Before the heavyweights of the Marmotte share their war stories, here's a warm-up piece from Brian McArdle on his first taste of the Ring of Kerry experience.

Reports from the sun-scorched Mount Leinster Challenge and Lap the Gaps below, as well as a slightly more Irish affair at the Etape Mourne! Thanks to Eamonn Eaton, Eileen Byrne, Sinead Kennedy and Dave Carroll for the always welcome contributions!

Updated: now with a Mount Leinster report from Billy Parker