Brought to you by We Love Cycling Ireland and hosted by sports journalist and cycling commentator Declan Quigley, Defying the Odds shines a light on cyclists who’ve achieved exceptional things in the face of adversity. It’s a celebration of their spirit, and passion – and a reminder of just what can be done in the saddle.

In this episode, we meet cycling legend Dervla Murphy. Best known among bike enthusiasts as the author of Full Tilt, the extraordinary story of her solo ride from Ireland to India in 1963, she’s traversed the globe and documented her experiences in 26 travelogues, during an incredible career spanning more than 50 years. The Waterford native has lost nothing of her trailblazing spirit, boasting a passion for the environment, an arsenal of opinions – and, as you might expect, enough stories to fill a library!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brought to you by We Love Cycling Ireland and hosted by sports journalist and cycling commentator Declan Quigley, Defying the Odds shines a light on cyclists who’ve achieved exceptional things in the face of adversity. It’s a celebration of their spirit, and passion – and a reminder of just what can be done in the saddle.

In this episode, we meet Richael Timothy who was a decorated athlete – an Irish underage soccer international and inter-county Gaelic Footballer – until an acquired brain injury left her with severely impacted motor function on the right side of her body. Sidelined from her previous passions and searching for a release, she found cycling and began a journey that would lead all the way to a bronze medal at the 2020 World Track Championships and the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brought to you by We Love Cycling Ireland and hosted by sports journalist and cycling commentator Declan Quigley, Defying the Odds shines a light on cyclists who’ve achieved exceptional things in the face of adversity. It’s a celebration of their spirit, and passion – and a reminder of just what can be done in the saddle.

Our latest guest is Cormac Ryan, who was just 19 years old – and five months away from an All-Ireland minor hurling final – when he was told he needed a pacemaker and could no longer play contact sport. He’s now a mental health advocate and the founder of the Cycle For Life charity, which has raised tens of thousands of euros for medical and mental health services. Midway through his latest adventure, a daunting 6,000km ride from Achill to Athens in support of Pieta House and Bodywhys, Cormac tells host Declan Quigley about the trials and tribulations that he’s faced – and the perspective he’s gained as he pedals into the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.