2022 Stage 5 results and final GC

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2022 Stage 2 results

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2022 Stage 1 results

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Stage 5 – 2022

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Stage 4 – 2022

Townsend takes stage 4 of Rás Tailteann into Kilbeggan, Feeley retains yellow

In a fast bunch sprint to the line, Rory Townsend of Team Ireland took todays FBD Insurance sponsored stage win from Odhran Doogan of team Dublin Orwell Pinergy in 2nd and Matteo Cigala of Carlow Dan Morrissey in 3rd place.

Odhran Doogan also picked up the Bective Stud sponsored County rider stage jersey and the Festina watch sponsored, daily county rider prize for his performance.

Roscommon man Daire Feeley of the Cork – All Human Velo Revolution Team retained his yellow jersey of overall leader and his advantage of 51 seconds over stage 2 winner Louis David Sutton Team Spain Brocar Ale with Adam Ward of Team Ireland in third 1’06 in arrears.

Daire Feeley also retained his lead Cycling Ireland supported King of the Mountains competition.

The Spin11 sponsored U23 leaders jersey is held Louis David Sutton (Team Spain Brocar Ale) and Rory Townsend (Team Ireland) holds the City Break Apartments sponsored green points jersey going into tomorrow’s final stage.

2022 Rás Tailteann, Stage 4.  Rory Townsend of Team Ireland wins into Kilbeggan from Odhran Doogan of the Dublin Orwell Pinergy team with Matteo Cigala Carlow Dan Morrissey in third. PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

How it unfolded.

Today’s stage 4 of Rás Tailteann 2022 saw the 153 starting riders faced with a 154.1 journey from Lisdoonvarna to Kilbeggan.

After his second-place finish yesterday, race leader Daire Feeley of team Cork: Velo Revolution was presented with the race leaders Cycling Ireland yellow jersey which he would wear throughout stage 4. Stage 4 was a welcome parcours for many riders, with no categorised climbs and a reasonably flat terrain.

After the flag dropped, the race took off at a ferocious pace through the Burren, averaging upwards of 50 km/hr on the roads out of Lisdoonvarna.

The first break of the day came at 60km into the race when Paul Kennedy, Clare: Burren CC and Kevin McCambridge – Trinity Racing built an advantage of 33s over the peloton. After driving on for 10km, McCambridge pushed on solo and held a gap of 30s for the next 10km on the approach to Ballinalsloe. The peloton added impetus to its efforts, travelling at 60km/hr soon absorbed the lone leader with race leader Daire Feeley remaining comfortable but attentive at the head of the race. Although a number of attempts were made to gain an advantage at the front of the peloton, yellow jersey Feeley and team Velo Revolution were keeping the race well marshalled.

The peloton leaving Lisdoonvarna and the Burren on stage 4 today. PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

The most dangerous move of the day came late in the stage on the approach to Athlone when 7 riders went clear of the peloton building a gap of 30s. This group included Frazier Carr of Spirit BSS, Adrien Boichis of Trinity Racing and Joe Rees-Embark-Bikestrong who started the day in 9th place @ 1’46 off the race lead. It didn’t take the peloton long to react as they again reached speeds of 60 km/hr approaching Moate with 10km of racing remaining.

The stage was thus set for a fast bunch finish as teams shuffled for positions approaching Kilbeggan. Pre-stage favourite Rory Townsend displayed an impressive kick in the final 200m as he passed over the line to take victory. The youngest rider in the race, Odhran Doogan, of Dublin:Orwell had to settle for 2nd place followed by Matteo Cigala of Carlow: Dan Morrissey in 3rd.

The yellow jersey in action today during stage 4. PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

As a result of today’s action, Daire Feeley retains the race lead going into the final stage of this years Rás Tailteann with a fast finish expected in Blackrock. After stage victory today, Rory Townsend wears the stage winners FBD Insurance red jersey into stage 5.

Tomorrow’s stage 5 will see the riders take on the 135.3km route from Kinnegad to Blackrock, Dundalk. After 96km of racing, The race will take in 4 laps of a testing technical finishing circuit of just under 10km in length. This will be a stage for spectators, where they will get to witness multiple times, the exciting final hours racing of the 2022 edition of An Rás Tailteann.

2022 Rás Tailteann, Stage 3. Adam Ward of Team Ireland wins into Lisdoonvarna from Daire Feeley of the Cork – All Human Velo Revolution Team. PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

How it unfolded.

Today’s stage 3 of Rás Tailteann 2022 saw the 153 starting riders faced with a 172.1km journey from Newcastlewest to Lisdoonvarna. After stage victory yesterday, race leader David Louis Sutton of visiting team Brocar-Ale was presented with the race leaders Cycling Ireland yellow jersey which he would wear throughout todays stage 3.

The peloton departing Ardagh on stage 3 today. PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

After the flag dropped, the race took off at a blistering pace reaching speeds of 60 km/hr on the approach to Adare. The first break of the day came when Daire Feeley, Cork: Velo Revolution and Rhys Kenny – Dublin: UCD went clear building a gap of 10 seconds over the peloton. However, the peloton spotted the danger in Feeley after his efforts yesterday, and along with Kenny, were reeled in as the race came back together going through Croagh. It didn’t take Feeley long to go on the attack again as a group of nine riders including himself built a dangerous early advantage going through Adare. That group of nine consisted of:

Ward – Team Ireland

McCay – Cycling Sheffield

Housley – Spirit BSS

Rees – Embark Bikestong

Feeley – Cork: Velo Revolution

Moore – Cycling Ulster

Hennebry – Carlow: Dan Morrissey

Shortt – Carlow: Dan Morrissey

Smith – Moynalty

After building a gap of 4’30, Daire Feeley moved into the virtual yellow jersey on the road. Despite a crash in the peloton, which caused Spin11 under 23 white jersey  holder Matthew Devins of Trinity Racing forced to pull out of the race. Yellow jersey David Louis Sutton sensed the danger and marshaled his teammates to the front of the peloton to instigate the chase as the race approached Ennis with 60km of racing remaining.

Although the chase brought the gap down to 2’30 at one point, it was clear Feeley had other intentions as he went clear with Adam Ward of team Ireland with 25km of racing remaining. As the leaders crossed the category 2 KOH on the infamous Corkscrew hill, they held a gap of 1’00 over 6 chasers with a fragmented yellow jersey group further back, chasing @ 2’20 in arrears. On the approach to Lisdoonvarna, Feeley continued to drive the break on for precious time with Ward kicking in the last 200m to take stage victory.

As a result of today’s action, Daire Feeley now moves into the race lead, as well as leading the KOH, points, and county rider classifications. He will now wear the race leaders Cycling Ireland yellow jersey into tomorrow’s stage 4, with Adam Ward taking the stage winners FBD Insurance red jersey following his victory today.

The race continues tomorrow Saturday with stage 4, 154.1 kilometres from Lisdoonvarna to Kilbeggan.

Stage 2 – 2022

David Louis Sutton of the Spanish Brocar-Ale team wins solo and takes race lead on stage 2 of Rás Tailteann

David Louis Sutton of the of the Spanish Brocar-Ale team won todays FBD Insurance sponsored stage honours in a solo effort that also put him in the Cycling Ireland supported yellow jersey of race leader.

Second over the line, 11 seconds later was William Perret (Team Spellman Dublin Port) who also claimed the Bective Stud sponsored County rider stage and overall award, followed by Michael Chadwick (Team Embark Bikestrong) in third, 54 seconds after the winner.

Matthew Teggart of the Cycling Ulster team now wears the City Break Apartments green points jersey. The Cycling Ireland King of the Hills was retained by Dean Harvey (Team Ireland) and the Spin11 U23 leader is Matthew Devins (Team Trinity Racing). William Perret (Team Spellman Dublin Port) also picked up the Festina watch daily county rider prize.

2022 Rás Tailteann, Stage 2, solo winner into Castleisland – David Louis Sutton of the Spanish Brocar-Ale Team

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

How it unfolded.

Today’s stage 2 of Rás Tailteann 2022 saw the riders faced with a 154.8k journey from Horse and Jockey to Castleisland.

After stage victory yesterday, race leader Matthew Teggart was presented with the race leaders Cycling Ireland yellow jersey which he would wear throughout stage 2. Rory Townsend who finished second in stage 1 would wear the Citybreak green jersey, Matteo Cigala the county riders Bective Stud blue jersey, Adam Stenson the stage winners FBD Insurance red jersey and Dean Harvey the KOM leaders Cycling Ireland polka dot jersey.

When the flag dropped at 11:05, the race took off at a blistering pace averaging 50 km/hr during the first 30 mins of racing.

The peloton on it is way to Castleisland on stage 2 today

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

The first break of the day came at 15km when Daire Feeley, Cork: Velo Revolution , Kevin McCambridge, Trinity Racing, and Mark Shannon, Clare: Burren CC went clear building a gap of 15s over the peloton. The peloton weren’t long to react and the race came back together going through Tipperary town. After back to back crashes going through Tipperary town, a group of 12 riders went clear including:

Hagan – Team Ireland

Malacarne – Trinity Racing

Hill – Spirit BSS

Chadwick – Embark-Bikestrong

Sutton – Brocar-Ale

Kes – West Frisia

O’Neill – Cycling Ulster

Maes – Cork: Velo Revolution

Feeley – Cork: Velo Revolution

MacCarter – Dublin: Spellman Port

Perrett – Dublin: Spellman Port

Doogan – Dublin: Orwell Wheelers

The leaders continued to work well together building a maximum gap of 1’40 over the chasing peloton being led by Team Ireland and Cycling Sheffield. As the leaders crossed the cat 3 KOH @ Freemount the leading group continued to whittle down as riders relentlessly attacked each other.

Approaching the cat 2 KOH @ Crags Cave, the breakaway fragmented as four riders went clear (Feeley, Sutton, Chadwick, Perrett) holding a gap of 30s over the chasing peloton. Going over the steep incline at Crags Cave, the breakaway split up as Sutton – Brocar-Ale made his bid for victory. Race leader Matthew Teggart made one last attempt to bridge the gap to the leaders on the climb but proved unsuccessful as Sutton ramped home for victory in Castleisland ahead of his breakaway colleagues.

As a result, Sutton, Brocar-Ale will now wear the race leaders Cycling Ireland yellow jersey into tomorrow’s stage 3.

The stage in Castleisland today also honored the 50th anniversary of the winner of the Rás in 1972, the legendary Kerry rider, John Mangan from Killorglin.

Infamous for his racing exploits at home and abroad he was arguably one of the best-known athletes of his era and synonymous with the Rás. He was particularly well known on the roads of France, where he had a distinguished racing career, becoming somewhat of a household name as a result.

The race continues tomorrow Friday with stage 3, 172.1 kilometres from Newcastlewest to Lisdoonvarna. This features the category three ascent at the Burren after 150 kilometres followed by the category two climb of Corkscrew Hill at 162 kilometres before the finish ten kilometers later in Lisdoonvarna.

2022 Rás Tailteann, Stage 2 winner– David Louis Sutton of the Spanish Brocar-Ale Team celebrates with his team mate

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

Stage 1 – 2022

Matthew Teggart of team Cycling Ulster takes Rás Tailteann lead in Horse and Jockey with impressive stage one victory

Emerging the fastest in a spectacular and furious bunch sprint to the line in the glorious Tipperary sunshine.

Matthew Teggart of the Cycling Ulster team emerged as the winner by the tightest of margins to eclipse his fellow competitors and take victory on the first stage and with it, the coveted yellow jersey of overall leader of the An Rás Tailteann 2022. He now also leads the green jersey points classification. 

Second over the line was Rory Townsend (Team Ireland), followed by Matteo Cigala (Team Carlow – Dan Morrissey) who also scooped the County rider award. 

King of the hills was Dean Harvey (Team Ireland), U23 leader is Joseph Rees (Team Britain Embark Bikestrong) and the county team classification is led by Team Carlow – Dan Morrissey.

2022 Rás Tailteann, Stage 1, bunch sprint Dublin to Horse and Jockey – Matthew Teggart of the Cycling Ulster Team (left hand side in white and orange) wins Stage 1

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

How it unfolded.

Stage 1 of Rás Tailteann 2022 kicked off this morning with a ceremonial start from Tallaght Stadium. The racing was unsurprisingly intense from the off with the peloton averaging 48.8 km/hr in the first hour of racing. Although a number of riders made early attempts to get clear from the peloton, their efforts proved frugal with the peloton keeping a close eye on proceedings.

The most dangerous move of the day came on the Cat 2 KOH @ Deenside when 3 riders gained a 55 second advantage over the main field with only 35km of racing remaining. This group included:

Dean Watson – Embark-Bikestrong

Lindsay Watson – Cycling Ulster

Ronan Killeen – Mayo: Castlebar CC

The peloton led by Team Ireland and Cycling Sheffield orchestrated the chase behind reducing the gap to 30 seconds with 20km to go. Although Watson of Embark-Bikestrong made one final attempt to break clear in the last 10km, his days were numbered as the race inevitably came back together with 5km to go. The shuffling began as Trinity Racing, Cycling Ulster and Team Ireland fought to get their fast men up to the front as the peloton passed through the flamme rouge of 1 kilometre to go.

One of the pre-race favourites, Matthew Teggart of Cycling Ulster proved too strong to take the win and the FBD Insurance sponsored Stage winners jersey.

Teggart will now wear the leaders yellow jersey into tomorrow’s stage 2, with Townsend wearing the Citybreak Apartments points jersey and Cigala wearing the Bective Stud leading county-rider blue jersey.

The Spin11 king of the hills jersey was Dean Harvey (Team Ireland), U23 leaders jersey sponsored by Cycling Ireland is Joseph Rees (Team Britain Embark Bikestrong) and the county team classification is led by Team Carlow – Dan Morrissey.

With only seconds separating the leading riders on general classification, it’s sure to be a hard day for the race tomorrow as the riders take on the 155km journey towards Castleisland.

Matthew Teggart of the Cycling Ulster Team

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @Lorraine O’Sullivan

The race continues on Thursday with stage 2, 154.8 kilometres from Horse and Jockey to Castleisland. This features the category three ascent at Freemount just about two hours after the drop of the flag. The category two climb of Crags Cave (km 148.8) follows before a fast run downhill into the finish six kilometers later.in Castleisland.

PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY 8th JUNE 2022

Final International Teams Confirmed

Irish National Team 

England Cycling Sheffield  

EvoPro Racing

IRELAND

An Rás wouldn’t be an Rás without the participation of our own Irish team. 

Showcasing some of the best up and coming Irish talent and future prospects, the Irish team is always one to put in a big performance in its home event. No less should be expected in 2022 as they aim to fill the shoes and follow in the footsteps of the big names that went before them.

Race Director Ger Campbell when asked about the teams’ participation said ‘’the Rás certainly wouldn’t be the Ras without the Irish team and that is no less the case in 2022. The Irish team always acquits itself well and we don’t expect anything less this year” he added “we think that this team has the prerequisites for both stage and overall honours, we just have to wait and see how they assess their fellow competitors and adapt their game plan according to how the race unfolds”

The team line-up includes:

• • Rory Townsend 

• • Dean Harvey 

• • Archie Ryan

• Adam Ward

• Paul Antoine Hagan

England – Cycling Sheffield

CYCLING SHEFFIELD is arguably one of the most successful cycling teams in the U.K. Its mission to help their riders develop and further their careers by providing a professional and nurturing team environment as evidenced by previous results in the British Cycling National Series, ahead of several high-profile teams including Team Wiggins at its height. Connor Swift, one of their most successful riders became British Road Champion and progressed to Pro Continental level with Team Arkéa Samsic.

The team race at regional, national and international level, travelling to races across the UK and Europe and are very much looking forward to coming to an Rás.

Cycling Sheffield indicated that “in 2022 as part of the plan to expand the race program to include more racing in Europe enabling our riders to gain valuable experience and improve their form for target races”. The Rás is clearly a big target for this team lead by Dave Coulson, Director and team manager at Cycling Sheffield.

The team line-up includes:

• • Will Harding

• • Joe Coukham

• George Wood

• • James McKay

• James Hawkins

EvoPro Racing

The 2022 #EVOBRO line up is an eclectic mix of experience and youth, calling on talents from home soil to California, USA. With a packed roster for 2022 EvoPro Racing’s is aiming to have its best season to date competing at UCI Continental level and lists some of Ireland’s rising stars to compete at the sharp end of every race they start. 

Under the guidance of the highly experienced ex- pro and Sports Director, Morgan Fox, himself well versed in racing the Rás. This team is sure to be in the thick of the action as it unfolds.

Commenting on EvoPros participation in the 2022 Rás, Cáirde Rás Tailteann indicated “it is great to see this group of Irish riders evolving and we look forward to some solid performances during the race from them. No doubt they will be ones to watch considering their experience and results at home and abroad these last few seasons, definitely a team that will be chasing stage and overall honours”

The team line-up includes:

• • Conn Mc Dunphy

• Tom Moriarty

• • Liam Curley

• • Mitchell McLaughlin

• Cian Keogh

The Route

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey.

Cáirde Rás Tailteann

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna

Media Contact Details

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205

Email – info@rasireland.ie

Web – www.rasireland.ie

PRESS RELEASE FRIDAY 3rd JUNE 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

International Teams Confirmed 

USA  

England – Embark Bikestrong  

London Irish CCC Foran 

USA – Good Guys Racing Team 

Reaffirming the appeal of An Rás Tailteann to the international cycling community. It is a testament to the stature of the race that again welcomes a team from the USA. This year the USA – Good Guys Racing Team, based out of the heart of New York City travels over the Atlantic Ocean specially to lay down its challenge for honours in the 2022 event. 

What started as a self-described modest team, has quickly evolved into one of the powerhouses of Road Racing in the North Eastern Corner of USA. In 2021, Good Guys Racing competed in The US Criterium Series all across the United States, against top professional teams.  

This year Good Guys Racing and it’s women’s team equivalent, Good Gals Racing have been on the podium weekly, a good omen in their preparations for coming to Ireland. Their team leader is Kerryman Cormac Daly who has resided in the USA over a number of years. Cormac is former Irish A3 National Road race Champion and was recently crowned New York State Road Race Champion amongst a very strong field. He is joined by another Irish sporting hero and Olympian Cathal Moynihan, who guests with the team and brings a wealth of experience to draw on. 

Ger Campbell race director was quoted “We are very happy to welcome this team all the way from the USA. Continuing the connection An Rás has had with our North American friends over many, many years. There is no doubt that this team will add to the flavour of the 2022 edition.” He added “it will be interesting to watch when these guys will put their mark on the 2022 event as they make the transition from preparations orbiting Central Park to the hills in Castleisland” 

Team Member and coordinator Mike Tan expressed his excitement about travelling to compete in An Rás “Cormac has told us about what an historic race this is, we are delighted and feel privileged to take part, we just can’t wait!” he added “We are used to fast flat courses so we expect those days to suit us perfectly, especially on day 1 into Horse and Jockey in Tipperary, though the rolling hills of Ireland are sure to be a challenge not just for us, but the entire peloton” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Cormac Daly 

• Michael Tan 

• • Vince Rhino 

• • Cathal Moynihan 

• Will Hackman 

England Embark – Bikestrong 

Embark-Bikestrong are a British Cycling Elite Development Team, formed in 2018 with the purpose of supporting up and coming riders with the goal of growing into a team capable of racing at the highest level of competition in the UK. This goal has been achieved very quickly with inclusion in the domestic Tour Series, proving a real baptism of fire but also firing the teams’ ambition for more.  

Advancing to be a full Tour Series team in 2019, they attracted more attention and riders enabling the transition to an Elite Development Team in 2021, racing across the British Cycling National Series.  Moving into 2022 the team has ambitions to build further on its status. 

According to Mitch Wilcox “the opportunity to compete in An Rás Tailteann is something that the team is really, really excited about. It is our biggest stage race, certainly our first proper International one to travel to” he added “even though we are aware of the history and reputation of the event, we fully intend to be pushing up the front of the race as much as possible” 

The team roster is composed of riders with a good mix of skills and rider type. 

Ger Campbell race director noted “this teams roster offers a mix of youth and experience as well as a range of attributes. It will be interesting to observe the team work, ethos and spirit. 3 of the team are current U23 riders with the others not much older so this is an opportunity for them to develop as stage racers, experiencing racing in a different country, at a different level and with teams they are not familiar with” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Joe Rees 

• Sam Tillett 

• • Jamieson Blain 

• • Jesse Yates 

• James Alexander 

London Irish – Foran CCC 

Foran Race Team was set up in 2019 with the idea of supporting developing riders and giving them opportunities to compete in the UK and Irish race scenes.  

Supported by Foran Construction in South London, the squad have developed year on year, bringing on new talent ready to target races with real depth. Offering a blend of experience and freshness, the team seeks to build on previous successes in Ireland, including at Rás Mumhan, Tour of Ulster and Charleville 2-Day in 2019 and 2021. With Rás Mumhan 2022 in the bank, tackling an Rás Tailteann is high on the team’s list of priorities for this year. 

This team, headed up by Paul Lavelle and Tom Quaid, commented “our team is very excited to be coming to Ireland, to race one of the cycling world’s most unique and storied international stage races” he added “while it is always intimidating to line up at the start of such a race, the stories and legends of the Rás in particular illustrate just how important this event is and we are eager to hit the start line” 

Ger Campbell race director noted “we are excited to welcome the London Irish – Foran CCC team to the 2022 Rás and we look forward to watching their progress during the week” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Thomas Quaid 

• • Tobias Dahlhaus 

• Thomas Springbett 

• • Joseph Murray 

• Monte Guerrini 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 30th MAY 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022

International Teams Confirmed 

Spain  

Scotland  

England Trinity Racing 

SPAIN – Brocar Ale 

This year An Rás welcomes a team from Spain. The Spain – Brocar Ale team 

Ger Campbell 2022 race director noted “We are excited to extend a hearty céad mille fáilte to this team representing Spain. We are expecting exciting things from this team and look forward to watching how the race unfolds for them in their first participation in An Rás Tailteann”

The team line-up includes: 

• • Alvaro Sagrado Perez 

• • Sergio Jimenez Duran 

• Nathan Kurensky 

• • Louis David Sutton 

• Tom Finlay Martin 

SCOTLAND – Spokes Racing Team 

This team based in the area around Dundee, is focussed on the development of up-and-coming Scottish riders from the junior through the u 23 ranks. The team has track record of successfully guiding around 15 riders onto big European teams. Including Oscar Onley at DSM and Mark Stewart, the current Commonwealth Points Race champion and former An Post pro rider.  

Team principal Craig Grieve commented “our current team is gaining in strength and confidence with Lee Rosie in particular having some good results in UCI and British premier events of late. We are eager to travel to Ireland to participate in this legendary event where we expect some fine performances from our team, especially considering the performances we had at Rás Mumhan over easter” 

Also included in the Scottish line up is Daniel Kain is a Scottish TT Champion along with Craig Paterson and Jacob Smith who have been very consistent in their results of late. They will be joined  by team mate Cameron Brown who has been based in Belgium most of this season.  

Gerard Campbell race director noted “the Rás just wouldn’t be the same without a Scottish team. Who knows, maybe they will be able to emulate the efforts of the great Glaswegian and uncle of Irish International rider Imogen Cotter from Co. Clare, Jamie McGahan. The man who left a lasting impression with his superb performance to win the 1981 edition of an Rás” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Lee Rosie 

• • Jacob Smith 

• • Craig Paterson 

• • Daniel Kain 

• Cameron Brown 

ENGLAND – Trinity Racing 

Trinity Racing is welcomed to Rás this year. This team has become infamous of late due to its skilled development of riders from home and abroad including the likes of Tom Pidcock and of course our own former Irish Champion, Ben Healy. Healy is now of course competing at the very highest level in Cycling’s World Tour with the EF Education-Nippo team.  

Trinity Racing has of course has very strong Irish connection in the form of owner Andrew McQuaid. Himself a Man of Rás who hails from one of Irelands storied cycling families including his uncle Paul who won the Rás in 1995. The team coming for the 2022 edition will have 2 Irish riders amongst is ranks, Kevin McCambridge and Matthew Devins who are some of Irish cycling’s most exciting prospects. 

Commenting on his teams’ first attendance at the Rás, Andrew observed “It is great to see this historic event returning this year and we are very excited to have a team travel home to Ireland in the Trinity Racing colours to participate” 

Gerard Campbell race director noted “we anticipate some impressive performances from this team and look forward to welcoming Trinity Racing to its first ever Rás” adding ”this team has proven itself as one of the most successful incubators of talent in cycling across multiple disciplines, so we can be sure it will be one of the teams to watch in the 2022 edition” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Kevin McCambridge 

• • Matthew Devins 

• Alex Malacarne 

• • Adrien Boichis 

• Cameron Mason

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

The Netherlands 

Returning to An Rás Tailteann, the Netherlands will be represented this time by the Wielervereniing (WV) West- Frisa Team.  

Managed by former top Dutch rider Tino Haaknaan, no stranger to racing in Ireland during his own career. He brings a team that is sure to make a big contribution to the 2022 edition. 

Dutch-representation in An Rás has always added to the excitement of the race as evidenced in the 2018 edition when the race for final honours went town to the wire on the last stage. That year Dutch rider Luuc Bugter of the Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam team took the final yellow jersey in one of the most dramatic finishes ever. Winning by the narrowest margin possible, a single second, from Cyrille Thiery of Switzerland following the final stage into Skerries. We can be sure that this team will be doing its utmost to replicate their compatriots’ success again this June.  

Ger Campbell Race Director commented “any team that comes from the Netherlands always animates An Rás. We don’t expect any differently this year, especially with the team that Tino is bringing” adding that “we look forward to seeing how this Dutch team performs as you can be sure they will never be far from the action” 

Tino Haaknan, manager of the Netherlands – WV West Frisia team when asked about coming to the 2022 Rás “ja we are very happy to be returning to race in Ireland and are thankful to Cairde Rás Tailteann for facilitating our participation in this prestigious international event” he went on to add “ I think our team has good chances in this race, and we know some of the roads in Kerry especially, from our participation in the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan over many years, which is a big advantage for us” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Tijs Dekker  

• • Thomas Hartog  

• • Jim Kes  

• • Guillaume Visser 

• Stefan Appelman 

Isle of Man 

Another team that has been part of the fabric of An Rás Tailteann, is the Isle of Man Team. 

Riders from the Isle of Man have animated many editions of An Rás Tailteann, their most famous cycling progeny being Mark Cavendish and of course former winner of An Rás Tailteann in 1997, Andrew Roche who won a fiercely contested event that year. 

The Isle of Man team returns this year under the stewardship of a new support system, managed by Conor Davies and with the backing of a new initiative and supported from the local community by its own board. Drawing from a healthy reservoir of collective experience over many editions of An Rás Tailteann. This year the Isle of Man team is sure to leave its mark on proceedings just as it has in the past. 

When asked about coming back to the Rás, Conor was keen to “compliment the efforts that have been made to put this great race back on the road” adding ”the importance of this great event cannot be understated, not just for our team, but for all of cycling. There is effectively no other event like the Rás on the International calendar where we have such a unique historical mix of professionals and amateurs competing shoulder to shoulder. We relish the opportunity to return to fierce competition around the roads of Ireland” 

Gerard Campbell Race Director commented “we always look forward to welcoming the Isle of Man team back to an Rás and again in 2022. For many years we have watched the development of riders from the Isle of Man and look forward to welcoming the newest generation to an Rás 2022” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • Corrin Leeming 

• • Niall Quiggin 

• • Will Draper 

• • Chris Kneen 

• James Harrison 

England – Spirit Racing Team 

Born 2010 the Spirit Racing Team has steadily progressed and grown substantially in the intervening years. Now firmly established as one of the strongest British Elite Development Teams in the UK and Europe.  

The team competes in the UK’s biggest races and gets invites to the UCI Europe, Asia, African Tours and of course An Rás Tailteann here in Ireland. It will be hard not to expect big things of this experienced organisation as it fields some of the most promising riders coming thorough the elite British system. English teams have always provided formidable source of action in the Rás and it should be no different this year considering the calibre of the squad that is coming this way. 

Team Principal Russell Rowles was quoted “As a team we are really looking forward to the Rás, hoping for success on some of the traditional big climbing days and some of our punchier riders for the faster stages” he went on “our ambition will of course be to compete for a GC (general classification) win and hopefully some stage wins along the way, we are very excited and can’t wait” 

Gerard Campbell Race Director was keen to point out “we expect this team is aiming like many others, to take the race by the proverbial horns. Likely we will see them active in breakaways and eager to make their mark on the 2022 edition with the same enthusiasm and energy they have brought to their performances in the Tour of the North in previous years” 

The team line-up includes: 

• • George Kimber 

• • Farley Barber 

• • Frazier Carr 

• • Josh Housley 

• Joe Hill 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 13th JUNE 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

Publicising the support of Cycling Ireland for the 2022 edition of An Rás.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann announces the support of Cycling Ireland who have stepped up again in 2022 to continue ultimately the support that originated from the various state Departments including Sport/Transport over decades, now continued via Sport Ireland and its long association with An Rás Tailteann.  

Cycling Ireland is the National Governing body for cycling across the island of Ireland with a vision is to develop an island enriched by cycling.  

Staying true to its roots as an organisation that was originally formed to cater to competitive cyclists. It now also boasts one of the more diverse, larger and influential memberships within the context of the Irish sporting landscape. Bringing together cyclists and communities whether it relates to education, leisure, development, safety, competition, commuting or just incidental bike use of any kind. Cycling Ireland is a resource for everyone no matter what your interest in cycling is, through its varied resources and programmes. 

Of course, Cycling Ireland also boasts the inclusion of an Irish team composed of the following riders for the 2022 edition: 

Rás Tailteann – Ireland Team 

• Rory Townsend (road captain) 

• • Archie Ryan 

• • Dean Harvey 

• • Adam Ward 

• Paul-Antoine Hagan

Cycling Ireland CEO, Matt McKerrow, commented “Cycling Ireland is delighted to see An Rás Tailteann return to the Irish cycling calendar after a short hiatus. We are pleased to be in a position to support the event to get back on the road this year and see the legacy of this longstanding race, which dates back to 1953, continue. We hope our significant funding of the event this year provides the impetus for future editions to follow” he added “the organising committee have put an enormous amount of work into the event and with the support of the event sponsors, local councils and the wider cycling community it is sure to be a great success. We look forward to 5-days of spectacular racing, featuring our top domestic talent as well as teams from around the World.” 

Race Director Gerard Campbell added “one of An Rás Tailteanns most consistent supporters over the years. Cycling Ireland has continued the vital support this event, as well as many others in the Irish Cycling calendar has relied upon for many years. Our sincerest thanks in particular to the to the Board of Cycling Ireland which has since 2019 encouraged and supported the efforts we have made to bring this event back. We especially would like to thank the Board for its support and foresight through the highly uncertain times during the covid pandemic. For their recognition of how critical this event is, not just for the development of our talented athletes, but also for the role this event plays bringing the Irish cycling community together. Facilitating the smooth transfer of knowledge, skills and experience between the generations of volunteers within the wider national cycling community and which makes this the ultimate event in the Irish cycling calendar” 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann would also like to again note the historical support received from Sport Ireland via Cycling Ireland for this event over many years. 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland, starting on Wednesday the 15th of June from Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth on Sunday the 19th of June. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 10th JUNE 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

Spin11  

Publicising the latest of the sponsors for the 2022 edition of An Rás.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann announces the support of Spin11 who have stepped up again in 2022 to continue their long association with An Rás Tailteann to provide all the daily classification and final winners jerseys. In particular supporting the under 23 classification for emerging talent. 

Headquartered in Dublin and born out of passion for the sport of cycling. Since 2013 when Spin11 started supplying race kit for the Irish national Team and Cycling Ireland. They have developed and tested every garment in the wind tunnel in order to continuously deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced clothing possible. Producing amazing custom apparel that enhances sporting experience no matter what, in the simplest most efficient way possible. Spin11 are dedicated to providing the best apparel possible, to enhance your experience, keep you comfortable and enhance your ability to perform at your best, all day every day, no matter the conditions. Whether you’re churning out hundreds of miles, grinding up a tough technical off-road climb in anticipation of the descent the other side. Maybe you are in pursuit of your personal best at a triathlon or running race, or perhaps like most of us, just out having fun. Regardless of your endeavours Spin11s mission is the same. 

Race Director Gerard Campbell commented “one of An Rás Tailteanns most steadfast supporters over the years, Spin11 is assisting us again to get back on the road in 2022 with the same unwavering encouragement since 2019 when Cáirde Rás Tailteann was formed” he added “ they were first out of the gates to express their support for this new group and we are eternally grateful for that confidence and encouragement, in addition to their help with the design and delivery of these wonderful examples of the cutting edge of sports attire that the champions of the 2022 Rás will wear every day”  

Maria Connaughton of Spin11 “it was never something that we gave a second thought to back in 2019 when we were made aware of the efforts to put this iconic even back on the road, we were, and still are only too happy to continue our long association with An Rás Tailteann and look forward to seeing the champions of today wearing our jerseys as they continue in their pursuit of becoming the legends of tomorrow” she added “we’re also very excited to have our own Spin11 Chain Reaction team entering the Rás this year” 

It would be remiss of us to mention another connection of course. This firm has a direct familial connection with the former winner and champion of An Rás Tailteann, Meath resident, who hails from Cavan and another legend of the Rás that is, Brian Connaughton who won in 1969. 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 6th JUNE 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

Daily County Rider Award 

Festina

Publicising the next of the sponsors for the 2022 edition of An Rás.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann announces the support of Festina watches who have come on board to present the winner of the county rider daily award with a Festina watch for their efforts. 

Race Director Gerard Campbell observed “in another vote of confidence in our efforts to put An Rás Tailteann back on the road in 2022. Cáirde Rás Tailteann is grateful that a well-known brand such as Festina has stepped up to acknowledge one of the most important elements of the race and in doing so acknowledge the efforts of our domestic county riders each day”  

David Buckley from Festina Ireland acknowledged to be “delighted to be associated with the Rás Tailteann and its long history as Ireland’s renowned International stage race, Festina is delighted to be associated with the daily leading county rider for Rás Tailteann 2022” 

Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with a consolidated presence in more than 90 countries on five continents, multi-brand know how and 5 million watches sold per year, have all resulted in Festina being an international benchmark in the watchmaking market today. In addition to being leader in many strategic markets thanks to the quality of our products, exceptional value for money and the special attention they devote to after-sales service for their products. 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race will again travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 1st June 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

County Rider Classification Sponsor 

Bective Stud 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Bective Stud as the sponsor of the highly competitive, daily county rider’s classification during the 2022 race.  

This is a classification that has animated editions of An Rás now for many years and is one of the most fiercely contested classification prizes of the event. 

Race Director Gerard Campbell on announcing this new collaboration commented “Cáirde Rás Tailteann is delighted that Bective Stud have chosen to align itself with An Rás Tailteann 2022 and sponsor the county rider classification”. He added “in some ways An Rás Tailteann 2022 shares a similar evolution with Bective Stud, both having surmounted multiple challenges in recent years in the pursuit of re-establishing themselves. Of course, Bective Stud also strives for and promotes similar sporting heritage and values, striving for excellence in equestrian sport in particular just as we endeavour to do in our sport” 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann are very proud that this renowned Meath based firm with its international sporting dimension and local roots has decided to support An Rás Tailteann as it emerges again after its hiatus. 

Bective Stud is of course imminently well known in equestrian circles and for its quality accommodation and facilities offerings.  

Located in Balgil, Navan, Co. Meath, Bective Stud is owned by the Moran family who have worked tirelessly since 2016 to restore it back to its former glory and beauty. Repurposing the courtyard stables into modern accommodation offering to complement its Equestrian Centre and associated facilities. Today the stables are proud to house some of Ireland’s most famous thoroughbred racehorses as residents. 

Jayde Massey for Bective Stud echoed the comments of race director Ger Campbell, commenting, “we are keenly aware of the efforts of this group has made in the last few years to put this event back on the road. We at Bective Stud see many parallels with an Rás Tailteann and are proud to support its resurgence in 2022”  

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race take place between June 15th-19th and will travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 27th MAY 2022 

Rás Tailteann 2022 

Green Points Jersey Classification Sponsor 

City Break Apartments 

Publicising another of the main classification sponsors for the 2022 edition of An Rás.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann announces the addition of City Break Apartments as the sponsor of the coveted points classification jersey, for the 2022 race. 

Race Director Gerard Campbell noted “Cáirde Rás Tailteann is exceptionally happy that City Break Apartments have joined forces with us to support and sponsor the prestigious points classification, a competition that reflects consistency of individual stage performance every day of the event” 

The protagonists and animators of daily stage finishes, in particular the sprinters that compete for and chase this classification in An Rás often become household names on the world stage. Just think of our own Sam Bennett, John Degenkolb, Mark Cavendish who have all gone on to dominate as sprinters on the world stage. Winning the same classifications in the most famous of them all, Le Tour de France. 

Philip Cassidy from City Break Apartments, himself a twice winner of An Rás Tailteann in the 1980s and 1990s in announcing their sponsorship of the points classification said “he was delighted to be in a position to help Cáirde Rás Tailteann put the iconic event back on the road” adding “that he owes the Rás more than he could ever repay” 

The Route 

The 67th edition of the race take place between June 15th-19th and will travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth. Riders will cover 756km with 8 categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey. 

Cáirde Rás Tailteann 

Seamus Domegan, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Ger Campbell, Colm Rigley, Eugene Moriarty, Ciarán McKenna 

Media Contact Details 

Gerry Campbell – Race Director – 086 8192205 

Email – info@rasireland.ie 

Web – www.rasireland.ie  

PRESS RELEASE 23rd MAY 2022

Rás Tailteann 2022 

Daily Stage Winner Jersey Sponsor 

FBD Insurance 

Publicising the first of the sponsors for the 2022 edition of An Rás.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce the return of FBD Insurance, as the sponsor of the coveted daily stage winner’s jersey, each day during the 2022 race. 

FBD has a long and storied history with An Rás Tailteann. Having been the flagship sponsor of the event for many years up until 2010 when Alexander Wetterhall from Sweden, racing in the colours of Team Sprocket Pro took the overall honours on the last stage in Skerries.  

The same year German rider John Degenkolb took the points classification and two stage wins. Degenkolb of went on to become one of the biggest names in world cycling. Subsequently winning stages in le Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and la Vuelta a Espana as well as winning some of cycling’s greatest monuments. 

Race Director Gerard Campbell on announcing this development indicated “Cáirde Rás Tailteann is thrilled that FBD have decided to again support this iconic Irish event”. He added “FBD Insurance have played a significant role in the history of this race. FBD’s historical contribution and support in the development of the sporting institution that is An Rás Tailteann, was instrumental in lifting the event into a fully-fledged, world ranked UCI grade 2.2 event, befitting its status”.  

Cáirde Rás Tailteann are very proud that this esteemed Irish business has again decided to support An Rás Tailteann as it emerges again after its forced postponement due to the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. 

FBD Insurance has been protecting Irish consumers, farmers and businesses for over 50 years. With a network of 34 local sales offices FBD are proud to be the largest Irish owned insurer and offer a wide range of protection products to suit customer needs including car, home, van, business and farm insurance. 

John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer for FBD Insurance commented “FBD has a proud tradition of supporting communities through our extensive branch network.  As the sport of cycling continues to grow in Ireland, our renewed involvement in such a prestigious event is a further demonstration of our commitment to the communities in which we operate”.   

Cáirde Rás Tailteann will be shortly begin announcing details of confirmed teams for the 2022 event which has seen overwhelming interest from teams both from home and abroad. 

The 2017 Winner interview:

BUGTER GRABS FINAL OVERALL VICTORY, GHYS WINS DRAMATIC LAST STAGE OF RÁS TAILTEANN

On what was a highly dramatic final lap of racing in Skerries, Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) won the last stage in the Rás Tailteann, while Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) snatched the yellow jersey from longtime leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team).

Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys wins the final stage
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Ghys and Bugter made their move on the second and final lap of a 13.7 kilometre finishing circuit, bridging across to Bugter’s teammate Sjoerd Bax and then driving hard all the way to the line. Thiery chased and at one point looked like he would defend yellow, but finally ended up finishing 12 seconds behind Ghys, 11 behind Bugter and, crucially, one second back from Bugter overall.

“I was in the top five every day. I won a stage, I am in the best form of my life. It went really well,” said Bugter. “I knew there was a chance that I could take the win on the last day, I had to take some seconds on the leader as there are no bonuses at the finish. Our team did an amazing job. One rider attacked on the final climb and I was attacking after him and I went to him and we were riding together. And a guy from Belgium came to us and we were three guys. We went full gas to the finish. Then I heard that I had enough seconds to win – it was a crazy feeling.”

Thiery was visibly concerned at the finish as he waited for the timekeepers to do their calculations, then rode off when it became less certain that he had hung on. When the decision came through the Dutch riders were elated, celebrating loudly, while Theiry returned several minutes later looking deflated.

“I don’t know what I can say,” he said. “I knew that nothing was guaranteed before the stage. I lost a teammate. And now I can say that I was sick all the week, I got sick after the second day. I really thought I would have to stop the race. Every day I found the energy to continue. I was thinking it is okay, I will win the race, but today I think I missed a little bit in the tank. I am disappointed for the team because they did such an amazing job every day.”

The 144.6 kilometre stage from Naas featured a long distance move of eight riders. This began almost immediately after the start when Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster) and Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team) attacked.

Fraser Rounds (Britain Team KTM), Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Jake Alderman and Cameron Jeffers of the Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team subsequently bridged across. Others tried to chase but were unable to get across the gap.

The break built a lead of two minutes and 45 seconds, then chasing from behind whittled it down gradually. On the first lap of two 13.9 kilometre finishing circuits, Potts and Lavery got clear from the break but were hauled back. On the last lap, Potts, White and Alderman then attacked the other breakaway riders, leaving them to be caught. Alderman pushed on alone but was caught and passed by Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), who built a nine second lead.

Bugter and Ghys then bridged up to Bax, causing chaos behind and forcing Thiery and his team to chase. The race leader finally came up short, finishing 11 seconds behind his main challenger and losing the race overall. “I am proud of how we rode,” he said. “I will lose other races, I will win other races.”

Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) was best Irishman on the stage, winning the bunch sprint for fourth, while the Italian Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) in sixth was best county rider.

Damien Shaw (Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) dropped one place to fourth but was best Irishman, 12 seconds behind Bugter. Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) was best county rider overall.

Bugter won the points classification, Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) won the mountains competition and Ghys was best young rider. Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) was best category 2 rider. Netherlands Delta Cycling X won the overall team competition, while Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo was the best county squad.

The award winners onstage after the stage
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter – Winner of the 2018 Ras
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

How it played out:

The final stage of the Rás Tailteann extended 144.6 kilometre race from Naas to Skerries. The platforms for attacks were five category three climbs, namely the Hill of Allen (km 15.6), Plukhimin (km 88.1), the Cross of the Cage (km 108) and the two ascents of the Black Hills (km 121.4 and 135.4) on the finishing circuit in Skerries.

Soon after the start, four riders attacked – Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster) and Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team).

They were joined soon afterwards by Fraser Rounds (Britain Team KTM), and have eight seconds after about four kilometres. Three kilometres later Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) bridged across, and after 11 kilometres the six riders were 26 seconds ahead of a lone chaser.

He was caught very soon afterwards, but soon afterwards three others started chasing. Ciaran McVeigh (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport), Lindsay Watson (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport) and Michael Fitzgerald (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team) set about closing the gap, but Fitzgerald slipped back soon afterwards.

White took the day’s first prime at the Hill of Allen (km 15.6), ahead of Potts, Lavery and Rounds.

After 21 kilometres the chasers were 30 seconds back, with the peloton close by. They were caught soon afterwards. Two others then chased, Jake Alderman and Cameron Jeffers of the Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team, and bridged after 28 kilometres.

One other, Cameron Jeffers (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), had also been chasing and was 28 seconds back at that point. The main field was 58 seconds behind then. Jeffers realised that it was impossible to catch eight riders solo and sat up.

Kieran Crean (Cork Blarney RC) then attacked, but didn’t get far. He was caught after several minutes and, in Kilcock after 42 kilometres, the break was two minute and forty seconds ahead. This gap remained constant for a long time afterwards.

At Rathoathe (km. 77), the break was two minutes 47 ahead. The peloton accelerated after that, with the Switzerland National Team of race leader Cyrille Thiery working to gradually reduce the break’s advantage.

White took the category 3 climb of Plukhimin (km 88.1), ahead of Alderman, Potts and Jeffers. Four kilometres later, at kilometre 92, the gap was two minutes and ten seconds, and this dropped to one minute 57 seconds. However the peloton backed off slightly and Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) jumped clear of the bunch around kilometre 97. He was two and a half minutes back two kilometres later, with the peloton a further 15 seconds behind.

Tillett’s chase ended around kilometre 105 when he was caught by the peloton. Ahead, Jeffers lead White, Rounds and Potts over the summit of the category 3 climb of the Cross of the Cage (km 108). Two kilometres later the gap was one minute 45 seconds, at on the first crossing of the finish line with two laps to go, the break was just one minute and ten seconds ahead.

The finishing circuits were 13.9 kilometres in length and included the category three ascent of Black Hills. Jeffers was first to the summit, with Potts, Lavery and White next over. Potts and Lavery felt good and both tried to get clear, but they were hauled back. The increased speed and intensity led to Rounds and Ryan being dropped from the break.

Heading onto the final lap, Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) attacked the bunch and caught the dropped duo. However the bunch reeled them in and continued closing on the break.

Potts, White and Alderman then attacked the other breakaway riders, leaving them to be caught. Alderman pushed on alone but was caught and passed by Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), who built a nine second lead.

Dramatically, the green jersey of Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), the white jersey of Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) and the blue jersey of Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) attacked on the climb. Bax took the prime, with Bugter leading Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) and Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) over the top.

Race leader Thiery had started the day just ten seconds ahead of Bugter and tried to get him back. Bugter pushed on and caught his teammate Bax, with the duo then being joined by Ghys. They opened a 15 seconds gap, making Bugter race leader on the road. This increased further to 23 seconds but, with the yellow jersey and Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing chasing, the gap dropped to eight seconds.

It looked like Thiery might be able to save his race but the leaders accelerated again. Ghys took the stage win ahead of Bugter, with Bax six seconds back in third and Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland Racing Team) taking the bunch sprint for fourth. Crucially, that bunch was 12 seconds back and Bugter was awarded the overall win by 1 second.

VARLEY TAKES SUPERB SOLO VICTORY ON DAY THROUGH WICKLOW MOUNTAINS, THIERY HOLDS YELLOW

Climbing superbly on a tough day through the Wicklow Mountains and then resisting the chase behind on the mainly flat roads towards the finish, Julian Varley (Britain Team KTM) took the biggest success of his career on Saturday in Naas.

Team KTM’s Julian Varley celebrates winning the stage
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The 21-year-old Briton reached the line 18 seconds clear of a 16 man group led in by Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), Jacob Rathe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X).

Lindsay Watson (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport) was best of the home riders in sixth, taking the prize for the best county rider on the stage, while Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) also finished in the group and deposed best overall county rider Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo) of his blue jersey.

“It is the best result of my career, easily,” said Varley. “I won some races in the UK, but never UCI events. I knew I had good legs for the climb. I knew I just had to go big or don’t today.”

He made his move on the second of the day’s two first category climbs, the Wicklow Gap, jumping away about halfway up the climb and opening up a lead over a select group containing the race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) and many of the other main contenders.

Two riders – Irishman Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) and the Briton Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) – got clear and tried to bridge across.

They chased Varley over the summit and down the descent, then on the flatter roads afterwards, but were unable to reel him in The leader built an advantage of well over a minute over the yellow jersey group, making him race leader on the road and provoking a hard chase behind.

This acceleration mopped up Dowling and Stedman inside the last 15 kilometres, and cut down Varley’s advantage. However he was able to hold on for the win, and crossed the line arms aloft.

“I went for it on the last big climb, got aero down the descent and then full gas for the last ten kilometres into a headwind and on grippy roads,” he said.

“I thought taking the race lead was possible. I had 45 seconds on yellow, but all you can do in that situation is give it everything. I was going yellow, I was going for the stage win, I got the stage but maybe not the yellow. We will see tomorrow.”

Dowling said he was impressed with Varley’s strength. “He was very strong – we were riding quite hard behind, and there were no stalls in our group or anything. So fair play to him, I would say he definitely did the ride of the race.”

Race leader Thiery and teammate Lukas Ruegg cut the gap sufficiently to hold onto the yellow jersey. Thiery now has just one day to go and is on the verge of a very important win.

“For sure at the beginning of the first category one climb [Drumgoff], it was quite hard. They all tried to attack me,” he said. “The second climb was a bit more relaxed. I never panicked. From the beginning of the race I have a great team. I lost one teammate yesterday but I never panicked. I had Lukas Ruegg in the group. For sure the guys from GC tried to attack, but I could follow. In the final I had to let this guy from KTM go. I didn’t expect that he was so strong. But I had Lukas with me, he could ride with me and we saved the yellow jersey.”

He remains ten seconds clear of Bugter, 11 ahead of Shaw and 13 up on Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), who is also the best young rider.

Ruegg had a strong day in the mountains and retakes the lead in the King of the Mountains classification, Bugter holds the points classification and Dowling takes over from Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo) as the best county rider.

How it played out:

Stage seven from Carlow to Naas was arguably the toughest of the race, with the 141 kilometre leg through Wicklow dotted with eight climbs. These were Ballythomas Hill (category two, km 41.8), the category three climbs of Mondlea (km. 44.9), Annagh Gap (km. 47.4) and Cronebeg (km 73.3), the category two climb of Garrymore (km. 81.4), the category one pairing of Drumgoff (km 92.5), Wicklow Gap (km. 107.4) and then the third category Slieve Cruagh (km. 122.3).

The day’s first big attack comprised James Curry (Ireland National Team), Sean McKenna (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), William Roberts (Wales Racing Academy – National Team), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Simon Ryan (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Simon Jones (Dublin UCD FitzCyles) and Seán Hahessy (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo). However they were recaptured soon afterwards by the Switzerland National Team of race leader Cyrille Thiery.

Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team) went clear heading towards Tullow, but was reeled in. However, after about 23 kilometres of racing, 11 riders were 13 seconds clear.

They were Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Fraser Rounds (Britain Team KTM), Nikodemus Holler (Germany Bike Aid), Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Thery Schir (Switzerland National Team), Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Christopher Reilly (Cycling Leinster), Paidi O’Brien (Dublin Team Gerard DHL), Dillon Corkery (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) and Patrick Clarke (Mayo Ballina Molloys Pharmacies).

These leaders had a 20 second lead in Shllelagh (km 26.8). They were joined soon afterwards by Jake Alderman (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) and had the same 20 second lead starting the day’s first climb, the category 2 Ballythomas Hill. The slopes caused the lead group to fragment somewhat, with Shelden beating Schir, Janssen, Alderman and Holler to the prime line

The group pushed on to the day’s next climb, the category three climb of Mondlea (km. 44.9). The peloton reeled them in there, with Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) beating mountains jersey wearer Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis), Shelden and Adne van Engelen (Germany Bike Aid) to the top.

Ruegg and Castillo Soto were again the first two to the top of the category three climb of Annagh Gap (km. 47.4), with Daniel Bichlmann (Germany Bike Aid) and Jake Alderman (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) third and fourth.

Soon afterwards nine riders attacked, namely Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Jake Alderman (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Daniel Bichlmann (Germany Bike Aid), Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) and Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis).

After 61 kilometres of racing they were 55 seconds ahead of two chasers, with the peloton one minute and nine seconds back. Those chasers were caught very soon afterwards. The leaders raced on to the lower slopes of the category three Cronebeg, where they were just 34 seconds ahead.

Peter Kibble (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) then bridged across to the nine leaders, who increased their lead again and were one minute and 38 seconds clear after about 74 kilometres of racing.

The move spelt danger for the yellow jersey as five riders – McDunphy, Stedman, Janssen, Ruegg and Kibble – had all started the day just 35 seconds back. The move gained time and held a gap of two minutes over two chasers, Christopher O’Reilly and Shane Smith of Cycling Leinster, with the peloton a full two minutes and 25 seconds back.

Ruegg beat Castillo Soto to the summit of the category two Garrymore (km. 81.4), with Townsend, Stedman, Kibble and Alderman next over the line.

The toughest mountains break things up:

Starting the first category climb of Drumgoff, the gap had dropped to just over a minute and a half and, within a kilometre, plummeted to just 40 seconds. The race blew apart there, with several of those in the front group, including McCarthy and mountains leader Castillo Soto being dropped.

Six riders – McDunphy, Stedman, Alderman, Janssen, Ruegg and Kibble – remained together on the climb, while behind Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) attacked on the early slopes to try to bridge. Ruegg took top points at the summit of Drumgoff (km 92.5), with Stedman, Kibble, McDunphy, Alderman, Janssen and Dowling next.

After the summit, those six leaders remained out front. The chasing group containing the race leader Thiery and points leader Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) were 30 seconds back, while another group containing best county rider Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath – Viner – Caremark – Patcimo) were a further 15 seconds back.

The yellow jersey group caught the six leaders on the approach to the Wicklow Gap and the yellow and green jersey attacked. However they were reeled in just before the start of the climb.

On the early slopes, Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team), Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) built a 12 second advantage. Behind, best county rider McLaughlin’s group caught the yellow jersey group, which in turn reeled in the leaders.

About halfway up the climb Julian Varley (Britain Team KTM) went clear and opened an 18 second lead over the yellow jersey group. That included the race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team), as well as Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team). Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Callum Ferguson (Britain Team KTM), Nikodemus Holler (Germany Bike Aid), Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team), Jacob Rathe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Peter Kibble (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X).

Behind, Dowling attacked the group and was chasing Varley. Stedman jumped clear and caught Dowling, but the duo were 30 seconds behind Varley. The yellow jersey group was a further ten seconds back.

Varley crossed the top of the Wicklow Gap, 33 seconds ahead of Dowling and Stedman and 44 seconds ahead of the yellow jersey group. Ruegg took second, making sure of his mountains lead, with Peter Kibble (Wales Racing Academy – National Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) and Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) taking the remaining points.

On the descent, Varley pushed his advantage out over the chasers to 45 seconds. The yellow jersey group was at one minute 2o seconds, making him race leader on the road. He had started the day 45 seconds back, ten seconds behind Stedman and Dowling.

After about 118 kilometres of racing, Dowling dropped Stedman. However he soon rejoined him and led him over the day’s final climb, the category three Slieve Cruagh (km. 122.3). McDunphy took fourth at the front of the yellow jersey group.

Heading into Hollywood (km 124.2), Varley was one minute 10 ahead of the two chasers, and one minute 17 to the next group. The race leader Thiery was doing much of the chasing.

Dowling and Stedman were caught by the yellow jersey group, leaving just one leader. McLaughlin’s group got close to the yellow jersey group and picked up Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), who had crashed out of the yellow jersey group. McLaughlin then punctured and needed to change a wheel.

With about 15 kilometres left, Varley was holding a one minute 13 second advantage. This dropped to one minute at the ten kilometre to go banner, with the blue jersey group a further 20 seconds back.

With five kilometres to go, Varley was still 45 seconds ahead of the jersey group, while McLaughlin’s group was at one minute.

The lone leader continued to resist the chase and held on to win by 18 seconds over Ghys, Rathe, van Dalen, Bugter, and first Irish and first county rider Lindsay Watson (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport).

Race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) finished seventh and maintained his ten second advantage heading towards Sunday’s final stage to Skerries.

Esmark finch Points Classification Overall Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter, Team KTM’s Julian Varley, stage 7 winner, General Classification overall Switzerland National Team’s Cyrille Thiery, Europcar Mountains Competition Switzerland National Team’s Lucas Ruegg, first county rider Velo Café Magasin’s Lindsay Watson, Keoghs Irish County Rider Overall Cycling Leinster’s Mark Dowling, 3rd on the stage Jelly Belly P/M Maxxis UCI Continental Team’s Jacob Rathe and Sport Ireland Under 23 Rider Overall, Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

What’s next:

The final stage of the Rás Tailteann extends 144.6 kilometre race from Naas to Skerries. The platforms for attacks will be five category three climbs, namely the Hill of Allen, Plukhimin, the Cross of the Cage and the two ascents of the Black Hills on the finishing circuit in Skerries.

MCKENNA GRABS FIRST RÁS TAILTEANN STAGE WIN WITH PERFECTLY-TIMED SPRINT INTO CARLOW

Sean McKenna landed his best-ever result in the Rás Tailteann on Friday when he won stage six into Carlow town. The Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team rider sprinted in ahead of Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team), Netherlands Delta Cycling X duo Luuc Bugter and Rens Tulner, Ireland national team rider Marc Potts and Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo).

Holdsworth Pro Racing UCI Continental Team’s Sean McKenna celebrates winning Stage 6
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

It was a huge result for McKenna, who has been suffering from knee problems in the race. “I was thinking this was  just going to be another bunch kick,” he said, “but coming through the last roundabout, my teammate Damien Shaw let my wheel go.”

The split gave McKenna and those ahead of him a slight advantage over the others, and he made the most of it, blasting through to grab the win.

He is from a famous cycling family and said he was delighted to land the victory for his father Mick, a former international, his uncle Ciaran, who is now Cycling Ireland president, and others who had helped him during his years racing.

The undulating stage from Mitchelstown had been marked by a breakaway group initially comprising eight riders, namely Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Andrew Turner (Britain Team KTM), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion), Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jell Belly p/b Maxxis) and James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team).

Of these, Downing, Lavery, Potts, Castillo Sotto and Ryan were still in front inside the final ten kilometres, but were caught with less than three kilometres to go. Mexican rider Castillo Sotto had the considerable consolation of taking over leadership in the King of the Mountains contest, thanks to his impressive clean sweep of the primes on the day’s five climbs.

Overnight leader Cyrille Thiery finished in the same time as McKenna and retains his overall lead. He stays ten seconds clear of Bugter, 11 ahead of Shaw and 13 up on Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), who is also the best young rider.

“I felt really good during the stage,” said Tiery. “Today it was really a good stage for us with this breakaway. We didn’t have to work. I won’t say it was an easy day, but finally everything was good. It was just a shame we didn’t win the stage, with Claudio [Imhof] getting second.”

Cigala’s sixth place saw him take the best county rider award yet again. He said that he was caught out by Shaw’s tactics. “I think the Holdsworth guys had three or four in the finish. One of them [Shaw] let the wheel go. When I saw that gap, I couldn’t really chase it down myself.

“With 350 to go I started my sprint, going from a very long way out. We just caught them literally on the line. The guy in green [points leader Luuc Bugter] just overtook me in the last five meters, and he got third. Everybody was so close.”

Ghys remains best young rider, Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) is the best overall county rider and Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is the best category two competitor.

Thiery’s Switzerland National Team is best of the squads, while Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo is best Irish county team.

How it played out:

Stage six covered 154.6 kilometres from Mitchelstown to Carlow and had five categorised climbs en route. These all came in the final 50 kilometres, and were that of Byrnesgrove (category 3, km 108.7), Castlecomer (category 3, km 116.3), the first category wall of Gorteen (km 120.9), plus the second category pair of Coan West (km 124.6) and Clongrennan (km 133.5).

There were several attacks in the early kilometres but it took 18 kilometres for something to stick. A dozen riders built an eight second lead, prompting too others to set off in pursuit. The gap from break to bunch grew to 20 seconds but, after 21 kilometres, those two chasers were caught and the peloton was 15 seconds back.

The gap inched up to 23 seconds as the race reached Cahir (km 25.5). The riders present were Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Matthew Nowell (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Callum Ferguson (Britain Team KTM), Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Thery Schir (Switzerland National Team), Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), William Roberts (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) . Declan Egan (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport), Stephen Murray (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Adam Stenson (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) and Eugene Moriarty (Kerry Tralee Manor West).

Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) bridged across after 34 kilometres of racing, making it 13 out front entering New Inn (km 35.2). However the bunch was very close and reeled in the break a minute later.

The peloton remained together through Cashel (km 44). Several kilometres later, a group of six riders moved clear, namely, Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Andrew Turner (Britain Team KTM), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team) and Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion). They were 12 seconds clear with 55 kilometres covered.

Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jell Belly p/b Maxxis) and James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) were chasing at eight seconds, with the main field at 17 seconds. One kilometres later, the two chasers joined up to make it eight out front.

Soon afterwards, David Brennan (Mayo Castlebar Unit 7) and Matthew Sparrow (Tipperary Panduit) started chasing. They were 55 seconds back at kilometre 60, and just ahead of the peloton. Timothy Mitchell (USA CCB Foundation – Sicleri) jumped across to them.

The peloton then turned off its efforts. At kilometre 62, the eight leaders were 55 seconds ahead of the three chasers, while the main bunch was at two minutes 15 seconds.

Brennan found it difficult to keep pace and slipped back from the chasers. Sparrow also slipped back, with Mitchell continuing alone. However Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Kieran Regan (Dublin Friends First St Tiernan’s) jumped away from the peloton and got across to Brennan and Sparrow, with this quartet joining up again with Mitchell.

The five riders were two minutes and ten seconds back after 76 kilometres of racing, while the peloton was a considerable three minutes and 55 seconds down. The latter advantage saw Lavery become race leader on the road: he had started the day two minutes and 33 seconds back in 36th place overall.

The pendulum started to swing after this point, with the chasers knocking five seconds off their deficit over the next four kilometres, and the peloton 25 seconds. The ebb continued and at kilometre 85, the chasers were two minutes back and the peloton at three minutes 15.

Sensing a chance to gain time, five riders attacked the peloton. Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), Sean McKenna (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Christopher Reilly (Cycling Leinster) and Dillon Corkery (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) combined to get within two minutes and 25 seconds of the break, but their surge also caused the bunch to accelerate and they were caught.

After 93 kilometres, the five chasers were at one minute 40 seconds and the peloton at two minutes 35. However that downward trend was reversed after that, with the chasers losing eight seconds to the break over the next three kilometres and the bunch conceding 33 seconds.

The eight leaders became seven on the day’s first King of the Mountains climb when Brennan slipped backwards. Castillo Soto was first to the top of Byrnesgrove (category 3, km 108.7), with Tillett, O’Malley and Turner next over the prime line.

With 111 kilometres covered for the break, Eoin O’Connell (Cork Blarney RC) attacked from the bunch and was two minutes and 20 seconds back. The peloton was a further ten seconds behind. Soon afterwards, Louis Rose-Davies (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) jumped across the gap to O’Connell. However the trio were caught with 117 kilometres on the clock, just after Castillo Soto beat Tillett, Turner and Potts for the prime atop Castlecomer.

The Mexican rider was on a mission and beat Turner, Lavery and Potts to the top of the day’s category one climb, that of Gorteen (km 120.9). O’Malley was getting into difficulty and lost his place in the group, leaving six riders out front.

Castillo Soto was also best on the category two climb of Coan West (km 124.6), with Ryan second, Lavery third and Turner fourth.

With 25 kilometres to go, the six leaders were one minute ahead of the bunch. Castillo Soto was riding into the mountains jersey and took the day’s final KOM prime atop the category two climb of Clongrennan (km 133.5). Potts, Ryan and Lavery were next there.

After that climb, Downing and Lavery pushed ahead of the rest of the break. Potts got across to them, while the peloton was just 30 seconds back. Castillo Sotto and Ryan were still in between break and bunch and got back up to the leaders, making it five leaders trying to hold off the peloton.

With about 12 kilometres remaining, Cameron Jeffers (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) and Daniel Bichlmann (Germany Bike Aid) tried to bridge to the leaders but, after about two kilometres, the yellow jersey group dragged them back. The leaders still had 34 seconds at that point, but the advantage began to crumble and they were caught inside the final three kilometres.

McKenna had expected to lead out other riders from the Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing squad, but a gap opened behind him and he proved best in the tailwind gallop to the line. Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team), Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Rens Tulner (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and Marc Potts (Ireland National Team) took second through fifth, while Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) was sixth and again won the best county rider award.

What is next:

Stage seven from Carlow to Naas is one of the most difficult of the race, if not the toughest. The 141 kilometre leg through Wicklow is dotted with eight climbs. These are Ballythomas Hill (category two), Mondlea, Annagh Gap and Cronebeg (all category three), Garrymore (category two), Drumgoff, Wicklow Gap (both category one) and then the third category Slieve Cruagh.

MCKENNA GRABS FIRST RÁS TAILTEANN STAGE WIN WITH PERFECTLY-TIMED SPRINT INTO CARLOW

Sean McKenna landed his best-ever result in the Rás Tailteann on Friday when he won stage six into Carlow town. The Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team rider sprinted in ahead of Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team), Netherlands Delta Cycling X duo Luuc Bugter and Rens Tulner, Ireland national team rider Marc Potts and Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo).

It was a huge result for McKenna, who has been suffering from knee problems in the race. “I was thinking this was  just going to be another bunch kick,” he said, “but coming through the last roundabout, my teammate Damien Shaw let my wheel go.”

The split gave McKenna and those ahead of him a slight advantage over the others, and he made the most of it, blasting through to grab the win.

He is from a famous cycling family and said he was delighted to land the victory for his father Mick, a former international, his uncle Ciaran, who is now Cycling Ireland president, and others who had helped him during his years racing.

The undulating stage from Mitchelstown had been marked by a breakaway group initially comprising eight riders, namely Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Andrew Turner (Britain Team KTM), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion), Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jell Belly p/b Maxxis) and James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team).

Of these, Downing, Lavery, Potts, Castillo Sotto and Ryan were still in front inside the final ten kilometres, but were caught with less than three kilometres to go. Mexican rider Castillo Sotto had the considerable consolation of taking over leadership in the King of the Mountains contest, thanks to his impressive clean sweep of the primes on the day’s five climbs.

Overnight leader Cyrille Thiery finished in the same time as McKenna and retains his overall lead. He stays ten seconds clear of Bugter, 11 ahead of Shaw and 13 up on Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), who is also the best young rider.

“I felt really good during the stage,” said Tiery. “Today it was really a good stage for us with this breakaway. We didn’t have to work. I won’t say it was an easy day, but finally everything was good. It was just a shame we didn’t win the stage, with Claudio [Imhof] getting second.”

Cigala’s sixth place saw him take the best county rider award yet again. He said that he was caught out by Shaw’s tactics. “I think the Holdsworth guys had three or four in the finish. One of them [Shaw] let the wheel go. When I saw that gap, I couldn’t really chase it down myself.

“With 350 to go I started my sprint, going from a very long way out. We just caught them literally on the line. The guy in green [points leader Luuc Bugter] just overtook me in the last five meters, and he got third. Everybody was so close.”

Ghys remains best young rider, Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) is the best overall county rider and Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is the best category two competitor.

Thiery’s Switzerland National Team is best of the squads, while Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo is best Irish county team.

How it played out:

Stage six covered 154.6 kilometres from Mitchelstown to Carlow and had five categorised climbs en route. These all came in the final 50 kilometres, and were that of Byrnesgrove (category 3, km 108.7), Castlecomer (category 3, km 116.3), the first category wall of Gorteen (km 120.9), plus the second category pair of Coan West (km 124.6) and Clongrennan (km 133.5).

There were several attacks in the early kilometres but it took 18 kilometres for something to stick. A dozen riders built an eight second lead, prompting too others to set off in pursuit. The gap from break to bunch grew to 20 seconds but, after 21 kilometres, those two chasers were caught and the peloton was 15 seconds back.

The gap inched up to 23 seconds as the race reached Cahir (km 25.5). The riders present were Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Matthew Nowell (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Callum Ferguson (Britain Team KTM), Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Thery Schir (Switzerland National Team), Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), William Roberts (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) . Declan Egan (Antrim Velo Cafe Magasin PowerHouse Sport), Stephen Murray (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Adam Stenson (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) and Eugene Moriarty (Kerry Tralee Manor West).

Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) bridged across after 34 kilometres of racing, making it 13 out front entering New Inn (km 35.2). However the bunch was very close and reeled in the break a minute later.

The peloton remained together through Cashel (km 44). Several kilometres later, a group of six riders moved clear, namely, Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Russell Downing (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Andrew Turner (Britain Team KTM), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Philip Lavery (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team) and Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion). They were 12 seconds clear with 55 kilometres covered.

Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jell Belly p/b Maxxis) and James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) were chasing at eight seconds, with the main field at 17 seconds. One kilometres later, the two chasers joined up to make it eight out front.

Soon afterwards, David Brennan (Mayo Castlebar Unit 7) and Matthew Sparrow (Tipperary Panduit) started chasing. They were 55 seconds back at kilometre 60, and just ahead of the peloton. Timothy Mitchell (USA CCB Foundation – Sicleri) jumped across to them.

The peloton then turned off its efforts. At kilometre 62, the eight leaders were 55 seconds ahead of the three chasers, while the main bunch was at two minutes 15 seconds.

Brennan found it difficult to keep pace and slipped back from the chasers. Sparrow also slipped back, with Mitchell continuing alone. However Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Kieran Regan (Dublin Friends First St Tiernan’s) jumped away from the peloton and got across to Brennan and Sparrow, with this quartet joining up again with Mitchell.

The five riders were two minutes and ten seconds back after 76 kilometres of racing, while the peloton was a considerable three minutes and 55 seconds down. The latter advantage saw Lavery become race leader on the road: he had started the day two minutes and 33 seconds back in 36th place overall.

The pendulum started to swing after this point, with the chasers knocking five seconds off their deficit over the next four kilometres, and the peloton 25 seconds. The ebb continued and at kilometre 85, the chasers were two minutes back and the peloton at three minutes 15.

Sensing a chance to gain time, five riders attacked the peloton. Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team), Sean McKenna (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Christopher Reilly (Cycling Leinster) and Dillon Corkery (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) combined to get within two minutes and 25 seconds of the break, but their surge also caused the bunch to accelerate and they were caught.

After 93 kilometres, the five chasers were at one minute 40 seconds and the peloton at two minutes 35. However that downward trend was reversed after that, with the chasers losing eight seconds to the break over the next three kilometres and the bunch conceding 33 seconds.

The eight leaders became seven on the day’s first King of the Mountains climb when Brennan slipped backwards. Castillo Soto was first to the top of Byrnesgrove (category 3, km 108.7), with Tillett, O’Malley and Turner next over the prime line.

With 111 kilometres covered for the break, Eoin O’Connell (Cork Blarney RC) attacked from the bunch and was two minutes and 20 seconds back. The peloton was a further ten seconds behind. Soon afterwards, Louis Rose-Davies (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) jumped across the gap to O’Connell. However the trio were caught with 117 kilometres on the clock, just after Castillo Soto beat Tillett, Turner and Potts for the prime atop Castlecomer.

The Mexican rider was on a mission and beat Turner, Lavery and Potts to the top of the day’s category one climb, that of Gorteen (km 120.9). O’Malley was getting into difficulty and lost his place in the group, leaving six riders out front.

Castillo Soto was also best on the category two climb of Coan West (km 124.6), with Ryan second, Lavery third and Turner fourth.

With 25 kilometres to go, the six leaders were one minute ahead of the bunch. Castillo Soto was riding into the mountains jersey and took the day’s final KOM prime atop the category two climb of Clongrennan (km 133.5). Potts, Ryan and Lavery were next there.

After that climb, Downing and Lavery pushed ahead of the rest of the break. Potts got across to them, while the peloton was just 30 seconds back. Castillo Sotto and Ryan were still in between break and bunch and got back up to the leaders, making it five leaders trying to hold off the peloton.

With about 12 kilometres remaining, Cameron Jeffers (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) and Daniel Bichlmann (Germany Bike Aid) tried to bridge to the leaders but, after about two kilometres, the yellow jersey group dragged them back. The leaders still had 34 seconds at that point, but the advantage began to crumble and they were caught inside the final three kilometres.

McKenna had expected to lead out other riders from the Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing squad, but a gap opened behind him and he proved best in the tailwind gallop to the line. Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team), Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Rens Tulner (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and Marc Potts (Ireland National Team) took second through fifth, while Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) was sixth and again won the best county rider award.

itzerland National Team’s Claudio Imhof, Keoghs County Rider Overall Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Ronan McLaughlin, overall race leader Switzerland National Team’s Cyrille Thiery, 1st County rider Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Matteo Cigala, Stage Winner Holdsworth Pro Racing UCI Continental Team’s Sean McKenna, Europcar Mountains Overall Jelly Belly P/M Maxxis UCI Continental Team’s Ulises Alfedo Castillo Soto, Esmark Finch Green Point Jersey Overall, Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter and Sport Ireland Under 23 overall Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

What is next:

Stage seven from Carlow to Naas is one of the most difficult of the race, if not the toughest. The 141 kilometre leg through Wicklow is dotted with eight climbs. These are Ballythomas Hill (category two), Mondlea, Annagh Gap and Cronebeg (all category three), Garrymore (category two), Drumgoff, Wicklow Gap (both category one) and then the third category Slieve Cruagh.

GERMAN SPRINTER CARSTENSEN SPEEDS TO VICTORY IN MITCHELSTOWN ON STAGE 5 OF RÁS TAILTEANN

He went close on stage three, taking second into Listowel; things worked out perfectly for German competitor Lucas Carstensen on Thursday’s fifth stage of the Rás Tailteann, with victory into Mitchelstown.

Lucas Carstensen (Bike Aid UCI Continental Team) wins stage 5
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Germany Bike Aide rider was best on the uphill rise to the line, beating Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), best county stage rider Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) and the rest of an 83-man main bunch.

Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster) was best Irishman in tenth, one place ahead of Kerry Killarney’s Richard Maes.

“My team brought me to the front in the last five kilometres,” said Carstensen shortly after the sprint. “I think at three kilometres there was crash, maybe at position 40. I just heard it from the back. And then in the last kilometre two of my teammates brought me to the front on the second-last corner. I think then there was a gap behind me. I started my sprint pretty early because there was still one guy away. I had an advantage when I started, and I could hold that advantage to the finish.”

The 150 kilometre stage was much flatter than stage 4. It began in Glengarriff and crossed three climbs en route to Mitchelstown. The first two were category two ascents at the Pass of Keimaneigh (km 25) and Gortnabinna (km 37.7), with the third being the category three climb of Kildorrey (km 137.9), just 12.1 kilometres from the finish.

The day’s break comprised stage two winner Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team), Seid Lizde (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Joe Evans (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) and Matthew Nowell (Britain Canyon Eisberg). They built a maximum advantage of just under three minutes. Evans had started the day two minutes and 37 seconds back and became race leader on the road, but eventually slipped back when the pace increased near the finish.

The other three pressed on, with McCarthy the last to be caught inside two kilometres to go.

“Our plan was to be aggressive, definitely. And in this race you can’t really sit back and wait too much. Ideally more guys would have been in the break than only four. It might have gone the distance if there were another couple of teams represented. But the time you are in the break, it is hard to drop back out. So we just had to give it everything.

“In the last 50 kilometres from the road into Mallow, we started to really drive it on. We got rid of the St. Piran guy and just drove it home all the way. With the headwind it was just hard to stay away coming in the road. But we gave it everything.”

His ride showed a good recovery after a crash on stage four. While he said he is still stiff from his injuries and consequently doesn’t know how he would have fared if he waited for a sprint, he believes there will be more chances in the days ahead.

Overnight race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) finished 16th on the stage and defends his yellow jersey.

“Today it was quite an easy stage after yesterday. It was a good situation for us with the little breakaway. We did our job [chasing] and in the end it was a sprint. For me it was quite an easy day.”

He remains ten seconds clear of Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and 11 ahead of Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), the best Irish rider. Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) is 13 seconds back, two more than Benjamin Wolfe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis).

Ronan McLaughlin is ninth overall, 35 seconds back, and continues as the best county rider. Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) continues to lead the points classification, Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) maintains his lead in the King of the Mountains classification and Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) is the best young rider.

Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is the category two leader, the Switzerland National Team is the best team, and Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo is dominating the best Irish county team classification.

How the stage unfolded:

The fifth stage of the Rás Tailteann was a much flatter affair than stage four, with just three climbs rearing up along the 150.2 kilometre race from Glengarriff to Mitchelstown. These were the category two ascents of the Pass of Keimaneigh (km 25) and Gortnabinna (km 37.7), and then after 110 kilometres of mainly flat roads, the category three climb of Kildorrey (km 137.9). That left 15 kilometres of flat to rolling roads between there and the finish.

After beginning the stage in Glengarriff in sunny conditions, there was a steady stream of attacks. The move of the day went after 12 kilometres, with stage two winner Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) showing he had recovered from his big crash on Thursday to go clear. He was joined by Seid Lizde (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) and Joe Evans (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), with Matthew Nowell (Britain Canyon Eisberg) getting across soon afterwards.

The quartet had a minute’s advantage over the peloton after 20 kilometres of racing, and this continued to grow on the category two Pass of Keimaneigh (km 25): Evans was first to the top there, ahead of Nowell, McCarthy and Lizde, with Daniel Coombe (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) the best of those behind.

The gap rose to two minutes and ten seconds by the start of the second climb, Gortnabinna (km 37.7), where Nowell took the prime ahead of McCarthy, Lizde and Evans. Back in the peloton, Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and king of the mountains leader Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) were fifth and sixth.

The gap dropped to one minute and 18 seconds by the 69 kilometre point, but it rose again to two minutes and 20 over the next ten kilometres. The gain continued by Rathcoole, (km 84.8), where it reached two minutes and 40 seconds and made Evans race leader on the road.

The drift upwards continued at Banteer, (km 91.7), where it was two minutes 50, and Mallow (km 111.9), where it was two minutes 55.

Motivated by the thoughts of yellow, Evans was doing a lot of work. This extracted a toll on him and after 118 kilometres of racing, he started to weaken and looked like he might be dropped. Seven kilometres later he sat up and went back, leaving three out front.

Around this time Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) attacked from the peloton. He was one minute 25 back around kilometre 127, with the peloton ten seconds further back. He held on to take fourth on the day’s final climb, the category three climb of Kildorrey (km 137.9), which was won by Nowell ahead of McCarthy and Lizde. However Shelden was caught right after the summit, at which point the peloton was just over a minute behind the break.

With ten kilometres to go, the gap was down to 48 seconds. With five kilometres left, it was 24 seconds. McCarthy was the last to resist, but he was caught inside two kilometres to go. A big bunch sprint ensued on the slight uphill rise to the line, with Carstensen (Germany Bike Aid) proving best.

He said he was motivated for the days ahead. “Me and my team have some different goals. We have one guy up for the GC and maybe for the next two coming days for the mountains,” he said. “Maybe when there is a sprint I will try my best to win another stage.”

Ras Queen Orla Desmond with with esmark finch Green Jersey Overall, Sport Ireland Under 23 overall Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys, Stage winner Bike Aid UCI Continental Team’s Lucas Carstensen. Race Leader Switzerland National Team’s Cyrille Thiery, 1st County rider of the stage Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Matteo Cigala, Keoghs County Rider Overall Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Ronan McLaughlin, Europcar King of Mountains Overall Switzerland National Team’s Lucas Ruegg Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

What comes next:

The 154.6 kilometre stage from Mitchelstown to Carlow has no less than five climbs inside the final 50 kilometres, including first category Gorteen and then the second category Coan West and Clongrennan ascents. It’s very possible that the bunch will break up and a big battle will play out for both the general classification and the stage win.

Van Dalen grabs Rás Tailteann glory in select group sprint into Glengarrif

Having been race leader on the road on stage 3 but then being caught before the finish, Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) likely ended Tuesday frustrated with the missed chance for Rás Tailteann glory. However he secured a key place in the prizes on Wednesday when he won stage four into Glengarrif.

Stage winner Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Jason Van Dalen Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Netherlands Delta Cycling X rider was quickest out of the select 26 man group which sprinted for victory, beating Italian Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo), Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), Jacob Rathe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and others to the line.

Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) was best of the Irish riders in eighth, taking over as best county rider.

Van Dalen was delighted with his victory, but was also impressed with the day itself. “The weather was beautiful, the views were stunning and I really enjoyed the stage,” he said.

Overnight race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) finished seventh and kept his grip on the yellow jersey.

The 152.6 kilometre stage was the toughest yet in this year’s race. It began in Listowel and covered a very hilly course heading south, crossing seven categorised climbs. As expected, there were multiple attacks. The key move of the day began on the approach to Killarney, over 50 kilometre into the stage, when the Mexican rider

Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) attacked.

He was joined several kilometres later by Irish riders Simon Ryan (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Conor Kissane (Kerry Killarney) and Seán Hahessy (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo), who would stay clear over the category two climbs of Ladies View (km 82.4), Molls Gap (km 87.3) and Garranes (km 117.1), where Kissane won each of the primes and moved to within one point of the total of the King of the Mountains Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team).

However they were caught and dropped by Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), who took the prime atop the category one climb Healy Pass (km 127.7) Ruegg took second and padded his mountains lead and then, following Shelden’s recapture on the descent, made sure of things when he won the category three climb of Cooleriagh (km 145.3).

Overnight race leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) was seventh and maintained his grip on the yellow

jersey. He remains ten seconds clear of Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), 11 ahead of Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) and 13 up on Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team).

McLaughlin is the best Irish county rider overall, although he is level on time with Mark Dowling. He was delighted with the day. “I am very pleased. I rolled in top ten there. It was one of the harder stages of the race, and probably the first test. I think the last three days would have been fast stages. Today I think was a stage that everybody was looking at as the first real test. I passed that, I will just take it as it comes.

“Having won a stage of the Tour of Ulster and won the Shay Elliott last week, everything else is a bonus, now, really. I am just trying to enjoy it.”

Bugter is well clear in the points classification, Ruegg has a 18 point advantage over Kissane in the mountains and Ghys is best under 23 rider.

How the stage unfolded:

Stage four was one of the most difficult of the race, with seven climbs littered along the 152.6 kilometres between Listowel and Glengarrif. These included the second category climbs of Ladies View, Molls Gap and Garranes, plus the first category Healy Pass.

The attacks began right away. Several groups went clear and were brought back inside the first 20 minutes of racing. A big crash splintered the peloton and put some riders out the back early on.

After approximately 17 kilometres Darnell Moore (Ireland National Team) and Martin Frazer (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) went clear. They built an eight-second gap, but were soon brought back. Next to try were Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team), who were then joined by Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team) at the start of the category three climb of Crinny.

Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg) also bridged, but the quartet was brought back by the peloton at approximately kilometre 25, just over three kilometres from the summit of that climb.

King of the Mountains leader Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) took top points at the top, with Daniel Coombe (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) second and Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) third.

Several kilometres later a group of five moved clear, namely Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Sean McKenna (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team), Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) and Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo).

After 39 kilometres they were 20 seconds ahead, but chasing by those behind reeled them in three kilometres later. Jake Alderman (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) attacked several minutes afterwards and had a 15 second advantage over the next riders going over the category three ascent of Farranfore (km 47.3).

King of the Mountains leader Ruegg was next, adding more points to his tally, while William Roberts (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) was third.

Alderman was recaptured and then after approximately 54 kilometres, five riders got away. These were soon joined by seven others, and together they established a 15 seconds gap.

The break comprised Marc Potts (Ireland National Team), Moreno De Pauw (Belgian National Team), Jake Alderman (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Martin Frazer (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Adne van Engelen (Germany Bike Aid), Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Thery Schir (Switzerland National Team), Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis), Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Daniel Coombe (Wales Racing Academy – National Team), Conor Kissane (Kerry Killarney) and Conor McCann (Tipperary Collins Cycle Centre).

The riders built an 18 second lead en route to Killarney but the Holdsworth Pro Racing team brought them all back.

One of those who had been in the move, Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto (USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis), attacked again on the outskirts of Killarney and established an 18 second lead. He remained clear exiting Killarney but was almost caught soon afterwards. However the peloton sat up, enabling him to draw clear once more.

Sensing opportunity, three chasers jumped across – Simon Ryan (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Conor Kissane (Kerry Killarney) and Seán Hahessy (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo). They joined Castillo Soto shortly before the start of the Ladies View climb and, once onto the mountain itself, the  peloton was at one minute and 55 seconds. The gap soon increased to over two minutes.

Kissane was first to the top of the climb at kilometre 82.4, beating Ryan, Castillo Soto and Hahessy. He was again first at the top of Molls Gap (km 87.3), with Castillo Soto second and Hahessy and Ryan next. On both climbs, mountains jersey wearer Ruegg took the points for fifth, trying to hold his lead in that competition and conscious that Kissane was drawing close.

The break’s advantage was one minute 15 seconds heading into Kenmare. It subsequently dropped to 50 seconds, but climbed again to just over a minute at the start of the category two climb of Garranes. At the  summit, Kissane once again took the top points, beating Castillo Soto, Ryan and Hahessy. Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) came through for fifth. Kissane’s prime win moved him to within one point of the mountains jersey lead of Ruegg, prompting big concerns.

Shelden was riding well and bridged up to the break on the next climb, the category one ascent of Healy Pass. He quickly dropped the group and pushed on alone. Behind, the peloton caught the rest of the break and drew close to Shelden before the summit.

However he was strong enough to hold on over the prime line, with Ruegg beating Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg), Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) and Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) for second and thus ensuring he would hold the jersey at the end of the stage.

Shelden was reeled in on the descent by 26 others, who were 46 seconds ahead of the next group. One who was missing was stage two winner Robert-Jon McCarthy; he was descending at the rear of the front group but was blocked by a car and went off the road, suffering cuts and bruises. The fall cost him his chance of a second stage win and also a high general classification placing.

Ruegg beat Nikodemus Holler (Germany Bike Aid) and Jacob Rathe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) on the day’s final climb, the category three Cooleriagh (km 145.3), ensuring another day in the King of the Mountains jersey. Several attacks followed between there and the finish line, but the 26 man lead group raced into the streets of Glengarrif together and Van Dalen grabbed the win.

Cigala was best county team rider in second, a superb achievement for an amateur rider, while Ghys and Rathe were third and fourth past the line.

The race continues on Thursday with a flatter 150.2 kilometres from Glengarriff to Mitchelstown. Early on there will be the category two ascents of the Pass of Keimaneigh and Gortnabinna, plus a later category three climb near the finish.

Miss Ras Mary Hilda Hurley with esmark finch Green Jersey Overall, Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter, Stage winner Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Jason Van Dalen, Race Leader Switzerland National Team’s Cyrille Thiery, 2nd of the stage Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Matteo Cigala, Keoghs County Rider Overall Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Ronan McLaughlin, Europcar King of Mountains Overall Switzerland National Team’s Lucas Ruegg and Sport Ireland Under 23 overall Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

BUGTER BLASTS HOME FIRST IN LISTOWEL, WINNING STAGE 3 OF RÁS TAILTEANN

Second on stages one and two, things came right for Luuc Bugter on day three of the Rás Tailteann, with the Dutchman winning a big bunch sprint into Listowel.

Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter celebrates winning stage 3
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Netherlands Delta Cycling X rider beat Lucas Carstensen (Germany Bike Aid) by half a wheel, with Lindsay De Vylder (Belgian National Team) third and stage two winner Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) fourth.

Belgian National Team rider Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) and Louis Rose-Davies (Britain Canyon Eisberg) completed the top six.

“It went well because we had one guy in the break,” Bugter said. “That got caught with eight kilometres to go, and then I knew the team was going to pull me to the front. I had good legs to win the sprint, so it was a perfect day.

“I am very happy. We didn’t win this year, it was the first win for our team. In a lot of races we went really close with podium places, and now we have finally got a win. So it is good.”

Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) was the best county team rider in eighth, while Richard Maes (Kerry Killarney) was the best Irishman on such a squad.

Stage one winner Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team) rolled in as part of the main bunch and continues as race leader. “Today it was quite an easy day for me,” he said. “I have a great team. I didn’t have to make so much effort, and I think I saved some energy for tomorrow’s stage.”

The 140.4 kilometre stage began in Tipperary and featured a long-distance breakaway of six riders. This featured Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), the instigators of the move, as well as Martin Frazer (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion).

Townsend and van Dalen held on longest out front but were eventually caught with eight kilometres left. Bugter was then quickest at the finish.

The general classification remains completely unchanged for the first eight riders, and there are only minor reshuffling of places for those just behind. Thiery remains ten seconds clear of Bugter, with Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) at 11 secconds, Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) at 13,

Benjamin Wolfe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) at 15 seconds and Jake Gray (Ireland National Team) one second further back.

How the stage played out:

Stage three of the Rás Tailteann ran from Tipperary to Listowel. In contrast to Monday’s wet second stage, it was run off in bright sunshine and in mild to warm conditions. It lacked any categorised climbs, and was predicted to end in a bunch gallop. However many riders were determined to try to rock this expectation, attacking from the drop of the flag to try to frustrate the sprinters.

Andrew Turner (Britain Team KTM) was one of the most active but he, and others, were unable to break the elastic. Then, 34 kilometres in, two riders attacked, namely Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X).

They built a small lead that fluctuated between ten and 35 seconds over the next 20 kilometres. Several pairs of riders tried to bridge at various points but were unable to do so.

A more successful chase happened after approximately 55 kilometres. Martin Frazer (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Curtis White (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis), Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Seán O’Malley (Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion) set off in pursuit, while at the same time the peloton backed off on its efforts to control things.

Van Dalen had started the day eighth overall, 17 seconds back, and was highly motivated to gain time. His chances were boosted when the chasers made the junction at kilometre 70. The peloton at that point was two minutes and five seconds back, making him very clearly the race leader on the road.

The gap increased to two minutes 37 by Foynes (km. 79), and hovered around that mark for quite some time. Behind, BikeAid, KTM and the Swiss National Team were doing most of the chasing and this gradually eroded the break’s advantage. By kilometre 110, 30 kilometres from the line, it was down to just 48 seconds and dropping further. It increased again to 55 seconds with 25 kilometres to go, but more teams joined the chase and once again swung things the other way.

The pressure began to tell on those in the break. White was dropped by the other five, with O’Malley slipping back soon afterwards. That left Townsend, van Engelen, van Dalen and Tillet out front and trying to stay clear. The peloton continued to close and as the gap dropped below 20 seconds, the break split and Townsend and van Dalen – who had been the first two to attack hours earlier – pushed on out front. They were finally caught eight kilometres from the finish.

Other riders tried to get clear but the sprinters’ teams kept things together. Bugter was quickest in the gallop to the line, with McCarthy best of the Irish and Cigala first county team rider.

Bugter builds his advantage in the points competition, while Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) 15 points is best climber.

Paidi O’Brien (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) is best overall Irish county rider, Ghys is best under 23 and Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is best category two competitor.

The Switzerland National Team is best international squad while Westmeath-Viner-Caremark-Pactimo is best  of the Irish teams.

Miss Ras Aoife Kennelly with Team Delta X UCI Continental’s Luuc Bugter (remark points classification overall), Bike Aid UCI Continental Team’s Lucas Carstensen (Switzerland) Switzerland National Team’s Thery Schir (Yellow Jersey) Viner-Caremark-Pactimo’s Matteo Cigala (first County rider on the stage) Gerard DHL’s Paidi O’Brien (Keoghs County prize overall) National Team’s Lucas Ruegg,(Europcar King of the Mountains Jersey) Belgium National Team’s Robbe Ghys (Sport Ireland Under 23 Overall), and Belgium National Team’s Lindsay de Vylder (3rd on Stage)
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

What’s next:

Wednesday’s fourth stage is one of the most difficult of the race, with eight climbs littered along the 153 kilometres between Listowel and Glengarrif. These include the second category climbs of Ladies View, Molls Gap and Garranes, plus the first category Healy Pass.

The slopes are guaranteed to fragment the bunch and cause chaos, while 25 mainly flat kilometres to the finish could see a regrouping of sorts.

MCCARTHY MARKS SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK WITH SECOND RÁS TAILTEANN STAGE WIN OF HIS CAREER

Robert Jon McCarthy picked up the second Rás Tailteann stage win of his career in Tipperary on Monday, following up on his stage one victory in 2014. The Ireland National Team rider beat Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Lindsay De Vylder (Belgian National Team), Simon Ryan (Cork STRATA 3 – VeloRevolution Cycling Team), Thery Schir (Switzerland National Team) and 73 others in a big sprint to the line.

Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) wins stage 2
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

In addition to Ryan’s impressive fourth place, a second Irish county rider Paídi O’Brien (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) also finished in the top ten, netting eighth.

McCarthy has had a bumpy time since winning his first Rás stage win four years ago. He became disillusioned with the sport in mid 2015 and walked away from it, but then returned to racing at the start of last year. In the meantime he changed his nationality back from Australian to Irish, and donned his first-ever Irish national team jersey on Sunday’s opening stage of the Rás.

Winning the bunch sprint behind the ten breakaway riders suggested he was in good form, and he confirmed that on Monday with his stage two victory.

“I am obviously really, really happy,” he said. “It has been a long road back to get a win again. I am just ecstatic to get up there. I have been working very hard, knocking on the door a bit. I have done a lot of riding for the JLT team this year – it has obviously been a really strong team, so it is nice to be able to capitalise on an opportunity and put my name back up there.”

Overnight race leader Cyrille Thiery finished in the main bunch and defended his yellow jersey. The Switzerland National Team rider is ten seconds clear of closest rival Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), and a further second ahead of former Irish national champion Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team). Ghys is fourth, 13 seconds back, with Benjamin Wolfe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) and Jake Gray (Ireland National Team) fifth and sixth.

The day was marked by several hours of rain. Several breakaway groups went clear but none got a strong advantage. With approximately 38 kilometres to go Irish duo Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster) and Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) clipped away and tried to build a big lead. They were unable to extend their gap much past 30 seconds and McLaughlin decided to sit up and return to the bunch; Ryan pressed on, and was subsequently joined by Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team).

“If you don’t try, you don’t get,” he said after the stage. “You have to give it a go now and again.”

The duo were eventually hauled back with six kilometres remaining. Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) played his hand inside two kilometres to go but was recaptured with approximately 500 metres to go. That set things up perfectly for McCarthy, who was well positioned and sped through to take the win.

Ryan’s fourth place earned him the accolade of best county rider for the stage, while O’Brien took the overall lead in the same competition. Bugter is the points leader, and Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) is the best climber.

In the other categories, Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) is top under 23 rider, Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is best category 2 competitor and the Switzerland National Team and Westmeath Viner-Caremark-Pactimo are the best international and county teams respectively.

How the stage unfolded:

Stage two of the 2018 Rás Tailteann covered 148.7 kilometres from Athlone to Tipperary. Aside from the grey conditions and rain, the main obstacles for the riders were the category two ascent of Bikepark (km 50.6) and the later category three ascents of Silvermines (km 92.1) and another, unnamed one at kilometre 95.2. Once past the latter summit, the roads were downhill and then mainly flat in to the finish.

There were a number of attacks in the first hour but no breaks were established. Heading towards the day’s first climb, crashes forced several riders to stop to receive either mechanical or medical assistance.

Three riders clipped away on the climb, namely Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) and Daniel Coombe (Wales Racing Academy – National Team).

These fought it out for the prime, with Ruegg taking top points ahead of Coombe and van Dalen. Lindsay De Vylder (Belgian National Team), Joe Evans (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team) and Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) took fourth through sixth.

The attacks continued after the climb and a group moved clear, gaining ten seconds. However they were caught several kilometres later, having been unable to break the elastic and gain decent time.

The peloton remained together en route to the next two climbs, that of Dolla (km. 88) and Silvermines (km 92.1). However complications with the first of those led to it being scrapped and being replaced with a later unnamed category three climb at kilometre 95.2.

Lukas Ruegg (Switzerland National Team) was first to the top of Silvermines, with Maximilian Stedman (Britain Canyon Eisberg) second, Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) third and Taylor Shelden (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis) fourth.

These four riders pressed on after the summit and opened a 15 second lead. Six others bridged across, but the ten man group was then recaptured by the bunch.

Stedman was best on the next climb, beating Rens Tulner (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo). The rider who was fourth over the line had his race number obscured by a rain jacket and was not counted.

Around Hollyford, approximately 15 kilometres after the climb Irish riders Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster) and Ronan McLaughlin (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) jumped away and raced together for several kilometres. They built a lead of over half a minute, but McLaughlin believed the bunch was too close and sat up.

Ryan pushed on alone and with approximately 108 kilometres covered, was 26 seconds clear. This gap dropped to under 10 seconds and then Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) jumped across. They had 27 seconds at Cappawhite (km 121.6), and held this between 30 and 36 seconds through the 20 kilometre to go point and beyond.

The peloton then gradually increased its pace. McDunphy was doing more and more of the work as Ryan tired, and the gap dropped to 20 seconds with approximately eight kilometres left. It dropped further to eight seconds by Monard, six kilometres from the line, and there the two leaders shook hands and sat up.

The bunch then hurtled in towards the finish in Tipperary. Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team) clipped away just inside two kilometres to go but was recaptured with approximately 500 metres to go. McCarthy was the quickest in the sprint, landing his second Rás win in four years and providing proof that he is back to his best after that break from the sport.

Lukas Ruegg of Switzerland National Team Leader of The Europcar Mountains Competition, Overall Race leader Cyrille Thiery of Switzerland National Team, Luuc Bugter, Delta Cycling esmark finch Points Classification leader, Robbe Ghys of Belgium National Team Sport Ireland Under 23 Rider Overall Paidi O’Brien of Dublin Team Gerard DHL winner of the Keoghs Irish County Rider Overall, Stage winner Robert Jon McCarthy of Ireland National Team and Simon Ryan of Strata 3
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Swiss rider Thiery seizes Rás Tailteann lead in Athlone with impressive stage one victory

Attacking from the day’s break with approximately a kilometre to go, Swiss national team rider Cyrille Thiery soloed to victory at the end of stage 1 of the Rás Tailteann on Sunday. The 27-year-old rider raced into Athlone four seconds clear of his nine breakaway companions, with Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Robbe Ghys (Belgian National Team), Jason van Dalen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) and Dexter Gardias (Britain Canyon Eisberg) completing the top five.

2018 Rás Tailteann, Stage 1, Drogheda To Athlone – Cyrille Thiery of the Switzerland National Team wins Stage 1

Jake Gray (Ireland National Team) in sixth and Damien Shaw (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team, 10th) were best of the home riders, while Gray’s teammate Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team), best county team rider Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo) and Paidi O’Brien (Dublin Team Gerard DHL) led in the main bunch some 23 seconds back.

“With the team, we were thinking that this could be a bunch sprint,” a yellow jersey-clad Thiery said after the podium presentation. “But after 40, 50 kilometres, I saw a lot of attacks and this little group went. I was one of the last guys to come into the group. It was good to get a good gap, and at the end I could win the stage.”

The stage began at 12.30 in Drogheda and covered 136 kilometres to Athlone. The day’s first climb was at Slane, 13.7 kilometres after the drop of the flag, and here Thiery signalled his strength to his rivals when he beat Lindsay De Vylder (Belgian National Team), Daniel Coombe (Wales Racing Academy – National Team) and Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) over the prime line.

Thiery remained active and soon afterwards was involved in a break of 11 riders. These also included Bugter, Ghys, van Dalen, Gardias, Gray and Shaw, as well as William Harper (Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team), Claudio Imhof (Switzerland National Team), John Harris (USA CCB Foundation – Sicleri) and Benjamin Wolfe (USA Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis).

Recognising the danger, four others set off in pursuit, namely Conn McDunphy (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team), Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), Fintan Ryan (Cycling Leinster), Seán Hahessy (Westmeath Viner-Caremark – Pactimo).

The aggression helped add to the average speed, which saw the riders cover 44.7 kilometres inside the first hour of racing.

After approximately 49 kilometres of racing the four chasers were caught by the bunch. Out front, Harris was dropped, leaving ten riders ahead. That group increased its lead to 55 seconds after approximately 58 kilometres, but chasing by the Germany Bike Aid hacked this down to less than 30 seconds.

The gap hovered around that mark for quite some time, giving the impression that the bunch was playing with the break. However the leaders knuckled down and extended it to one minute and 25 seconds with just under 90 kilometres of racing done.

Shortly before that point, Shaw won the Hot Spot sprint in Rochfortbridge (km. 84.4). He beat Wolfe and Gray to take the bonus seconds where, while slightly under four kilometres later Thiery beat Shaw and Wolfe to take the mountain prime, also listed as Rochfortbridge (km. 88.1).

Shaw then won the second Hot Spot sprint in Kilbeggan, 99.4 kilometres into the stage. The bonus seconds he gained would see him end the day third in the general classification.

“It was a typical start,” he said afterwards, explaining how the move developed. “It was fairly fast, frenetic. A lot of different attacks going. To be fair, I was with a lot of stuff and just in the right one that stuck. The gap came right down to 20 seconds at one stage. I thought about maybe sitting up, but why would you really on home turf?

“The bunch then seemed to back off. Once we came out of the narrow roads into the big roads, I thought ‘that’s it, they will see us and we are caught.’ But for some reason it stuck.”

Behind the break, Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team), Matthew Nowell (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Sjoerd Bax (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) realised the bunch wasn’t working well in pursuit of the move.

They clipped away and started a chase, closing to within one minute and 20 seconds of the leaders. However the bunch then accelerated and hauled them back.

Several others then jumped away from the peloton but Seid Lizde (Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) and Adriaan Janssen (Netherlands Delta Cycling X), plus the chasing duo of Rory Townsend (Britain Canyon Eisberg) and Nikodemus Holler (Germany Bike Aid) were also unsuccessful in their pursuit.

These were caught by kilometre 107, and four kilometres later – the 25 kilometres to go point for the stage – the gap to the leaders was one minute 20 seconds.

The peloton increased the pace as the finish approached, with the Germany Bike Aid and Britain Canyon Eisberg squads combining to try to drag the peloton back up to those out front. However the break was pulling well together and their collaboration prevented the gap coming down as quickly as it needed to. With five kilometres left the break still had 46 seconds at hand, and the bunch ran out of time to get it back.

As the finish line approached the attacks began. Thiery was feeling strong and timed his move to perfection, clipping away with approximately a kilometre left and racing in to the finish four seconds clear of Bugter, Ghys, van Dalen and the others in the break.

He ended the day snugly in the yellow jersey of race leader, holding a ten second lead over Bugter and 11 seconds on Shaw. Ghys is fourth overall, with Irishmen Gray in seventh and McCarthy in 11th.

Thiery’s stage win saw him take the lead in the points classification, while his two victories in the King of the Mountains prime saw him also end the day atop those standings.

Ghys is best under 23 rider, Cigala heads the county rider standings, and Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) is best of the category 2 competitors.

Switzerland tops the team standings and Kerry Tralee Manor West is best Irish county team.

Rás Tailteann, Stage 1 – Councillor Aishling Donnellan, Mayor of Athlone Frankie Kenna with Stage 1 jersey winners – Under 23 jersey winner Robbe Ghys of Belgium National Team, Damien Shaw of Holdsworth pro racing team winner of the Europcar King of the mountains jersey, Cyrille Thiery of the Switzerland National Team winner of the yellow jersey, Stage 1 sprinters green jersey Luuc Bugter of Delta Cycling, County rider prize Mateo Ciagla of Westmeath vines Caremark Pactimo, Jon Jeromes, Europcar and Niall Maughan, Europcar

The race continues on Monday with a 148.7 kilometres stage from Athlone to Tipperary. This features the category two ascent of Bikepark just over an hour after the drop of the flag. The category three climbs of Dolla (km 88) and Silvermines (km 92.1) follow before a flat, fast run in to the finish.

PHOTO Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE** Mandatory Credit @INPHO/Bryan Keane

RÁS TAILTEANN BATTLE BEGINS ON SUNDAY WITH DYNAMIC MIX OF RIDERS AND TEAMS

Featuring the Irish national team, 11 international squads and 19 Irish county teams, the 2018 Rás Tailteann begins a 1200 kilometre battle in Drogheda on Sunday. The world-ranked event is the most prestigious race in Irish cycling and will feature ferocious competition between the international and domestic riders, as well as some of the most unpredictable racing on the world calendar.

The international squads are the Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing setup, the Belgian National Team, Britain Canyon Eisberg, Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team, Britain Team KTM, Germany Bike Aid, Netherlands Delta Cycling X, Switzerland National Team, USA CCB Foundation – Sicleri, USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis and the Wales Racing Academy.

These include past Rás stage winner and former world and European track champions, as well as some highly talented young competitors which may well be part of the top pro scene in the future.

The Irish national team will feature 2014 Rás stage winner Robert-Jon McCarthy, as well as the gifted track and road rider Marc Potts plus the talented young competitors Darnell Moore, James Curry and Jake Gray.

Home hopes will also rest on the shoulders of former national champion Damien Shaw, Sean McKenna and Conn McDunphy, who are all part of the Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing team.

The race will feature 19 Irish county teams, namely Cycling Leinster, Antrim Velo Café Magasin, Cork Blarney RC, Cork Strata3/Velorevolution, Dublin Friends First St. Tiernan’s, Dublin Lucan PDM, Dublin Scott Orwell Wheelers, Dublin Team Gerard DHL, Dublin UCD FitzCycles, Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion, Kerry Killarney, Kerry Tralee Manor West, Longford Outdoor Escape Bike Shop, Louth Jons/Scme/Glen Dimplex, Mayo Ballina Molloys Pharmacies, Mayo Castlebar Unit 7, Tipperary Collins Cycle Centre, Tipperary Panduit and Westmeath Viner-Caremark-Pactimo.

Those squads include the riders who were first and second in last weekend’s Shay Elliott Memorial, Ronan McLaughlin and Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark-Pactimo), their teammate Conor Hennebry, who won the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in April and leads the Cycling Ireland A1 rider rankings, and Lindsay Watson (Antrim Velo Café Magasin), who is second in the latter standings.

“We are anticipating a really entertaining and hard-fought race,” says Rás organiser Eimear Dignam. “The international teams include some very strong riders, as does the Irish national team, but the county teams will line out with every intention of taking the fight to them.“

“Those county riders are extremely important to the event. They have long been at the core of it, and even though the standard of the race has increased since it became part of the UCI’s world rankings, they still turn out in droves.“

“The Rás Tailteann is unique in that it features a huge mix of experience, in terms of the type of racing its competitors have done before, yet every rider will start aiming to leave their mark on the race. Whether it is the battle for the final yellow jersey, for a stage win or for the best county rider prizes, everyone has something to chase and as a result, the racing is amongst the most aggressive and unpredictable in world cycling. Many of the foreign riders who compete in the race comment on how unique the event is, and we expect more of the same this year.”

In all, 155 riders will line out in Drogheda this Sunday. The opening stage begins at noon will see a mixture of climbs and sprints along the 136 kilometres to Athlone. There are two category three ascents, and hot spot sprints at Rochfortbridge and Kilbeggan. Both of these will award time bonuses towards the general classification, and could well prove vital.

Day two extends 148.7 kilometres from Athlone to Tipperary, and has the category two ascent of Bikepark just over an hour after the drop of the flag. Two category three climbs come later before a flat, fast run in to the finish.

Day three is a mainly flat stage which will be very brisk. It extends 140.4 kilometres between Tipperary and Listowel, and will likely end in a bunch gallop. Stage four is one of the most difficult of the race, with eight climbs littered along the 153 kilometres between Listowel and Glengarriff. These include the second category climbs of Ladies View, Molls Gap and Garranes, plus the first category Healy Pass.

The slopes are guaranteed to fragment the bunch and cause chaos, while 25 mainly flat kilometres to the finish could see a regrouping of sorts.

Stage five covers a flatter 150.2 kilometres from Glengarriff to Mitchelstown, although early on there will be the category two ascents of the Pass of Keimaneigh and Gortnabinna, plus a later category three climb near the finish.

Day six could be better suited to those who want to break things up. The 154.6 kilometre stage from Mitchelstown to Carlow has no less than five climbs inside the final 50 kilometres, including first category Gorteen and then the second category Coan West and Clongrennan ascents.

Stage seven from Carlow to Naas is even more difficult, with the 141 kilometre leg through Wicklow dotted with eight climbs. These are Ballythomas Hill (category two), Mondlea, Annagh Gap and Cronebeg (all category three), Garrymore (category two), Drumgoff, Wicklow Gap (both category one) and then the third category Slieve Cruagh.

There remains just one more day beyond that point, a 144.6 kilometre race from Naas to Skerries. The platforms for attacks will be five category three climbs, namely the Hill of Allen, Plukhimin, the Cross of the Cage and the two ascents of the Black Hills on the finishing circuit in Skerries.

In all, the race will feature four gruelling category one climbs, 10 category two ascents plus 20 third category slopes, and will pitch specialist climbers against all-rounders.

The profile is much hillier than recent years, with the 34 climbs considerably more than the 21 in 2015, 25 in 2016 and 21 last year.

Rás Tailteann route 2018 (UCI 2.2 race):

Stage 1, Sunday May 20: Drogheda to Athlone, 136 kms:

Stage 2, Monday May 21: Athlone to Tipperary, 148.7 kms:

Stage 3, Tueday May 22: Tipperary to Listowel, 140.4 kms:

Stage 4, Wednesday May 23: Listowel to Glengariff, 153 kms:

Stage 5, Thursday May 24: Glengarriff to Mitchelstown, 150.2 kms:

Stage 6, Friday May 25: Mitchelstown to Carlow, 154.6 kms:

Stage 7, Saturday May 26: Carlow to Naas, 141.2 kms:

Stage 8, Sunday May 27: Naas to Skerries, 144.6 kms:

Total: 1180.5 kms

Teams:

International teams:

Ireland National team

Ireland Holdsworth Pro Racing

Belgian National Team

Britain Canyon Eisberg

Britain Saint Piran Elite Cycling Team

Britain Team KTM

Germany Bike Aid

Netherlands Delta Cycling X

Switzerland National Team

USA CCB Foundation – Sicleri

USA Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis

Wales Racing Academy

County Teams:

Cycling Leinster

Antrim Velo Café Magasin

Cork Blarney RC

Cork Strata3/Velorevolution

Dublin Friends First St. Tiernan’s

Dublin Lucan PDM

Dublin Scott Orwell Wheelers

Dublin Team Gerard DHL

Dublin UCD FitzCycles

Galway Gerry McVeigh Cars – DoorMotion

Kerry Killarney

Kerry Tralee Manor West

Longford Outdoor Escape Bike Shop

Louth Jons/Scme/Glen Dimplex

Mayo Ballina Molloys Pharmacies

Mayo Castlebar Unit 7

Tipperary Collins Cycle Centre

Tipperary Panduit

Westmeath Viner-Caremark-Pactimo

Europcar revealed as official race partner to An Rás Tailteann 

From L-R Paul McNiece (Sales Director, Europcar), Mark Dowling (Team Leinster cyclist), Eimear Dignam (Race Director, An Rás), Jon Jerromes (Head of Business Fleet Services), Marc Potts(Team Ireland cyclist) and Shane Maguire (Business Fleet Executive, Europcar).

Team Ireland cyclist, Marc Potts and Team Leinster cyclist, Mark Dowling attended the official launch event and will represent Ireland in the historic race taking place over eight days from May 20^th to 28^th, covering a total race distance of 1168 kilometres.

Supported by its nationwide network of branches, Europcar will provide a fleet of support cars and vans allowing the Rás to fulfil all of their transport needs including lead car, event logistics, delivery and photography cars over the eight day event.

To celebrate the partnership, Europcar is offering one cycling fan and their friend the exciting opportunity to follow the Rás in a truly unique fashion by traveling in the official lead car driven by Irish cycling legend Laurence Roche for a stage. Europcar will provide the winner with one night’s accommodation where they will have the chance to rub shoulders with the stars of the Rás.

Europcar has also taken ownership of the prestigious, ‘King of the Mountain,’ jersey which is awarded to the rider with the most mountain points at the finish of each stage. Points are awarded to leading riders passing each designated summit with extra points on the most severe climbs and fewer points on less severe climbs. The rider with the greatest number of points at the end of the race is the Rás Tailteann Europcar King of the Mountain.

Speaking at the launch today, Jon Jerromes, Head of Business Fleet Services, Europcar Ireland said:

“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with An Rás Tailteann. As a cycling fan, this is an event that is close to my heart and one that our business is uniquely positioned to support.

Promising Irish national team announced for Rás Tailteann

With just under a week left to the start of the Rás Tailteann, the Irish national team for the race has been unveiled.

Robert Jon McCarthy, Darnell Moore, Marc Potts, Jake Gray and James Curry will don green in the UCI-ranked international event, working together to try to secure the best possible result for Ireland.

Marc Potts in action at the UEC Track Cycling European Championships 2017 Berlin

McCarthy is a strong sprinter who won the Australian junior national championship ahead of Caleb Ewan in 2012. Two years later, he won the opening stage of the Rás, but the following year he lost motivation and took a long break from cycling in 2015.

He returned to the sport in 2017 and also reverted to Irish nationality, having raced for Australia for several years. McCarthy has shown good form since his return, although it took him time to get back up to full speed. He finished sixth, seventh and eighth on stages in last year’s Rás. This year he was second in the prologue of the  Istarsko Proljece – Istrian Spring Trophy in March and was fifth earlier this month on a stage of the prestigious Tour de Yorkshire.

Moore won the Shay Elliott Memorial last year and became national hill climb champion, then this January won the Irish cyclocross championships.

Potts finished seventh in last year’s national road race championships. He was also fourth in the scratch race at the European track championships, and fifth in the same event in the track World Cup in Poland. Last month he helped Mark Downey to fourth in the Commonwealth Games road race, and placed a solid 28^th.

Former Irish junior road race champion Gray was sixth overall in this year’s Victus Tour of Ulster, while Curry dominated last month’s Mid-Ulster GP.

National performance coach Neill Delahaye describes the team as a mixture of youth and experience, while also acknowledging that McCarthy, the most experienced, is still just 24 years of age. “He is capable of stage wins and a strong overall performance,” he says.

“This will also be his first cap for Ireland, after years of racing for Australia. Some of the younger guys don’t yet have experience in the Rás but do in other races. We probably won’t start off with a protected rider, as such. There are some riders who we expect to do very well on the terrain the race offers, and we have some fast finishers.

“With Marc Potts, we have someone who is seeking Olympic qualification on the track and this will be an important block of racing for him to build his condition. He also has a significant engine, which will be very useful at the end of hard stages. Neil Martin will manage the team and he will deliver the strategy before the race. We are going to be on the hunt for stage wins and, as the race unfolds, we are going to be mindful of the GC.”

Rás Tailteann race director Eimear Dignam has already welcomed international teams from the USA, Belgium, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Wales. She is looking forward to seeing how the Irish national team fares alongside those squads.

“The team looks very promising and will be keen to leave its mark,” she says. “Robert Jon McCarthy has already taken a stage and has the ability to do so again; the other riders will also play a big part in shaping the race, and in chasing success for the Irish contingent in the Rás.”

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries. It will run from this Sunday, May 20, to May 27.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to the www.rasireland.ie website.

Rás Tailteann Route 2018:

Stage 1, Sunday May 20: Drogheda to Athlone, 136 kms:

Stage 2, Monday May 21: Athlone to Tipperary, 148.7 kms:

Stage 3, Tuesday May 22: Tipperary to Listowel, 140.4 kms:

Stage 4, Wednesday May 23: Listowel to Glengarriff, 153 kms:

Stage 5, Thursday May 24: Glengarriff to Mitchelstown, 150.2 kms:

Stage 6, Friday May 25: Mitchelstown to Carlow, 154.6 kms:

Stage 7, Saturday May 26: Carlow to Naas, 141.2 kms:

Stage 8, Sunday May 27: Naas to Skerries, 144.6 kms:

Total: 1180.5 kms

American Jelly Belly – Maxxis team becomes 11^th International squad confirmed for Rás Tailteann

With just over a week left to the start of the Rás Tailteann, a second American team has been confirmed for the event. The USA Jelly Belly – Maxxis team joins the previously-announced USA CCB Foundation – Sicler squad, and looks set to be one of the strongest international teams in the event.

The five-man line-up will include the Americans Jacob Rathe, Taylor Shelden, Curtis White and  Ben Wolfe, as well as the Mexican Ulises Castillo Soto.

Rathe is a highly experienced rider, recently winning the green jersey at the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Last year he took the King of the Mountains jersey in the prestigious Tour of Utah and also won the Tour of Xingtai in China.

Shelden finished fifth in the mountains classification in the latter event, and White won the prologue in the 2016 Tour Alsace. Wolfe was third on stage four of last year’s Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay, while Castillo Soto took third overall in the same race.

“Jelly Belly candy company is the longest title sponsor of a professional cycling team,” says team CEO Danny Van Haute. It is the 19th season now in 2018. The team that we are sending to the Rás is well balanced for this race.

“Our leaders will be Jacob Rathe and Curtis White, but that could change after each stage. The team goals are to win a stage, podium in a few more stages, and have a rider in the top 15 in GC.”

Race director Eimear Dignam feels the USA Jelly Belly – Maxxis lineup will make its presence felt. “The lineup from the team looks impressive, and riders like Jacob Rathe have built up both results and experience in very big events,” she says. “When added to the international teams already announced it looks like we will have a really competitive edition of the race.”

In addition to the two American teams, there will also be squads from Belgium, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Wales in the event.

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries. It will run from May 20 to 27.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to www.rasireland.ie

Welsh and German teams join powerful international line-up for Rás Tailteann

The number of international teams announced for this month’s Rás Tailteann has climbed to ten, with the Wales national team and the Germany Bike Aid squad confirmed for the event.

2016 An Post Rás Stage 7 King of the mountains jersey holder Nikodemus Holler, Team Stradbali Bike Aid Germany,

Peter Kibble, Zachery May, Dan Coombe, Will Roberts and James Tillett have been listed as the likely starters for the Welsh squad. Kibble represented the country in the time trial and road race at the recent Commonwealth Games, netting 15^th in the former and helping compatriot Jon Mould take silver in the latter.

May was seventh in last year’s 1.2-ranked Rutland – Melton Cicle Classic while Coombe was ninth in the 2017 OberÖsterreich Juniorenrundfahrt 2.1 event for juniors.

“Pete will be our GC rider and aiming to impress in the mountains,” says team directeur sportif Rob Partridge, who rode ten editions of the Rás and was a superb fourth overall in 2015. “Zac will be looking for stage wins on the flatter days, and bring some experience to the team. We have a strong back up with James, Will and Dan who are great all-rounders and can be up there on their day as well. Four of the five riders are U23, so a target as a whole would be the young riders’ jersey. Our options are very much open, and I’m excited to head to Ireland with this group of talented riders as part of our new U23 programme within Welsh Cycling – Wales Racing Academy.”

The Germany Bike Aid team previously competed in the Rás Tailteann in 2012, 2013 and 2016. This year’s line-up includes Nikodemus Holler, who won the mountains competition and finished tenth overall in 2016. He also won last year’s Tour du Cameroun, and will be the team’s general classification rider for the race.

Lucas Carstensen will be the team’s designated sprinter, and has stage victories to his credit in the 2018 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo plus the 2017 Tours of Senegal and Xingtai. Also set to appear are former Eritrean national champion and 2017 African Continental time trial champion Meron Teshome, the 2015 Tour of Egypt runner up Adne Van Engelen and Patrick Lechner, third on a stage of the 2016 Tour du Cameroun.

“The team’s goals are to fight for the general classification win, and to take stages,” said team coordinator Timo Schäfer.” The squad will do a series of UCI-ranked races as part of its build-up.

“Just as was the case with the previously announced international teams, these latest two squads will help shape the 2018 edition,” says race director Eimear Deignan. “Both will have guidance from riders who have done the race before, and the Germany Bike Aid team can also draw on the Rás experience of Nikodemus Holler. This will help greatly in getting the best possible results, and in shaking up the race.”

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries. It will run from May 20 to 27.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to the www.rasreland.ie

PHOTO CREDIT: 2016 King of the Mountains winner, Nikodemus Holler, Germany Bike Aid.

Mandatory Photo Credit: @INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Belgian and Swiss national teams to add speed and aggression to Rás Tailteann

With less than a month to go until the start of the 2018 Rás Tailteann, a further two international teams have been added to the six already announced for the race. National teams from Belgium and Switzerland will compete in the round-Ireland event, drawing their track racing background to ramp up the speed and aggression of the event.

The Belgian squad is comprised of riders who are set to represent the country in the 2020 Beijing Olympics velodrome.

Former Rás stage winner Moreno de Pauw is returning after two previous participations in the race. These yielded a stage win in 2013. On the track he is a winner of six six-day races and has taken bronze medals in the world and European track championships.

Kenny de Ketele is a past world Madison champion and has also taken silver and bronze medals at the worlds. He is a winner of 16 six-day races and has been seven times European track champion. He will ride the Rás for the second time in his career, having taken fifth in the mountains classification in 2013.

Jules Hesters is riding his second Rás and is a past European junior track champion. The team is completed by two Rás debutantes, namely 2017 under 23 European Madison track champions Lindsay De Vylder and Robbe Ghys.

“Our goal for the race is winning a stages and placing one rider in the top ten of the general classification,” says team manager Peter Pieters.

Moreno De Pauw, Belgium National Team, celebrates after crossing the finish line to win Stage 5 of the 2013 An Post Rás.

The Swiss national team also has a big emphasis on track. It is building up to the Elite European track championships in August, which is the beginning of the Olympic qualification for the team pursuit and Madison events.

The line-up for the Rás Tailteann is likely to be Cyrille Thièry, Claudio Imhof, Frank Pasche, Thery Schir and Lukas Ruegg.

Thièry raced in the Rio Olympics as part of the Swiss team pursuit squad. His road results include third in the mountains classification at the 2017 Flèche du Sud and third in the points classification in the 2016 Tour de Hokkaido.

Imhof is a past medalist in the world and European track championships, netting silver with Thièry in the Madison at the 2011 Europeans. Pasche and Schir were part of the Swiss squad in the Rio 2016 Olympics and won the European under 23 Madison championship in 2015.

As for Ruegg, he was part of the victorious team sprint and team pursuit squad at the 2017 Swiss national championships. He is aiming to break into the Elite national track team for the 2018/2019 season.

“We are here to ride strongly in individual stages and look for riders such as Schir,  Thièry and Imhof to be in break- aways in the hunt for a stage win,” said national track coach Ross Machejefski. “Also the main sprinter would be Thièry Schir.

“This race is the first big stage race the team is doing for the 2018 season but each rider will come in having done several races in Switzerland through the spring. We look forward to the lap around Ireland and some great racing!”

Race director Eimear Dignam also anticipates some top competition. “Having these two track teams will add much to the race; they will be aggressive, they will have a strong turn of speed and they will be accustomed to working very well as a unit,” she said. “Together with the international teams previously announced and those yet to be named, there will be a very promising overseas element in this year’s race.”

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries. It will run from May 20 to 27.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to the www.rasireland.ie

Addition of British and American squads expands international line-up for Rás Tailteann

As the weeks tick down towards the May 20 start of the Rás Tailteann, a further two overseas squads have been confirmed for the world-ranked event.

2017 An Post Ras Stage 3, Newport to Bundoran – Damien Shaw oof An Post CRC with eventual stage winner, Matthew Teggart of An Post CRC

Former Irish national road race champion Damien Shaw and talented young rider Sean McKenna are the first two to be named for the Britain Holdsworth Pro Racing Team. The rest of the squad is yet to be decided, but the two Irish riders have amassed plenty of experience in the race and will share that with their teammates.

Shaw won the national championships in 2015 and finished second, second and third on stages in that year’s Rás. He was also fifth overall in 2016 and again last year. As for McKenna, he was fourth in the mountains classification in 2017 and took 15^th overall. He went on to place fifth in the national road race championships.

“Sean has had a good start to the 2018 season, winning races in Ireland, while Damien always has great form in May,” said sports director Dean Downing. “Perhaps one of our Italian sprinters will be on the team, along with one of the young Irish under 23 riders. It’s a tough decision to choose just five riders. But hopefully we will have a few surprises up our sleeves with our international riders.”

The team will do a series of big races as part of its build-up, including the Tour de Yorkshire. Downing believes the squad will be exactly where it needs to be as it starts the event.

“The Rás is such a hard race to control as it’s a small team of five riders,” he said. “But we will go in with stage win ambitions and to place riders in the big breaks on the queen stages in this year’s race. We will have no leaders, just five lads working hard together each stage.”

Meanwhile the USA CCB Velotooler Cycling Team will return for the third year running, building on participations in 2017 and 2018. The squad has raced aggressively in the past, and yielded results such as Jacob Sitler’s second place into Buncrana last year.

This year’s squad includes multiple road and cyclo-cross national team member Spencer Petrov, Jefferson Cup road race winner Thomas Humpreys, Healthy Newtown road race winner Gabe Mendez, Purgatory road race winner John Harris and former American masters world champion Tim Mitchel.

“Most of our riders are in university in the USA, so they have been doing some collegiate racing, as well as the Clif Bar Velotooler Cup spring series in New England,” said team sports director Arnie Mostowy. “In the weeks leading up to the Rás, we will do a number of pro kermess races in Belgium, and several one-day UCI races including the Ronde van Overijssel and Profronde van Noord-Holland in the Netherlands.”

As regards the team’s goals for the race, Mostowy said that a step-by-step approach would be taken. “The Rás is very difficult to predict/control for a targeted GC ride with the parcours, small team size, and unpredictable racing dynamic,” he explained.

“We will be focusing more on stage results with the goal of placing one of our three U23 riders high on the U23 GC. Look for Gabe Mendez to be contesting the stages with steeper/longer climbs, while Spencer Petrov will be looking at the stages that tend to be ‘attrition stages’ and – because of his cyclocross experience – anything with foul weather. Thomas Humphreys and John Harris are likely be on the hunt for breakaways on most days and could also mix it up in a reduced-bunch sprint.”

Race director Eimear Dignam anticipates great racing from both squads. “Damien Shaw and Sean McKenna have done plenty of strong riding in the past and will help write the story of this year’s race,” she said. “We are looking forward to seeing the Holdsworth Pro Racing team line out and chasing results over the eight days.The same for the USA CCB Velotooler Cycling Team. It has learned a lot about the event over the past two years, and will line out this time ready to challenge for stage wins and more.”

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengariff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries. It will run from May 20 to 27.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to www.rasireland.ie

Multiple stage-winning team amongst squads announced for 2018 Rás Tailteann

A week after the announcement of the first two international squads for this year’s Rás Tailteann, two more teams have been revealed for the race. The Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam team has shone in the past two editions, winning two stages under the Cycling team Join’s – De Rijke name in 2016 and then repeating that tally last year via Jan Willem Van Schip and Daan Meijers. In addition to that, Ike Groen was a superb second overall, while Meijers won the points classification.

2017 An Post Ras Stage 7, Donegal to Ardee –
Jan Willem Van Schip, The Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam Team

“Our first goal is to win a stage,” states team manager Jim van den Berg. “We strongly believe in by riding for day wins, the classification will follow automatically. We will not start with protected riders who will try to save energy. That might be a tactic later on, when the general classification comes within reach.”

Van den Berg has named  Jason van Dalen, Adriaan Janssen, Gijs Meijer, Sjoerd Bax and Rens Tulner as the five riders most likely to take part. Van Dalen won a stage in last year’s Okolo Jiznich Cech/Tour of South Bohemia and was sixth in the recent Tour de Normandie. Janssen was a stagiaire last year with the WorldTour Lotto-JumboNL squad and won the Omloop van Braakman. Meijer was second in the 2017 Ronde van Zuid-Oost Friesland, while Bax won the Eurode Omloop top competitive event. Tulner was 12^th in the under 23 Dutch national time trial championships.

The team will do a series of 1.2 ranked races in the Netherlands and Belgium to ensure it is in the best possible shape for the Rás Tailteann.

The Britain Team KTM squad is the second confirmed today, and it is making its Rás debut. The listed riders are Will Fox, Andy Turner, Callum Ferguson and Fraser Rounds. Either Peter Barusevicus or Kieran Brady will complete the line-up.

Fox was fourth on a stage of last year’s Tour of Bulgaria, while Turner was third in the Severn Bridge road race. Ferguson was second on the queen stage of last year’s Tour of Bulgaria and third in the best young rider competition. Rounds was originally an elite triathlete, but began focussing on cycling. He was fourth in the Mark Bell Memorial Road Race earlier this month.

“At the outset we are planning to have three to four riders as high on GC as possible and aim for the team prize,” said team manager Paul Lamb. “We have a team of good all-rounders and a rider in Will Fox who we will target selectively for stage wins. Depending on how the race pans out we may then select a protected rider if we have someone in the top 10 on GC.”

Both teams will travel to Ireland in the build-up to the race start in Drogheda on May 20^th. “We are looking forward to seeing both squads performing in the Rás Tailteann,” states race director Eimear Dignam. “The Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam team has been one of the strongest in recent editions and, in addition to the stage wins achieved, did much to animate the racing. As for Britain Team KTM, we are confident that they will race hard and aim for a big debut in the Rás.”

About the Rás

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gillet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to the www.rasireland.ie/ras-kit/

Image caption: Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE**

2017 An Post Ras Stage 7, Donegal to Ardee 27/05/2017

Jan Willem Van Schip, The Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam team. Mandatory Credit @INPHO/Morgan Treacy

First two International teams announced for Rás Tailteann

With just over six weeks to go until the start of the 2018 Rás Tailteann, the first two international teams have been announced for the event. The British Canyon Eisberg and Saint Piran squads have confirmed their attendance and are aiming high in what is Ireland’s most prestigious cycling race.

2017 An Post Ras Stage 5, Buncrana to Dungloe 25/5/2017 Riders make their way towards Burt

Dexter Gardias will be one of the big guns on the Canyon Eisberg squad, having taken third overall last year in the King of the Mountains competition. He was also fourth on stage one in 2016. He will be joined by fellow Britons Max Stedman, Louis Rose Davies and Matt Nowell, plus newly-declared Irishman Rory Townsend in the event.

Townsend has clocked up five top-ten results in UCI races. These include second in the 1.2-ranked Midden Brabant Poort Omloop, as well as ninth in the 1.1 Rad am Ring. He was also points classification winner in the 2.2 Tour of Quanzhou Bay and mountains classification victory in the 2.1-ranked Tour of Almaty.

Stedman similarly had a strong 2017, netting a stage win and overall success in the Tour of Quanzhou Bay. Rose Davies took the British junior championship title in 2017.

“The team’s objectives is to walk away from the race with as many stage wins as possible while going for a GC placing with either Max or Dexter,” says sports director Simon Holt. “We are looking to better our best GC placing in 2016 of ninth with James Gullen while under the name of Pedal Heaven. Rory is very keen to show himself in this race given he has recently changed his nationality to Irish, and could be a strong contender in the points competition.”

 As part of its build-up, the team will ride the Tour of Yorkshire plus Dutch races such as the Ronde van Overijssel and the Profronde van Noord Holland.

The Britain Saint Piran team is a new squad based in Cornwall. “It is pulling on our Celtic roots with sponsors from within the region, and has the aim of producing riders from this area,” explains team manager Steve Lampier. “I see the Rás  as major stepping stone in that ambition. Only one of our team members had the opportunity to race the Rás before, and in doing so has the advantage and knowledge of doing an eight day race.”

Joe Evans is the rider with past experience in the Rás. He competed twice in the event and was seventh on stage four and 19^th overall last year. Lampier, who participated in the Rás multiple times during his career, states that Evans will be the protected rider.

“He will be our leader and we are hoping to push him into the top ten. As for the two Cornish lads, Jake Alderman and Will Harper, both pack a fast finish. I will let them off the leash and see what they can do on Irish soil.”

The fourth member of the team is Northern Ireland rider and popular blogger Cameron Jeffers. “He is keen to show the Irish public what he can do on and off the bike,” says Lampier. The remaining team rider will be confirmed at a later date.

The team will do races such as the HSBC Chorley GP, then the Rutland Melton CiCLE Classic, the Tour of Ulster and the Lincoln GP as part of its build-up .

Lampier is motivated to help is riders achieve the best possible results. “I rode the race four times in my career, and to be able to pass on my knowledge from the race, and to see the race from the other side is a massive pleasure to me.”

Race director Eimear Dignam welcomes the participation of the Canyon Eisberg and Saint Piran squads. “There is a long history of British teams in the Rás Tailteann, and they have contributed to the aggressive racing each year,” she says. “We anticipate the same in May, and look forward to seeing them in action.”

More international teams will be announced soon.

About Rás Tailteann 2018

This year’s Rás Tailteann totals eight days and 1168.7 kilometres in length, and is ranked as a 2.2 event on the UCI’s international calendar. It will begin in Drogheda on May 20^th. The race will feature four gruelling category one climbs plus 30 other categorized climbs, as well as stage finishes in Athlone, Tipperary, Listowel, Glengariff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas and Skerries.

Previously known as the An Post Rás, the event is searching for a new title sponsor. The race recently announced an initiative with cycling clothing manufacturer Spin 11, whereby a commemorative cycling kit is being produced and will help secure the future of the race.

The jersey and gilet feature the names of the Rás champions dating back to the first event in 1953. Proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

For more details and to order, go to  www.rasireland.ie

Image caption:

Repro free: **PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE**

2017 An Post Ras Stage 5, Buncrana to Dungloe 25/05/2017

Riders make their way towards Burt

Mandatory Credit @INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Rás Tailteann 2018 – Stage Starting List & Results

Stage 8 – Naas to Skerries

Results

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Starting Rider List

Stage 7 – Carlow to Naas

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Starting Rider List

Stage 6 – Mitchelstown to Carlow

Results

Starting Rider List

Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

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Starting Rider List

Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

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Starting Rider List

Stage 4 – Listowel to Glengarriff

Results

Stage 3 – Tipperary to Listowel

Results

Starting Rider List

Stage 2 – Athlone to Tipperary

Results

Starting Rider List

Stage 1 – Drogheda to Athlone

Results

Starting Rider List