After pedalling more than 2,100 kilometres over 27 days, Ollie White has arrived at Glastonbury with a ticket in his pocket and a grin on his face.
The 25-year-old from Grange in Co Sligo set off from Madrid, where he has been living and working as a La Liga content creator. With a love for cycling, camping and trying new things, he decided to turn the trip into an adventure. Spain, France, England and eventually Somerset. All leading to one goal.
"It feels absolutely unbelievable to finally arrive at Glastonbury after this epic journey," Ollie told RTÉ.
"I’ve seen so much along the way, but it has all been building to this moment. To be standing in front of the Pyramid Stage feels very special."
Ollie said the idea came to him once he got his ticket for the festival. After two years in Spain, he wanted to shake things up a bit and push himself. "I don’t want to do the same thing every day, every year. While I’m young, I want to have as many different experiences as possible."
He planned his route, got the gear together, and set off. "I love adventure and I love camping and I love cycling bikes, so I merged all those interests together," he said.
He was surprised by how well his body coped with the challenge. "I was worried my legs would be sore or I’d pick up injuries. But honestly, I surprised myself. No real aches or pains. I just battled through everything. Some days you’re cycling uphill for ages or pushing through a headwind, but I tried to embrace it all and enjoy every minute. At the end of the day, lying in my tent, I felt like I’d conquered something."
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Now on the ground at Worthy Farm in Somerset, Ollie is most looking forward to seeing Kneecap. "They’re a fantastic band. I love their music and what they’re doing for the Irish language. They’re making a real impact on Irish culture."
Top of his list too is Neil Young, who headlines the Pyramid Stage. "I’ve adored him since I was a child. My parents played him in the house growing up, and my brother and I used to sing his songs when we were teenagers."
This year’s Glastonbury has a strong Irish presence. Alongside Kneecap, CMAT is bringing her big voice and country-pop edge, while The Script, Inhaler, Sprints and Snow Patrol are all confirmed to perform.
Additional reporting by Suzanne Keane.
