L'Arrivee: Le Preview 11 hr 20, Le Tour 4 hr 48.
