Name :    Eamon Fitzsimons

From :    Strangford originally, but living in Downpatrick

Prior to registering for the challenge, were you aware of Mainstay DRP’s work? : Heard of the challenge through my father-in-law who has close ties with Mainstay. I knew of Mainstay's work as I had attended several fund raising functions over the past few years.

Do you belong to a cycling club? : I don't belong to any cycling club.This is a new experience for me.

How did you find training for the event? : Training has been a real eye opener as I have never undertaken any cycle trips beyond about 25 miles prior to this. I have been cycling routes such as around Strangford Lough, Bangor coast run and along the Down coast to Cranfield and my greatest distance to date has been 80 miles. I would like to have done more, but finding the time is always difficult so I hope I am up to the challenge.

What are you looking forward to most about the Elite Challenge? : What I am looking forward to most is the craic along the way and the view from Malin Head !