Published May 13, 2011 08:30AM
Ironman Triathlete and Dialysis Patient Shad Ireland Sets off to ride the Tour of California route, two triathlons, and a marathon to raise awareness for kidney disease.
On Monday, May 16th at the Amgen Tour of California pro cycling race, Shad Ireland, triathlete, dialysis patient and the first kidney patient to ever successfully complete Ironman triathlon, will “Take on the Tour,” launching a 24-month athletic endeavor to conquer the sport of cycling and raise awareness for kidney disease.
Ireland, best known for his epic 4,700 mile ride across the U.S. in 2009 to bring attention to those with kidney failure, plans to ride multiple stages of several of the world’s toughest cycling races and compete in the Lanai Hawaii Triathlon, the Orange County Triathlon and the New York City Marathon, all in an effort to spread the message of healthcare and prevention, and raise awareness of the over 27 million Americans suffering from kidney disease.
“Take on the Tour” will launch at the Amgen Tour of California, where the indefatigable Ireland will ride Stages 2, 4, and 6, following dialysis treatments the night before each stage. Riding solo, the pro athlete will take the road at 1AM PT on Monday, May 16 for the 133 mile ride from Squaw Valley to Sacramento. He will also cycle 82 miles from Livermore to San Jose on Wednesday, May 18 and participate in the amateur time trial in Solvang on Friday, May 20.
Read more: Bike World News