This fella has been riding sportives, hill climbs and time trials on these roads since Sean Kelly was in short trousers. Don’t be fooled by the bushy moustache and authentic 1960s woollen jersey, The Old Timer is absolute nails and he will cause you serious pain if you mess with his rhythm.

His calves are the deep rich brown of a man who has spent many summers, and winters, turning the pedals. He can recite the precise gradients of the day’s main climbs from memory. He also doesn’t ‘believe’ in newfangled energy gels, bars or isotonic drinks and rides the whole Long route on water and a bowl of Weetabix.

The OT cycles steadily at 30kph all day – he doesn’t need a Garmin or bike computer to keep that speed consistent either, he just knows. You may feel good about dropping him after the first 10km, but guess who’ll be there a couple of hours later to glide past you in sight of the finish while you’re chewing the bars and struggling to keep the bike going in a straight line? That’s right, Mr Moustache-face.