About Rás Tailteann

Rás Tailteann is an eight-day, international stage race around Ireland – commonly known as “The Rás”. This is the official site of Rás Tailteann.

The race is Ireland’s number one cycling event and takes place each year in May.

This year the event will start on Sunday 20^th May and finish in Skerries, Co Dublin on Sunday 27^thMay 2018.

For the past 7 years the Rás Tailteann was sponsored by the national postal service An Post, and although no title sponsor is currently in place the Race Director, Eimear Dignam recently confirmed that the race would proceed as normal.

“The epic race began in 1953 and has been held every year since. It is one of Ireland’s top sporting events bringing world class sporting action and a significant economic boost to towns and villages nationwide. It is a major event on the national and international calendar” said Dignam, “and it is going to happen as normal under my watch”.

The Rás has a worldwide reputation of being a gruelling challenge in the elite, International calendar. The open racing style allows amateur county and club riders to pit themselves against domestic and international professionals.

“The route is finalised and our hard working organising committee were out ironing out the last few details over the festive season.

We will be having a press release very soon to announce the route.

“Just because we don’t yet have a sponsor this won’t make the route any easier, I promise the Rás will be as tough as ever” Dignam confirmed recently.

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

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.

“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.

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:

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.

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

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:

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 wins stage 2 21/5/2018

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, Cyrille Thiery, Luuc Bugter, Robbe Ghys, Paidi O'Brien, Robert Jon McCarthy and Simon Ryan 21/5/2018

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.

Ras-Route-Map-2018 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

Europcar, global leaders in car hire, was today unveiled as official partner to the 2018 Rás Tailteann, Ireland’s premier cycling event which attracts 31 teams (12 international and 19 domestic) and 155 riders.

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.

Our network of branches across the country will offer logistical support to the race and I look forward to seeing our flexible and agile fleet fulfil the diverse and demanding requirements of this amazing race.”

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.

2018 Jelly Belly Team Photo

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

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.

Ras-Tailteann-2016-King-of-the-Mountains-winner-Nikodemus-Holler

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

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

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.

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

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.

Ras-Tailteann-2018-International-teams-announcment

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.

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

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Stage 7 – Carlow to Naas

Results

2018Stage_7_Results

Starting Rider List

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Stage 6 – Mitchelstown to Carlow

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Stage 4 – Listowel to Glengarriff

Results

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Stage 3 – Tipperary to Listowel

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Stage 2 – Athlone to Tipperary

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Stage 1 – Drogheda to Athlone

Results

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Starting Rider List

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Rás Tailteann 2018 – Team Entry List

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Rás Tailteann 2018 – Race Technical Guide

Download [10.39 MB]

Rás Tailteann Cycling Kit

To celebrate the legacy of Rás Tailteann and to contribute to its future, we are producing this stunning commemorative cycling kit. Wear the official Rás Tailteann cycling kit as a badge of honour knowing you have helped contribute to the races future, while celebrating its past. All support is greatly appreciated, proceeds will contribute to the running of the event.

To acknowledge the legacy of this great race the jersey and gilet feature the names of the winning “Men of The Rás” since the very beginning, way back in 1953. The names reflect the “who is who” of Irish cyclists that have proudly added to the Rás to their “palmares” through the years. It also shines a light brightly on the events international status.

Pre order until the April 6th for delivery by the May 20th, Shop now; https://goo.gl/o18fYU

Rás Pictures

Click the link below to view Full Galleries from the 2017 and 2018 Rás.

Click here…

Past Winners

Past Rás Winners 1953 – 2015

Year	Winner	From
1953	Colm Christle	Gate C.C.
1954	Joe O’Brien	National C.C.
1955	Gene Mangan	Kerry
1956	Paudie Fitzgerald	Kerry
1957	Frank Ward	Dublin
1958	Mick Murphy	Kerry
1959	Ben McKenna	Meath
1960	Paddy Flanagan	Kildare
1961	Tom Finn	Dublin
1962	Sé O Hanlon	Dublin
1963	Zbigniew Glowaty	Poland
1964	Paddy Flanagan	Kildare
1965	Sé O Hanlon	Dublin
1966	Sé O Hanlon	Dublin
1967	Sé O Hanlon	Dublin
1968	Milan Hrezdira	Czech.
1969	Brian Connaughton	Meath
1970	Alexander Gysiantnikov	USSR
1971	Colm Nulty	Meath
1972	John Mangan	Setanta C.C.
1973	Mike O’Donaghue	Carlow
1974	Peter Doyle	I.C.F.
1975	Paddy Flanagan	Kildare
1976	Fons Steuten	Netherlands
1977	Yuri Lavrushkin	USSR
1978	Seamus Kennedy	Kerry
1979	Stephen Roche	Ireland
1980	Billy Kerr	Ireland
1981	Jamie McGahan	Scotland
1982	Dermot Gilleran	Ireland
1983	Philip Cassidy	Ireland
1984	Stephen Delaney	Dublin
1985	Nicola Kosiakov	USSR
1986	Stephen Spratt	Tipperary
1987	Paul McCormack	Longford
1988	Paul McCormack	Ireland
1989	Dainis Ozoles	USSR
1990	Ian Chivers	Ireland
1991	Kevin Kimmage	Meath
1992	Stephen Spratt	Dublin
1993	Eamonn Byrne	Ireland
1994	Declan Lonergan	Ireland
1995	Paul McQuaid	Ireland
1996	Tommy Evans	Derry
1997	Andrew Roche	Kerry
1998	Ciarán Power	Ireland
1999	Philip Cassidy	Ireland
2000	Julian Winn	Wales
2001	Paul Manning	Britain
2002	Ciarán Power	Ireland
2003	Chris Newton	Britain
2004	David McCann	Ireland
2005	Chris Newton	Britain
2006	Christian House	Britain
2007	Tony Martin	Germany
2008	Stephen Gallagher	Ireland
2009	Simon Richardson	Britain
2010	Alex Wetterhall	Sweden
2011	Gediminas Bagdonas	Lithuania
2012	Nicolas Baldo	France
2013	Marcin Bialoblocki	Poland
2014	Clemens Fankhauser	Austria
2015	Lukas Postlberger	Austria
2016	Clemens Fankhauser	Austria
2017	James Gullen	Britain

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1999 Philip Cassidy Ireland Makes It Two FBD Milk Rás

FBD Milk Rás 1999- 9 Day International Cycle Race

15th. May - 23rd. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Waterford, 151 Kms.

Ceremonail Start G P O, Inchicore, Naas Road, On N7. On R445, Naas, On N9, Kilcullen, Timolin, Moone, Castledermot, Carlow, On R724, Bagenalstown, Borris, Borris KOM, Graiguenamanagh, Graiguenamanagh KOM, Brandon Hill KOM, The Rower, On R700, New Ross, On N25, New Ross KOM, Glenmore KOM, Waterford.

Stage 2: Waterford To Charleville, 167 Kms.

Waterford, On N24, Mooncoin, Fiddown, Piltown, Carrick-On-Suir, On N24, Kilsheelin, Clonmel, On R665, Knocklofty KOM, Ardfinnan, Clogheen, On R668, The Vee KOM, Lismore By-Pass, On R666, Ballyduff, Fermoy, On R512, Glanworth, Kildorrey, Kildorrey KOM, Ardpatrick, Kilmallock, Charleville.

Stage 3: Charleville To Killaloe, 141 Kms.

Charleville, On R515, Kilmallock, Elton, Knocklong, Emly, Lattin, Tipperary, On N74, Kilfeacle, Thomastown, Golden, Cashel, On N8, Horse And Jockey, On N62, Thurles, On R498, Borrisoleigh, Nenagh, On R494, Newtown, Newtown KOM, Portroe, Portroe KOM, Ballina, Killaloe.

Stage 4: Killaloe To Ballinrobe, 141 Kms.

Killaloe, On R483, Ogonnelle, Tuamgraney, Scariff, Garraun KOM, Killanena, Killanena KOM, On N18, Gort, Kilcolgan, Clarinbridge, On N18, Claregalway, Tuam, On R332, Kilmaine, Ballinrobe.

Stage 5: Ballinrobe To Sligo, 172 Kms.

Ballinrobe, On N84, Partry, Ballintubber, Ballyhearne, Castlebar, On R311, Left At Traffic Lights Diretion Achill, On R312, Keenagh KOM, On N59, Crossmolina, Ballina, On N59, Corballa, Donmore West, Templeboy, Ballysodare, On R292, Strandhill KOM, Sligo.

Stage 6: Donegal To Killybegs, 143 Kms.

Transfer To Donegal Town, On N15, Barnesmore Gap KOM, Ballybofry, Stranorlar, On N56, On N14, Letterkenny, On R250, Meenirroy KOM, Fintown, Glenties, On N56, Ardara, On N56, Glengesh Pass KOM, Meenanry, Carrick, Bogagh KOM, Kilcar, On R263, Bavin Mountain KOM, Killybegs.

Stage 7: Killybegs To Cootehill, 159 Kms.

Killybegs, On N56, Bruckless, Dunkineely, Mountcharles, donegal, On N15, Laghey, On R232, The Black Gap KOM, Pettigo, On A35, Kesh, On B4, Ederney, Lack, On B84, Dromore, On B46, Fintona, McDermotts Hill KOM, Fivemiletown Mountain KOM, Fivemiletown, Cooneen, Carnemore Mountain KOM, Derrynawilt, Clones, On R183, Newbliss, Cootehill.

Stage 8: Cootehill To Drogheda 165 Kms.

Cootehill, On R190, Ballybay, On R162, Left At Riversdale Hotel, O R183, Doohamelet, On N2, Castleblaney, On R181, On B32, Keady, On A29, Keady Mountain KOM, Newtownhamilton, On A25, Newtownhamilton KOM, Beleek, Camlough, Newry, On B79, On R173, Omeath, Windy Gap KOM, Jenkinstown Cross, On R173, On N1, Dundalk, On N1, On N52, On N2, Ardee, Mount Oriel KOM, Collon, Slane, On N51, Oldbridge, King Williams Glen KOM,Tullyallen, On R168, Drogheda.

Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium 1 Hour Racing.

O'Connell Street, Parnell Street, O'Connell Street, Abbey Street Junction. Stage 1: Dublin To Waterford, 151 Kms. P. Kil ( Netherlands Prowin) 319-21 Stage 2: Waterford To Charleville, 167 Kms. J. Clay (Linda McCartney) 4-02-44 Stage 3: Charleville To Killaloe, 141 Kms. H. Jansen (Netherlands Prowin) 3-30-33 Stage 4: Killaloe To Ballinrobe, 141 Kms. D. McCann (Armagh Planet X) 3-26-33 Stage 5: Ballinrobe To Sligo, 172 Kms. H. Jansen (Netherlands Prowin) 4-08-18 Stage 6: Donegal To Killybegs, 143 Kms. H. Jansen (Netherlands Prowin) 3-39-02 Stage 7: Killybegs To Cootehill, 159 Kms. A. Maasikmets (Estonia) 3-41-48 Stage 8: Cootehill To Drogheda 165 Kms. H. Jansen (Netherlands Prowin) 4-03-10 Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium 1 Hour Racing. P. van Hoof (Belgium) 1-00-04

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	P. Cassidy, Ireland. D. Finnegan, Meath Avonmore. C. Pearce, U.S.A./Europe. R. Hobby, Lincoln. E. Putsep, Estonia. R. Downing, Linda McCartney. S. O’Sullivan, Wicklow. E. Dagelet, Netherlands Prowinn. E. Moriarty, Ireland. B. Moore, Meath Avonmore.	30-56-04 02-11 02-27 03-27 04-44 06-01 06-23 08-36 08-48 09-07

General Classification

10.

P. Cassidy, Ireland.

D. Finnegan, Meath Avonmore.

C. Pearce, U.S.A./Europe.

R. Hobby, Lincoln.

E. Putsep, Estonia.

R. Downing, Linda McCartney.

S. O’Sullivan, Wicklow.

E. Dagelet, Netherlands Prowinn.

E. Moriarty, Ireland.

B. Moore, Meath Avonmore.

30-56-04 02-11

02-27

03-27

04-44

06-01

06-23

08-36

08-48

09-07

International Team Winners Ireland Clarke Contracts P. Cassidy, E. Moriarty, R. Clarke, D. O'Loughlin P. Moriarty County Team Winners Meath Avonmore Derek Finnegan, S. Coughlan, B. Moore, J. Nolan, Dermot Finngan Ben McKenna Trophy Beat Under 23 Rider Paul Healion Dublin I.R.C.

List Of Competitors 1999

Ireland 1. R. Clarke 2. P. Cassidy 3. E. Moriarty 4. D. O’Loughlin 5. P. Moriarty Belgium DCM ICS 6. M. Fox 7. P. Van Hoof 8. T. Cuppens 9. D. Leukemans 10. D. Kestens Estonia 11. J. Aksin 12. A. Maasikmets 13. R. Kodanipork 14. M. Ainsalu 15. E. Putsep Egypt 16. A. El Nady 17. M. Adelfattah 18. K. Saad 19. S. Masry 20. M. Abass France Cote Picardie 21. S. Duclos 22. D. Commault 23. E. Mace 24. S. Priziac 25. N. Fabien Germany Henninger 26. U. Hardter 27. D. Haueisen 28. J. Hudalla 29. B. Wachter 30. M. Wieczorek Netherelands Prominn 31. E. Dagelet 32. B. Timmermans 33. H. Jansen 34. P. Kil 35. H. Kopmels Wales 36. J. Griffiths 37. G. Rose 38. P. Sheppard 39. A. Malarczyk 40. S. Jones U.S.A./Europe 41. S. Steiner 42. C. Pearce 43. I. Adams 44. K. Russell 45. I. Humble Britain Linda McCartney 46. J. Clay 47. B. Brooks 48. R. Reynolds-Jones 49. J. Clarke 50. R. Downing Cheshire Peugeot 51. J. Cosgrove 52. J. Wright 53. P. Evans 54. A. Lyons 55. M. Lovatt Twickenham 56. P. Swettenham 57. V. Halpern 58. T. Rowan 59. D. Crow 60. W. Butterworth Lincoln 61. R. Hobby 62. J. Dayus 63. B. Coekin 64. M. Smith 65. P. Maude Southend 66. S. Howells 67. K. Stuart 68. T. Woodcock 69. N. Brooks 70. I. Samuel Surrey Racing League 71. G. Dodd 72. D. Berkeley 73. R. Morgan 74. D. Axford 75. J. Hoy Antrim UCF 76. K. Gallagher 77. J. Grant 78. K. Sloan 79. C. Greene 80. P. Geddis Armagh Planet X 81. B. Doherty 82. D. Easton 83. D. McCann 84. B. Graham 85. N. Hogan	Carlow Dan Morrissey 86. P. Griffin 87. K. Donnelly 88. A. Hedderman 89. J. Fenlon 90. P. Finnegan Kerry Baltic Trading 91. J. McCarthy 92. J. Blackwell 93. D. O’Shea 94. D. Cutting 95. J. Mannix Cork 96. P. Kenealy 97. A. N. Other 98. A. N. Other 99. A. N. Other 100. P. O’Flaherty Down 101. M. McCrory 102. R. Hanna 103. A. McDonald 104. M. Hamilton 105. J. Quinn Dublin Ravens 106. A. Duffin 107. J. McGee 108. K. Branagan 109. M. Wall 110. P. Hicks Dublin Swords 111. C. Lynch 112. M. Maguire 113. J. Peppard 114. S. Whelan 115. M. Sutcliffe Dublin IRC 116. K. Gallagher 117. F. O’Leary 118. C. Bracken 119. P. Healion 120. D. Peelo Dublin Orwell 121. E. Finn 122. E. Rogers 123. P. Ennis 124. J. Condon 125. I. Chivers Kildare Newbridge 126. J. Reidy 127. K. Conlon 128. A 129. S. Byrne 130. J. Kelly Kildare Hire Equip 131. A. Meehan 132. P. Marrey 133. D. McVeigh 134. J. Carroll 135. M. Kiernan Galway Thermo King 136. N. Forde 137. F. Barrett 138. D. Nugent 139. A. Farrell 140. J. Flynn Mayo 141. D. Kenneally 142. D. Healy 143. K. McMahon 144. M. Devins 145. A. N. Other Meath Avonmore 146. D. Finegan 147. S. Coughlan 148. B. Moore 149. D. Finnegan 150. J. Nolan Meath 151. S. Howard 152. C. Sweetman 153. T. Hughes 154. B. Caffrey 155. S. Connaughton Offaly 156. A. N. Other 157. A. N. Other 158. A. N. Other 159. A. N. Other 160. A. N. Other Wicklow 161. S. O’Sullivan 162. K. Bannon 163. A. Crowley 164. B. Kenneally 165. R. Cahill

List Of Competitors 1999

Ireland

1. R. Clarke

2. P. Cassidy

3. E. Moriarty

4. D. O’Loughlin

5. P. Moriarty

Belgium DCM ICS

6. M. Fox

7. P. Van Hoof

8. T. Cuppens

9. D. Leukemans

10. D. Kestens

Estonia

11. J. Aksin

12. A. Maasikmets

13. R. Kodanipork

14. M. Ainsalu

15. E. Putsep

Egypt

16. A. El Nady

17. M. Adelfattah

18. K. Saad

19. S. Masry

20. M. Abass

France Cote Picardie

21. S. Duclos

22. D. Commault

23. E. Mace

24. S. Priziac

25. N. Fabien

Germany Henninger

26. U. Hardter

27. D. Haueisen

28. J. Hudalla

29. B. Wachter

30. M. Wieczorek

Netherelands Prominn

31. E. Dagelet

32. B. Timmermans

33. H. Jansen

34. P. Kil

35. H. Kopmels

Wales

36. J. Griffiths

37. G. Rose

38. P. Sheppard

39. A. Malarczyk

40. S. Jones

U.S.A./Europe

41. S. Steiner

42. C. Pearce

43. I. Adams

44. K. Russell

45. I. Humble

Britain Linda McCartney

46. J. Clay

47. B. Brooks

48. R. Reynolds-Jones

49. J. Clarke

50. R. Downing

Cheshire Peugeot

51. J. Cosgrove

52. J. Wright

53. P. Evans

54. A. Lyons

55. M. Lovatt

Twickenham

56. P. Swettenham

57. V. Halpern

58. T. Rowan

59. D. Crow

60. W. Butterworth

Lincoln

61. R. Hobby

62. J. Dayus

63. B. Coekin

64. M. Smith

65. P. Maude

Southend

66. S. Howells

67. K. Stuart

68. T. Woodcock

69. N. Brooks

70. I. Samuel

Surrey Racing League

71. G. Dodd

72. D. Berkeley

73. R. Morgan

74. D. Axford

75. J. Hoy

Antrim UCF

76. K. Gallagher

77. J. Grant

78. K. Sloan

79. C. Greene

80. P. Geddis

Armagh Planet X

81. B. Doherty

82. D. Easton

83. D. McCann

84. B. Graham

85. N. Hogan

Carlow Dan Morrissey

86. P. Griffin

87. K. Donnelly

88. A. Hedderman

89. J. Fenlon

90. P. Finnegan

Kerry Baltic Trading

91. J. McCarthy

92. J. Blackwell

93. D. O’Shea

94. D. Cutting

95. J. Mannix

Cork

96. P. Kenealy

97. A. N. Other

98. A. N. Other

99. A. N. Other

100. P. O’Flaherty

Down

101. M. McCrory

102. R. Hanna

103. A. McDonald

104. M. Hamilton

105. J. Quinn

Dublin Ravens

106. A. Duffin

107. J. McGee

108. K. Branagan

109. M. Wall

110. P. Hicks

Dublin Swords

111. C. Lynch

112. M. Maguire

113. J. Peppard

114. S. Whelan

115. M. Sutcliffe

Dublin IRC

116. K. Gallagher

117. F. O’Leary

118. C. Bracken

119. P. Healion

120. D. Peelo

Dublin Orwell

121. E. Finn

122. E. Rogers

123. P. Ennis

124. J. Condon

125. I. Chivers

Kildare Newbridge

126. J. Reidy

127. K. Conlon

128. A

129. S. Byrne

130. J. Kelly

Kildare Hire Equip

131. A. Meehan

132. P. Marrey

133. D. McVeigh

134. J. Carroll

135. M. Kiernan

Galway Thermo King

136. N. Forde

137. F. Barrett

138. D. Nugent

139. A. Farrell

140. J. Flynn

Mayo

141. D. Kenneally

142. D. Healy

143. K. McMahon

144. M. Devins

145. A. N. Other

Meath Avonmore

146. D. Finegan

147. S. Coughlan

148. B. Moore

149. D. Finnegan

150. J. Nolan

Meath

151. S. Howard

152. C. Sweetman

153. T. Hughes

154. B. Caffrey

155. S. Connaughton

Offaly

156. A. N. Other

157. A. N. Other

158. A. N. Other

159. A. N. Other

160. A. N. Other

Wicklow

161. S. O’Sullivan

162. K. Bannon

163. A. Crowley

164. B. Kenneally

165. R. Cahill

2000 Julian Winn, Wales Wins FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2000

20th. May - 28th. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Longford, 143 Kms.

Ceremonial Start, O'Connell Street, Finglas , ESB Power Station, Ashbourne, Baleath Cross, Slane Bridge, Slane Category 3 KOM, Navan, Athboy, Delvin, Cloghan, Ballinalsck, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown, Longford By-Pass, Longford.

Stage 2: Longford To Newport, 163 Kms.

Longford, Tarmonbarry, Strokestown, Tulsk, Ballangare, Frenchpark, Ballaghadereen, Carrastle, Charlestown, Swinford, Foxford, Pontoon, Massbrook, Lake Levally Category 3 KOM, Bofeenaun, Windy Gap Category 1 KOM, Castlebar, Werstport, Newport.

Stage 3: Newport To Oughterard, 121 Kms.

Newport, Westport, Murrisk, Lecanvey, Louisbourg, Leenane, Derrynacleigh Category 3 KOM, Recess PO, Maam Cross, Oughterard,

Stage 4: Oughterard To Listowel, 192 Kms.

Oughterard, Rosscahill, Moycullen, Galway, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Ardrahan, Kiltartan Level Crossing, Gort, Gortnamearacaun Category 2 KOM, Tulla, Kilkishen, Kilmurray, sixmilebridge, Cratloe, Limerick, Patrickswell, Adare, Reens, Ardagh, Ardagh Category 3 KOM, Carrigkerry, Athea, Athea Category 3 KOM, Listowel

Stage 5: Listower To Kenmare, 171 Kms.

Listowel, Tralee, Slieve Mish Category 2 KOM, Castlemaine, Milltown, Killorglin, Seefin Category 3 KOM, Glenbeigh, Drom West Category 3 KOM, Mount Foley Category 3 KOM, Cahirsiveen, Waterville, Coomakista Pass Category 1 KOM, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Kenmare.

Stage 6: Kenmare To Mitchelstown, 144 Kms.

Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Morleys Bridge, Inchee Mountain Category 2 KOM, Coolea, Ballyvourney, Macroom, Ballinagree, Ballinagree Category 3 KOM, Musheramore Category 1 KOM, Aubane, Aubane Category 3 KOM, Millstreet, Mallow, Kildorrey, Mitchelstown.

Stage 7: Mitchelstown To Enniscorthy, 150 Kms.

Mitchelstown, Kilbeheny, Cahir, Clonmel By-Pass, Kilsheelan, Carrick-On-Suir, Piltown, Fiddown, Moincoin, Mullinavat, Listerlin, New Ross, Clonroche, Enniscorthy.

Stage 8: Enniscorthy To Tullow, 156 Kms.

Enniscorthy, Ferns, Camolin, Clogh, Gorey, Inch, Arklow, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Aughavannagh Category 1 KOM, Glenmalure, Drungoff Category 1 KOM, Laragh, Wicklow Gap Category 1 KOM, silver corragh Category 2 KOM, Hollywood, Baltinglass, By-Pass Rathvilley, Killerigh Cross, Tullow.

Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium, 50 Min. Plus 3 Laps.

O'Connell Street, Parnell Square, O'Connell Street/Abbey Street Junction

Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Longford, 143 Kms. T. Cuppens (Belgium DMC) 3-32-28

Stage 2: Longford To Newport, 163 Kms. B. Kinneally (Tipperary) 4-06-35

Stage 3: Newport To Oughterard, 121 Kms. J. Winn (Wales) 3-02-31

Stage 4: Oughterard To Listowel, 192 Kms. K. Ingeby (Sweden) 4-33-17

Stage 5: Listower To Kenmare, 171 Kms. G. Butler (Surrey Racing League) 4-21-57

Stage 6: Kenmare To Mitchelstown, 144 Kms. D. McCann (Derry Clarke Contracts) 3-24-02

Stage 7: Mitchelstown To Enniscorthy, 150 Kms. J. Tanner (Rngland Pro-Vision Powerbar) 3-27-33

Stage 8: Enniscorthy To Tullow, 156 Kms. S. O'Sullivan (Derry Clarke Contracts) 3-51-24

Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium, 50 Min. Plus 3 Laps. T. Evans (Ireland International Cargo) 56-26

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	J. Winn, Wales W. Randle, England Pro-Vision M. Lovatt, England Pro-Vision P. Moriarty, Dublin Skip Hire D. O’Loughlin, Mayo NCF D. McCann, Derry Clarke Contracts K. Ingeby, Sweden T. Evans, Ireland International Cargo G. Butler, Surrey Racing League J. Tanner, England Pro-Vision	31-23-40 01-11 01-24 01-37 02-18 03-16 03-35 04-10 04-35 05-04

General Classification

10.

J. Winn, Wales W. Randle, England Pro-Vision

M. Lovatt, England Pro-Vision

P. Moriarty, Dublin Skip Hire

D. O’Loughlin, Mayo NCF

D. McCann, Derry Clarke Contracts

K. Ingeby, Sweden

T. Evans, Ireland International Cargo

G. Butler, Surrey Racing League

J. Tanner, England Pro-Vision

31-23-40 01-11

01-24

01-37

02-18

03-16

03-35

04-10

04-35

05-04

Best Young Rider Under 23 Years D. O'Loughlin, Mayo NCF

Points D. McCann, Derry Clarke Contracts

Mountains D. McCann, Derry Clarke Contracts

International Team Winners England Pro-Vision Powerbar M. Lovatt, J. Tanner, W. Randle, D. Gowan

County Team Winners Kildare Cahill Cycles D. Smyth, A. Meehan, P. Finnegan, J. Carroll, B. Lennon

List Of Competitors 2000

Ireland 1. P. Cassidy 2. T. Evans 3. E. Moriarty 4. F. McCauley 5. B. Moore Belgium BCM 6. J. Das 7. W. Renders 8. T. Cuppens 9. K. Heremans 10. F. Boecks Estonia 11. S. Kukk 12. A. Maasikmets 13. R. Kodanipork 14. O. Kargu 15. M. Salumets Germany Telecom 16. B. Bohner 17. S. Faruhn 18. T. Schuler 19. R. Jahn 20. D. Branstner Latvia 21. A. Baranovskis 22. J. Mikulens 23. A. Zazerskis 24. A. Spehts 25. R. L. Renars Netherlands Energiewacht 26. E. Dagelet 27. P. Kil 28. J. Slagter 29. B. Helmers 30. E. Kooi U.S.A. People’s Cycling 31. B. Saul 32. J. A. Ferguson 33. J. Fennel 34. C. Harnish 35. I. Adams U.S.A. California AVTS 36. P. Doyle 37. S. Gray 38. M. Walsh 39. P. Johnson 40. B. Kaplan Wales 41. J. Winn 42. A. Malarcyzk 43. Y. Barker 44. G. Sheppard 45. A.N. Other Scotland Union Transport 46. R. Riddle 47. N. Brown 48. P. Brown 49. N. Cameron 50. G. Moore Scotland East 51. K. Russell 52. S. MacGregor 53. T. Allen 54. C. MacGregor 55. A. Davies England Southend 56. S. Howells 57. M. Gray 58. I. Samuel 59. R. Wylie 60. I. Humble England Pro-Vision PowerBar 61. M. Lovatt 62. J. Tanner 63. W. Randle 64. D. McGowan 65. A.N. Other England Rochdale 66. N. Giles 67. P. Hay 68. M. Harrison 69. S. Small 70. G. Roche England Surrey League 71. G. Butler 72. D. Rand 73. P. Pickup 74. J. Ansell 75. R. Morgan England York Cycleworks 76. J. Charlesworth 77. S. Gibson 78. A. Kay 79. J. Muir 80. A. Windsor England Lakeland/Lancs Division 81. J. Wright 82. P. Leigh 83. M. Pluckrose 84. R. Crawford 85. C. Southworth Antrim Plantex 86. B. Graham 87. D. Easton 88. B. Docherty 89. M. Kearins 90. P. Kane Armagh UCF 91. C. Greene 92. K. Gallagher 93. K. Sloan 94. P. Geddis 95. B. Stewart Carlow Dan Morrissey 96. P. Griffin 97. A. Duff 98. M. Mulcahy 99. W. Byrne 100. K. McMahon	Cork Triton Ventilux 101. D. Kenneally 102. B. Lynch 103. R. Tracey 104. T. Barry 105. R. Cahill Cork West 106. F. Cahill 107. O. Sugrue 108. J. Hodnett 109. P. Kenealy 110. M. Illingworth Derry Clarke Contracts 111. R. Clarke 112. S. O’Sullivan 113. P. Butler 114. D. McCann 115. A.N. Other Down 116. M. Hamilton 117. E. McConvey 118. J. Rooney 119. A. McFarland 120. J. Maguire Dublin Skip Hire 121. P. Moriarity 122. J. P. Hilliard 123. Dermot Healy 124. M. McLeavey 125. K. O’Sullivan Dublin McNally Joinery 126. C. Lynch 127. M. Maguire 128. J. Peppard 129. S. Whelan 130. A. Crowley Dublin Ravens 131. A. Duffin 132. J. McGee 133. P. Reid 134. M. O’Donnell 135. D. O’Reilly Dublin UCD 136. A. Kelly 137. B. Hammond 138. A. Lane 139. N. Beggs 140. A. Donnellan Dublin Usher Insulations 141. S. Baker 142. S. Prendergast 143. C. Bracken 144. P. Healion 145. D. Peelo Kildare Cahill Cycles 146. D. Smith 147. A. Meehan 148. P. Finnegan 149. J. Carroll 150. B. Lennon Kildare Newbridge 151. J. Reidy 152. F. McCormack 153. B. Donnelly 154. S. Farrell 155. T. Brady Kildare Hire Equip 156. D. McVeigh 157. R. Looby 158. K. Brannigan 159. R. Byrne 160. N. McCormack Kerry 161. M. Slattery 162. D. O’Shea 163. J. Crowley 164. C. Leahy 165. J. McCarthy Mayo NCF 166. D. O’Loughlin 167. M. Devins 168. S. Kelly 169. P. Joyce 170. T. Dowd Meath Avonmore 171. D. Finnegan 172. P. Nolan 173. J. Leonard 174. D. Finnegan 175. J. Nolan Meath East 176. R. Moore 177. T. Hughes 178. C. Sweetman 179. D. Nulty 180. P. Sharkey Roscommon 181. J. Horgan 182. D. O’Neill 183. K. Keane 184. D. Walls 185. P. Doyle Tipperary 186. B. Kenneally 187. E. O’Donoghue 188. M. O’Loughlin 189. A. Heddermann 190. J. Wall Team Garda Motorway 191. K. Gallagher 192. J. Ferry 193. M. Doyle 194. T. Lavery 195. S. Connaughton Waterford 196. T. Cullen 197. E. Roche 198. E. Keogh 199. D. Markouris 200. K. Bannan

List Of Competitors 2000

Ireland

1. P. Cassidy

2. T. Evans

3. E. Moriarty

4. F. McCauley

5. B. Moore

Belgium BCM

6. J. Das

7. W. Renders

8. T. Cuppens

9. K. Heremans

10. F. Boecks

Estonia

11. S. Kukk

12. A. Maasikmets

13. R. Kodanipork

14. O. Kargu

15. M. Salumets

Germany Telecom

16. B. Bohner

17. S. Faruhn

18. T. Schuler

19. R. Jahn

20. D. Branstner

Latvia

21. A. Baranovskis

22. J. Mikulens

23. A. Zazerskis

24. A. Spehts

25. R. L. Renars

Netherlands Energiewacht

26. E. Dagelet

27. P. Kil

28. J. Slagter

29. B. Helmers

30. E. Kooi

U.S.A. People’s Cycling

31. B. Saul

32. J. A. Ferguson

33. J. Fennel

34. C. Harnish

35. I. Adams

U.S.A. California AVTS

36. P. Doyle

37. S. Gray

38. M. Walsh

39. P. Johnson

40. B. Kaplan

Wales

41. J. Winn

42. A. Malarcyzk

43. Y. Barker

44. G. Sheppard

45. A.N. Other

Scotland Union Transport

46. R. Riddle

47. N. Brown

48. P. Brown

49. N. Cameron

50. G. Moore

Scotland East

51. K. Russell

52. S. MacGregor

53. T. Allen

54. C. MacGregor

55. A. Davies

England Southend

56. S. Howells

57. M. Gray

58. I. Samuel

59. R. Wylie

60. I. Humble

England Pro-Vision PowerBar

61. M. Lovatt

62. J. Tanner

63. W. Randle

64. D. McGowan

65. A.N. Other

England Rochdale

66. N. Giles

67. P. Hay

68. M. Harrison

69. S. Small

70. G. Roche

England Surrey League

71. G. Butler

72. D. Rand

73. P. Pickup

74. J. Ansell

75. R. Morgan

England York Cycleworks

76. J. Charlesworth

77. S. Gibson

78. A. Kay

79. J. Muir

80. A. Windsor

England Lakeland/Lancs Division

81. J. Wright

82. P. Leigh

83. M. Pluckrose

84. R. Crawford

85. C. Southworth

Antrim Plantex

86. B. Graham

87. D. Easton

88. B. Docherty

89. M. Kearins

90. P. Kane

Armagh UCF

91. C. Greene

92. K. Gallagher

93. K. Sloan

94. P. Geddis

95. B. Stewart

Carlow Dan Morrissey

96. P. Griffin

97. A. Duff

98. M. Mulcahy

99. W. Byrne

100. K. McMahon

Cork Triton Ventilux

101. D. Kenneally

102. B. Lynch

103. R. Tracey

104. T. Barry

105. R. Cahill

Cork West

106. F. Cahill

107. O. Sugrue

108. J. Hodnett

109. P. Kenealy

110. M. Illingworth

Derry Clarke Contracts

111. R. Clarke

112. S. O’Sullivan

113. P. Butler

114. D. McCann

115. A.N. Other

Down

116. M. Hamilton

117. E. McConvey

118. J. Rooney

119. A. McFarland

120. J. Maguire

Dublin Skip Hire

121. P. Moriarity

122. J. P. Hilliard

123. Dermot Healy

124. M. McLeavey

125. K. O’Sullivan

Dublin McNally Joinery

126. C. Lynch

127. M. Maguire

128. J. Peppard

129. S. Whelan

130. A. Crowley

Dublin Ravens

131. A. Duffin

132. J. McGee

133. P. Reid

134. M. O’Donnell

135. D. O’Reilly

Dublin UCD

136. A. Kelly

137. B. Hammond

138. A. Lane

139. N. Beggs

140. A. Donnellan

Dublin Usher Insulations

141. S. Baker

142. S. Prendergast

143. C. Bracken

144. P. Healion

145. D. Peelo

Kildare Cahill Cycles

146. D. Smith

147. A. Meehan

148. P. Finnegan

149. J. Carroll

150. B. Lennon

Kildare Newbridge

151. J. Reidy

152. F. McCormack

153. B. Donnelly

154. S. Farrell

155. T. Brady

Kildare Hire Equip

156. D. McVeigh

157. R. Looby

158. K. Brannigan

159. R. Byrne

160. N. McCormack

Kerry

161. M. Slattery

162. D. O’Shea

163. J. Crowley

164. C. Leahy

165. J. McCarthy

Mayo NCF

166. D. O’Loughlin

167. M. Devins

168. S. Kelly

169. P. Joyce

170. T. Dowd

Meath Avonmore

171. D. Finnegan

172. P. Nolan

173. J. Leonard

174. D. Finnegan

175. J. Nolan

Meath East

176. R. Moore

177. T. Hughes

178. C. Sweetman

179. D. Nulty

180. P. Sharkey

Roscommon

181. J. Horgan

182. D. O’Neill

183. K. Keane

184. D. Walls

185. P. Doyle

Tipperary

186. B. Kenneally

187. E. O’Donoghue

188. M. O’Loughlin

189. A. Heddermann

190. J. Wall

Team Garda Motorway

191. K. Gallagher

192. J. Ferry

193. M. Doyle

194. T. Lavery

195. S. Connaughton

Waterford

196. T. Cullen

197. E. Roche

198. E. Keogh

199. D. Markouris

200. K. Bannan

2001 Paul Manning Great Britain Wins The FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2001

20th. May - 27th. May

Route

Stage 1: Navan To Ballaghaderreen, 155 Kms.

Cermonial Start, Market Square, Bohermeen, Athboy, Delvin, Mullingar By-Pass,Ballinalack, Rathowen, Edgesworthstown, Longford, Tarmonbarry, Scramoge Category 3 KOM, Strokestown, Tulsk, Rathcroghan Category 3 KOM, Ballangare, Frenchpark, Ballaghaderreen.

Stage 2: Ballaghaderreen To Portumna, 131 Kms.

Ballaghaderreen, Liscaul, Gorthaganny, Ballyhaunis, Cloonfad, Dunmore, Tuam, Athenry, Kilconierin, Carrowbaun, Loughrea, Gortmadden, Killimor, Portumna.

Stage 3: Nenagh To Castleisland, 184 Kms.

Nenagh, Dolla, Ballingbrooke Category 2 KOM, Hollyford, Donhill, Tipperary, Carrigeenina Category 1 KOM, Galbally, Garryspillane PO, Knocklong, Elton, Kilmallock, Garrieneerk, Charleville, Dromina, Freemount, Newmarket, Ballydesmond Category 3 KOM, Scartaglin, Currow, Castleisland.

Stage 4: Castleisland To Killorglin, 119 Kms.

Castleisland, Tralee, Blennerville, Camp, Stradbally, Conair Pass Category 1 KOM, Dingle, Lispole, Lispole Category 3 KOM, Inch Strand, Boolteens, Castlemaine, Miltown, Killorglin.

Stage 5: Killorglin To Skibbereen, 150 Kms.

Killorglin, Fossa, Killarney, Ladies View Category 1 KOM, Molls Gap Category 1 KOM, Kenmare, Turners Rock Category 1 KOM, Glengarrif, Derrycreha Category 3 KOM, Ballylickey, Bantry, Aghagoohen Category 3 KOM, Durrus, Dunbeacon Category 3 KOM, Shantullig Category 2 KOM, Mount Gabriel Category 2 KOM, Schull, Derryconnell Category 3 KOM, Ballydehob, Ardura Category 3 KOM, Skibbereen.

Stage 6: Skibbereen To Dungarvan, 164 Kms.

Skibbereen, Derryleigh Category 3 KOM, Barley Hill Category 3 KOM, Roscarberry Lissavaird Category 3 KOM, Clonakilty, Scartagh Category 3 KOM, Ballinascarthy, Bandon, Innishannon, Coolcullitha Hill Category 3 KOM, Ballynagrumoolia Category 3 KOM, Cork, Midleton, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, Youghal, Grange Category 3 KOM, Dungarvan.

Stage 7: Dungarvan To Bunclody, 171 Kms.

Dungarvan, The Pike Category 3 KOM, Lemybrien, Kilmradon, Waterford, New Ross, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Bunclody. Bunclody Category 3 KOM, Kildavin, Cranavane Category 3 KOM, Myshall, The Heights Category 1 KOM, Corrabutt Gap Category 1 KOM, Mount Leinster Category 1 KOM, Kiltealy, Bola Mor Category 3 KOM, Bunclody.

Stage 8: Dublin City Center Criterium, 40 Kms.

O'Connell Street, Parnell Square, O'Connell Street/Abbey Street Junction Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Navan To Ballaghaderreen, 155 Kms. D. McCann (Ireland Shannon Oaks) 3-26-09

Stage 2: Ballaghaderreen To Portumna, 131 Kms. D. Reichl (Team Detsche Telekom) 3-06-39

Stage 3: Nenagh To Castleisland, 184 Kms. D. Kopp (Team Detsche Telekom) 4-27-17

Stage 4: Castleisland To Killorglin, 119 Kms. M. Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks)2-47-49

Stage 5: Killorglin To Skibbereen, 150 Kms. C. Knees (Team Detsche Telekom) 3-44-52

Stage 6: Skibbereen To Dungarvan, 164 Kms. J. Maartens (South Africa HSBC) 3-27-48

Stage 7: Dungarvan To Bunclody, 171 Kms. N. White (South Africa HSBC) 3-47-48

Stage 8: Dublin City Center Criterium, 40 Kms. D. Kopp (Team Detsche Telekom) 47.17

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	P. Manning, Great Britain N. White, South Africa HSBC C. Knees, Germany Deutsche Telekom D. Chassot, Switzerland GS Ficonseils J. Crookham, Canada Jet Fuel J. Welniak, Poland Legia Bazylisek D. McKenzie, Switzerland GS Ficonseils D. O’Loughlin, Mayo Connacht Gold P. Griffin, Dublin Iarnrod Eireann P. Wedge, Canada Jet Fuel	25-52-31 00-41 01-08 01-15 01-15 01-36 01-41 01-44 01-49 01-49

General Classification

10.

P. Manning, Great Britain
N. White, South Africa HSBC

C. Knees, Germany Deutsche Telekom

D. Chassot, Switzerland GS Ficonseils

J. Crookham, Canada Jet Fuel

J. Welniak, Poland Legia Bazylisek

D. McKenzie, Switzerland GS Ficonseils

D. O’Loughlin, Mayo Connacht Gold

P. Griffin, Dublin Iarnrod Eireann

P. Wedge, Canada Jet Fuel

25-52-31 00-41

01-08

01-15

01-36

01-41

01-44

01-49

Overall Winner P. Manning, Great Britain

Best Young Rider Under 23 Years C. Knees, Germany Team Detsche Telekom

Points D. Kopp, Germany Team Detsche Telekom

Mountains N. White, South Africa HSBC

International Team Winners Poland J. Welniak, R. Koj, K. Zasada, M. Blazej, S. Skiba

County Team Winners Carlow Dan Morrissey M. Mulcahy, J. Fenlon, M. O'Loughlin, E. Donoghue, S. Cullen

List Of Competitors 2001

Wales 1. J. Winn 2. A. Malarczyk 3. H. Pritchard 4. J. Griffiths 5. I. Jeremiah Ireland Shannon Oaks 6. D. McCann 7. A. Duff 8. M. Scanlon 9. T. Evans 10. M. Fox Germany Deutsche Telecom 11. D. Kopp 12. S. Schumacher 13. D. Reichl 14. C. Knees 15. M. Sieberg Germany RG Hamburg 16. T. Wienenroth 17. A. Hinrichsen 18. S. Thiel 19. O. Wiedenroth 20. N. Wartemann Great Britain 21. C. Newton 22. P. Manning 23. B. Steel 24. S. Cummings 25. P. West Japan Miyata-Subaru 26. H. Yukinari 27. D. Nakayama 28. O. Kurimura 29. K. Asano 30. M. Mori Netherlands BRC Kennemerland 31. B. De Waard 32. T. Haakman 33. F. De Jager 34. P. Sneeboer 35. S. Lormans Poland Legia Bazylisek 36. J. Welniak 37. R. Koj 38. K. Zasada 39. M. Blazej 40. S. Skiba Switzerland GS Ficonseils 41. D. McKenzie 42. D. Chassot 43. J. Vegeres 44. S. Gremaud 45. E. Saunders Sweden Team Malarengi 46. J. Heinikainen 47. O. Simensen 48. N. Ekstrom 49. K. Carlstrom 50. O. Strenstrom Canada Jet Fuel Coffee 51. J. Crookham 52. J. Iuliano 53. J. Hall 54. P. Wedge 55. B. Cameron South Africa Team HSBC 56. N. White 57. R. Green 58. M. Lang 59. M. McDonald 60. J. Maartens U.S.A. Team Cliff-Bar 61. J. Miller 62. C. Harnish 63. J.P. Partland 64. J. Horowitz 65. J. Papp Scotland Velo Ecosse 66. J. MacIntyre 67. D. Urquhart 68. G. Willis 69. K. Mailer 70. L. Davis York Deeside Olympic 71. A. Kaye 72. A. Windsor 73. C. Young 74. G. Jones 75. D. Buchan Surrey Racing League 76. G. Butler 77. G. Dodd 78. P. Kench 79. J. Ibbotson 80. R. Morgan Southend Sdeals.com 81. S. Howells 82. M. Lovatt 83. K. Dawson 84. R. Wylie 85. S. McEwan Antrim UCF 86. D. Easton 87. B. Doherty 88. K. Gallagher 89. C. Green 90. S. Gallagher Armagh 91. M. McCorry 92. P. Mulligan 93. C. Tierney 94. P. Lynch 95. J. Gormley	Carlow Dan Morrissey 96. M. Mulcahy 97. J. Fenlon 98. M. O’Loughlin 99. E. O’Donoghue 100. S. Cullen Cork Tritin/ Ventilux 101. J. Horgan 102. R. Cahill 103. R. Treacy 104. N. McCarthy 105. M. Walsh Derry Classic Walls 106. S. O’Sullivan 107. R. Clarke 108. B. Kenneally 109. B. Ahern 110. M. Fitzgerald Dublin Garry Fisher IMBRC 111. G. Madden 112. K. Byrne 113. M. McCabe 114. G. Miley 115. P. Reid Dublin Usher Insulations 116. S. Baker 117. C. Bracken 118. P. Healion 119. D. Peelo 120. K. Donnelly Dublin Orwell 121. S. McDonald 122. Ronnie Brannigan 123. S. Gibson 124. D. Byrne 125. D. McDonald Dublin Iarnrod Eireann 126. C. Lynch 127. W. Byrne 128. M. Maguire 129. P. Griffin 130. K. McMahon Dublin Skip Hire 131. P. Moriarty 132. J. P. Hilliard 133. T. Barry 134. M. McLeavey 135. A. Donnellan Down Duncrue Foods 136. M. Hamilton 137. D. Lennie 138. P. Ferguson 139. G. Kristensen 140. P. Kane Galway Telegale 141. M. McNena 142. N. Forde 143. M. O’Sullivan 144. M. Kiernan 145. D. O’Neill Kerry 146. J. Crowley 147. C. Leahy 148. J. McCarthy 149. M. Slattery 150. D. O’Shea Kildare Newbridge Cutlery 151. F. O’Sullivan 152. J. Malone 153. T. Green 154. R. Looby 155. K. Conlon Kildare Cahill Cycles 156. D. Smyth 157. A. Meehan 158. S. Prendergast 159. C. McGuinness 160. B. Lennon Mayo Connaught Gold 161. D. O’Loughlin 162. D. McQuaid 163. D. Lynch 164. V. Gleeson 165. M. Quigley Meath Cycleways 166. P. Finnegan 167. A. Hederman 168. P. Cassidy 169. A. Crowley 170. E. Moriarty Meath Avonmore 171. E. Roche 172. P. Nolan 173. P. Sweeney 174. Colm Farrell 175. S. Connaughton Meath East 176. C. Sweetman 177. T. Hughes 178. D. Nulty 179. J. Hodnett 180. M. Caddow Waterford Dungarvan Credit Union 181. P. Kenealy 182. J. Kelly 183. J. Coonan 184. E. Reddy 185. A. Buckley Wicklow Sorrento UCD 186. G. Connolly 187. T. Brabazon 188. D. Lane 189. A. Carroll 190. J. Maguire

List Of Competitors 2001

Wales

1. J. Winn

2. A. Malarczyk

3. H. Pritchard

4. J. Griffiths

5. I. Jeremiah

Ireland Shannon Oaks

6. D. McCann

7. A. Duff

8. M. Scanlon

9. T. Evans

10. M. Fox

Germany
Deutsche Telecom

11. D. Kopp

12. S. Schumacher

13. D. Reichl

14. C. Knees

15. M. Sieberg

Germany
RG Hamburg

16. T. Wienenroth

17. A. Hinrichsen

18. S. Thiel

19. O. Wiedenroth

20. N. Wartemann

Great Britain

21. C. Newton

22. P. Manning

23. B. Steel

24. S. Cummings

25. P. West

Japan Miyata-Subaru

26. H. Yukinari

27. D. Nakayama

28. O. Kurimura

29. K. Asano

30. M. Mori

Netherlands

BRC Kennemerland

31. B. De Waard

32. T. Haakman

33. F. De Jager

34. P. Sneeboer

35. S. Lormans

Poland Legia Bazylisek

36. J. Welniak

37. R. Koj

38. K. Zasada

39. M. Blazej

40. S. Skiba

Switzerland

GS Ficonseils

41. D. McKenzie

42. D. Chassot

43. J. Vegeres

44. S. Gremaud

45. E. Saunders

Sweden Team Malarengi

46. J. Heinikainen

47. O. Simensen

48. N. Ekstrom

49. K. Carlstrom

50. O. Strenstrom

Canada Jet Fuel Coffee

51. J. Crookham

52. J. Iuliano

53. J. Hall

54. P. Wedge

55. B. Cameron

South Africa Team HSBC

56. N. White

57. R. Green

58. M. Lang

59. M. McDonald

60. J. Maartens

U.S.A. Team Cliff-Bar

61. J. Miller

62. C. Harnish

63. J.P. Partland

64. J. Horowitz

65. J. Papp

Scotland Velo Ecosse

66. J. MacIntyre

67. D. Urquhart

68. G. Willis

69. K. Mailer

70. L. Davis

York Deeside Olympic

71. A. Kaye

72. A. Windsor

73. C. Young

74. G. Jones

75. D. Buchan

Surrey Racing League

76. G. Butler

77. G. Dodd

78. P. Kench

79. J. Ibbotson

80. R. Morgan

Southend Sdeals.com

81. S. Howells

82. M. Lovatt

83. K. Dawson

84. R. Wylie

85. S. McEwan

Antrim UCF

86. D. Easton

87. B. Doherty

88. K. Gallagher

89. C. Green

90. S. Gallagher

Armagh

91. M. McCorry

92. P. Mulligan

93. C. Tierney

94. P. Lynch

95. J. Gormley

Carlow Dan Morrissey

96. M. Mulcahy

97. J. Fenlon

98. M. O’Loughlin

99. E. O’Donoghue

100. S. Cullen

Cork Tritin/ Ventilux

101. J. Horgan

102. R. Cahill

103. R. Treacy

104. N. McCarthy

105. M. Walsh

Derry Classic Walls

106. S. O’Sullivan

107. R. Clarke

108. B. Kenneally

109. B. Ahern

110. M. Fitzgerald

Dublin
Garry Fisher IMBRC

111. G. Madden

112. K. Byrne

113. M. McCabe

114. G. Miley

115. P. Reid

Dublin
Usher Insulations

116. S. Baker

117. C. Bracken

118. P. Healion

119. D. Peelo

120. K. Donnelly

Dublin
Orwell

121. S. McDonald

122. Ronnie Brannigan

123. S. Gibson

124. D. Byrne

125. D. McDonald

Dublin
Iarnrod Eireann

126. C. Lynch

127. W. Byrne

128. M. Maguire

129. P. Griffin

130. K. McMahon

Dublin
Skip Hire

131. P. Moriarty

132. J. P. Hilliard

133. T. Barry

134. M. McLeavey

135. A. Donnellan

Down Duncrue Foods

136. M. Hamilton

137. D. Lennie

138. P. Ferguson

139. G. Kristensen

140. P. Kane

Galway Telegale

141. M. McNena

142. N. Forde

143. M. O’Sullivan

144. M. Kiernan

145. D. O’Neill

Kerry

146. J. Crowley

147. C. Leahy

148. J. McCarthy

149. M. Slattery

150. D. O’Shea

Kildare
Newbridge Cutlery

151. F. O’Sullivan

152. J. Malone

153. T. Green

154. R. Looby

155. K. Conlon

Kildare
Cahill Cycles

156. D. Smyth

157. A. Meehan

158. S. Prendergast

159. C. McGuinness

160. B. Lennon

Mayo Connaught Gold

161. D. O’Loughlin

162. D. McQuaid

163. D. Lynch

164. V. Gleeson

165. M. Quigley

Meath
Cycleways

166. P. Finnegan

167. A. Hederman

168. P. Cassidy

169. A. Crowley

170. E. Moriarty

Meath
Avonmore

171. E. Roche

172. P. Nolan

173. P. Sweeney

174. Colm Farrell

175. S. Connaughton

Meath East

176. C. Sweetman

177. T. Hughes

178. D. Nulty

179. J. Hodnett

180. M. Caddow

Waterford

Dungarvan Credit Union

181. P. Kenealy

182. J. Kelly

183. J. Coonan

184. E. Reddy

185. A. Buckley

Wicklow Sorrento UCD

186. G. Connolly

187. T. Brabazon

188. D. Lane

189. A. Carroll

190. J. Maguire

2002 Ciaran Power Ireland Wins His Second FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2002

19th. May - 26th. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Ballinamore, 156 Kms.

Ceremonial Start, O'Connell St. Dublin, Ashbourne, Balrath Cross, Kentstown, Navan, Kells, Carnaross, Virginia, Cavan, Bellananagh, Crossdoney, Killeshandra, Newtowngore, Ballinamore

Stage 2: Ballinamore To Nenagh, 163 Kms.

Ballinamore, Fenagh, Greagh Category 3 KOM, Mohill, Dromid, Roosky, Newtownforbes, Longford, Keenagh, Ballymahon, Tang, Tubberclair, Glasson, Ballykeeran, Athlone, Ballinahown, Doon, Ferbane, cloghan, Borrisokane, Ardcroney, Nenagh.

Stage 3: Nenagh To Killorglin, 156 Kms.

Nenagh, Birdhill, Limerick, Ardare, Newcastlewest, Barnagh Gap Category 3 KOM, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale, Kilconlea Category 3 KOM, glanshearoon Category 3 KOM, Castleisland, Farranfore, Firies, Milltown, Killorglin.

Stage 4: Killorglin To Castletownbere, 171 Kms.

Killorglin, Seefin Category 2 KOM, Glenbeigh, Drum West category 2 KOM, Mount Foley Category 3 KOM, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Coomakista Category 1 KOM, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Blackwater Bridge, Templenode, Kenmare, Tousist Category 3 KOM, Knockanoughanish Category 2 KOM, Lauragh, Healy Pass Category 1 KOM, Adrigole, Castletownbere

Stage 5: Castletownbere To Midleton, 171 Kms.

Castletownbere, Adrigole, Traflask Category 3 KOM, Loughavaul Category 3 KOM, Glengarrif, Derrycreha Category 3 KOM, Ballylickey, Bantry, Ardyhoulihane Category 3 KOM, Caherogullane Category 3 KOM, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskean, Coolfada Category3 KOM, Bandon, Innishannon, Coolcullitha Category 3 KOM, Ballinahassig, Fivemilebridge, Ballygarvan, Broomfield Interchange, Jack Lynch Tunnel, Midleton.

Stage 6: Dungarvan To Arklow, 155 Kms.

Dungarvan, The Pike Category 3 KOM, Lemybrien, Kilmeadon, Waterford, New Ross, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Ferns, Camolin, Clogh, Gorey, Inch, Arklow.

Stage 7: Arklow To Baltinglass, 153 Kms.

Arklow, Rathnew, Ashford, Devils Glen Category 1 KOM, Tomriland Crossroads, Roundwood, Luggala Category 1 KOM, Sally Gap Category 2 KOM, Laragh, Rathdrum, Ballygannon Hill Category 2 KOM, Greenan, Kirikee, Michael Dwyer Hotel Drumgoff, Drumgoff Category 1 KOM, Laragh, Wicklow Gap Category 1 KOM, Vallymount, Humpherystown, Lugnagroagh Category 2 KOM, Baltinglass.

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms.

Neutralised to the Circuit, via Chapelizod, Phoenix Park Chapelizod, Gates Acers Road, Chesterfield Avenue Main Road. Circuit 2.7 Kms. Chesterfield Avenue, Ordinance Survey Road, Furze Road, Chesterfield Avenue. Start & Finish Line on Chesterfield Avenue. Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Ballinamore, 156 Kms. C. Newton (Great Britain) 3-36-04

Stage 2: Ballinamore To Nenagh, 163 Kms. J.Tanner (Lancaster Team Compensation) 4-45-14

Stage 3: Nenagh To Killorglin, 156 Kms. P.Cassidy (Meath Lee Strand Cycleways) 3-43-51

Stage 4: Killorglin To Castletownbere, 171 Kms. A. Randell (Canada Team Sympatico) 4-21-26

Stage 5: Castletownbere To Midleton, 171 Kms. D. Dudnicki (Poland Legia) 3-37-53

Stage 6: Dungarvan To Arklow, 155 Kms. P. Manning (Great Britain) 3-02-31

Stage 7: Arklow To Baltinglass, 153 Kms. C. Newton ( Great Britain) 3-54-36

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms. C.Newton (Great Britain) 1-12-45

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	C. Power, Ireland Stena Line C. Newton,Great Britain N. Nowak, Poland Team Legia H. Menad, France VC La Pomme J. Tanner, Lanchaster Compensation M. Lovatt, Lanchaster Compensation A. Hpjgaard, Denmark I. McLeod, South Africa HSBC G. Butler, Surrey League J. Winn, Wales	28-15-42 04-03 04-33 04-43 04-55 05-12 07-42 08-17 12-19 14-40

General Classification

10.

C. Power, Ireland Stena Line

C. Newton,Great Britain

N. Nowak, Poland Team Legia

H. Menad, France VC La Pomme

J. Tanner, Lanchaster Compensation

M. Lovatt, Lanchaster Compensation

A. Hpjgaard, Denmark

I. McLeod, South Africa HSBC

G. Butler, Surrey League

J. Winn, Wales

28-15-42

04-03

04-33

04-43

04-55

05-12

07-42

08-17

12-19

14-40

Beat Young Rider Under 23 Years H. Nowak Poland Team Legia

Points Chris Newton Great Britain

Mountains J. Winn Wales

International Team Great Britain P.Manning, C.Newton, S. Cummings, T Buckle, B, Steel

County Team Meath Lee Strand Cycleways P.Cassidy, R. Clarke, E. Moriarty, A. Crowley, A. Hedderman

List Of Competitors 2002

Great Britain 1. P. Manning 2. C. Newton 3. S. Cummings 4. T. Buckle 5. B. Steel Ireland Stenna Line 6. C. Power 7. T. Evans 8. M. Scanlon 9. P. Griffin 10. T. Barry Canada Team Sympatico 11. J. Hall 12. D. Rollin 13. B. Miller 14. A. Randell 15. B. Nella Poland Team Legia 16. J. Welniak 17. M. Blasej 18. M. Kaminski 19. G. Zoledziowski 20. S. Skiba South Africa Team HSBC 21. N. White 22. D. Speake 23. R. Green 24. I. McLeod 25. N. McDonald Denmark Jylland-Fyn 26. A. Hojgard 27. N. Knudsen 28. M. Laursen 29. C. H. Brondberg 30. L. Bojsen Nigeria Team Lagos 31. O. S. Saheed 32. A. B. Taofeeq 33. P. U. Sunday 34. O. A. Nurudeen 35. W. Olanipekum France VC LA Pomme 36. S. Mifsud 37. F. Pederson 38. J. M. Mavrim 39. M. Hickom 40. Y. Tashiro Wales 41. J. Winn 42. A. Malarczyk 43. W. Wright 44. P. Shepperd 45. H. Pritchard Germany Team Hameln-Pyrmont 46. T. Behnke 47. G. Wulff 48. S. Thiel 49. T. Bockmann 50. S. Rothe Germany Team Stevens-Jeantex 51. T. Wiedenroth 52. A. Hinrichsen 53. N. Wartemann 54. T. Wolk 55. M. Bock Japan Cycleways 56. T. Tsuji 57. T. Suzuki 58. T. Hashimoto 59. K. Suzuki 60. M. Shimizu Scotland Visit Scotland 61. P. Murdoch 62. A. Ross 63. J. MacIntyre 64. D. Urquhart 65. A. Kay U.S.A. Peoples Cycling 66. C. Harnish 67. D. Taylor 68. D. Holt 69. J. Austin 70. P. Southerland Lancs Compensation Group 71. J. Tanner 72. M. Lovatt 73. K. Dawson 74. P. Hinchcliffe 75. I. Furniss Surrey Racing League 76. G. Butler 77. G. Dodd 78. C. McNamara 79. R. Horner 80. R. Morgan Lancs MK Cycles Bianchi 81. N. Swithenbank 82. S. Small 83. A. Yates 84. J. Sharples 85. D. Kay North East England 86. J. Charlesworth 87. S. Gibson 88. P. Watson 89. R. Eastman 90. C. Belsham Southend Sdeals.com 91. S. Howells 92. G. Rees 93. S. Lepine 94. R. Wyley 95. M. Melville Isle Of Man 96. A. Roche 97. M. Kelly 98. R. Holden 99. E. Baxter 100. G. Hatcher	England Cycle Center-RT 101. G. Roche 102. G. Jones 103. P. Hey 104. I. Roche 105. J. Hennen Ciarrai 106. S. Lacey 107. K. McMahon 108. S. Gallagher 109. K. O’Connor 110. G. Sheehan Cork Stafford Fules 111. R. Cahill 112. G. Ellis 113. B. Lynch 114. J. Horgan 115. T. Hogan Carlow Team Cycleways 116. S. Connaughton 117. N. Quinnlan 118. L. Kirk 119. J. Peppard 120. P. Finnegan Dublin Iarnrod Eireann 121. W. Byrne 122. S. Farrell 123. M. Kieran 124. D. Gardiner 125. A. Donnellan Dublin BH-Raleigh 126. M. Maguire 127. M. Bolton 128. J. McGill 129. D. Elson 130. L. Roche Dublin Ravens North 131. E. Murtagh 132. D. Walsh 133. A. Duffin 134. J. Dillon 135. A. Moran Dublin Ravens West 136. T. Graham 137. D. King 138. T. McGowan 139. N. Moloney 140. P. Reid Dublin Skip Hire 141. P. Moriarty 142. J. P. Hilliard 143. M. McLeavey 144. D. Healy 145. M. O’Donnell Dublin Stagg Cycles 146. F. Whelan 147. C. Duffy 148. J. Maguire 149. T. Brabazon 150. D. Ryan Dublin UCD 151. D. Lane 152. A. Lane 153. T. Aherne 154. P. Kenealy 155. B. Taaffe Dublin Usher Insulation 156. D. Peelo 157. D. Byrne 158. F. O’Leary 159. C. Bracken 160. P. Healion Kildare Team Fig Roll 161. S. Prendergast 162. S. O’Sullivan 163. P. Teahon 164. J. Fenlon 165. D. Smyth Kildare Newbridge Cutlery 166. J. Malone 167. R. Looby 168. R. Malone 169. F. McCormack 170. S. Kelly Mayo Connacht Gold 171. D. O’Loughlin 172. J. Hodnett 173. M. Quigley 174. J. Brady 175. V. Gleeson Meath Avonmore 176. C. Farrell 177. P. Sweeney 178. M. Fox 179. D. Finnegan 180. E. Roche Meath Lee Strand Cycleways 181. P. Cassidy 182. R. Clarke 183. E. Moriarty 184. A. Crowley 185. A. Hedderman Meath M. Donnelly 186. D. Nulty 187. T. Hughes 188. R. Moore 189. C. Sweetman 190. M. Kelly Tipperary Dan Morrissey 191. M. O’Loughlin 192. B. Kenneally 193. M. Power 194. M. Mulcahy 195. E. Keogh

List Of Competitors 2002

Great Britain

1. P. Manning

2. C. Newton

3. S. Cummings

4. T. Buckle

5. B. Steel

Ireland Stenna Line

6. C. Power

7. T. Evans

8. M. Scanlon

9. P. Griffin

10. T. Barry

Canada Team Sympatico

11. J. Hall

12. D. Rollin

13. B. Miller

14. A. Randell

15. B. Nella

Poland Team Legia

16. J. Welniak

17. M. Blasej

18. M. Kaminski

19. G. Zoledziowski

20. S. Skiba

South Africa Team HSBC

21. N. White

22. D. Speake

23. R. Green

24. I. McLeod

25. N. McDonald

Denmark Jylland-Fyn

26. A. Hojgard

27. N. Knudsen

28. M. Laursen

29. C. H. Brondberg

30. L. Bojsen

Nigeria Team Lagos

31. O. S. Saheed

32. A. B. Taofeeq

33. P. U. Sunday

34. O. A. Nurudeen

35. W. Olanipekum

France VC LA Pomme

36. S. Mifsud

37. F. Pederson

38. J. M. Mavrim

39. M. Hickom

40. Y. Tashiro

Wales

41. J. Winn

42. A. Malarczyk

43. W. Wright

44. P. Shepperd

45. H. Pritchard

Germany Team Hameln-Pyrmont

46. T. Behnke

47. G. Wulff

48. S. Thiel

49. T. Bockmann

50. S. Rothe

Germany Team Stevens-Jeantex

51. T. Wiedenroth

52. A. Hinrichsen

53. N. Wartemann

54. T. Wolk

55. M. Bock

Japan Cycleways

56. T. Tsuji

57. T. Suzuki

58. T. Hashimoto

59. K. Suzuki

60. M. Shimizu

Scotland Visit Scotland

61. P. Murdoch

62. A. Ross

63. J. MacIntyre

64. D. Urquhart

65. A. Kay

U.S.A. Peoples Cycling

66. C. Harnish

67. D. Taylor

68. D. Holt

69. J. Austin

70. P. Southerland

Lancs Compensation Group

71. J. Tanner

72. M. Lovatt

73. K. Dawson

74. P. Hinchcliffe

75. I. Furniss

Surrey Racing League

76. G. Butler

77. G. Dodd

78. C. McNamara

79. R. Horner

80. R. Morgan

Lancs MK Cycles Bianchi

81. N. Swithenbank

82. S. Small

83. A. Yates

84. J. Sharples

85. D. Kay

North East England

86. J. Charlesworth

87. S. Gibson

88. P. Watson

89. R. Eastman

90. C. Belsham

Southend Sdeals.com

91. S. Howells

92. G. Rees

93. S. Lepine

94. R. Wyley

95. M. Melville

Isle Of Man

96. A. Roche

97. M. Kelly

98. R. Holden

99. E. Baxter

100. G. Hatcher

England Cycle Center-RT

101. G. Roche

102. G. Jones

103. P. Hey

104. I. Roche

105. J. Hennen

Ciarrai

106. S. Lacey

107. K. McMahon

108. S. Gallagher

109. K. O’Connor

110. G. Sheehan

Cork Stafford Fules

111. R. Cahill

112. G. Ellis

113. B. Lynch

114. J. Horgan

115. T. Hogan

Carlow Team Cycleways

116. S. Connaughton

117. N. Quinnlan

118. L. Kirk

119. J. Peppard

120. P. Finnegan

Dublin Iarnrod Eireann

121. W. Byrne

122. S. Farrell

123. M. Kieran

124. D. Gardiner

125. A. Donnellan

Dublin BH-Raleigh

126. M. Maguire

127. M. Bolton

128. J. McGill

129. D. Elson

130. L. Roche

Dublin Ravens North

131. E. Murtagh

132. D. Walsh

133. A. Duffin

134. J. Dillon

135. A. Moran

Dublin Ravens West

136. T. Graham

137. D. King

138. T. McGowan

139. N. Moloney

140. P. Reid

Dublin Skip Hire

141. P. Moriarty

142. J. P. Hilliard

143. M. McLeavey

144. D. Healy

145. M. O’Donnell

Dublin Stagg Cycles

146. F. Whelan

147. C. Duffy

148. J. Maguire

149. T. Brabazon

150. D. Ryan

Dublin UCD

151. D. Lane

152. A. Lane

153. T. Aherne

154. P. Kenealy

155. B. Taaffe

Dublin Usher Insulation

156. D. Peelo

157. D. Byrne

158. F. O’Leary

159. C. Bracken

160. P. Healion

Kildare Team Fig Roll

161. S. Prendergast

162. S. O’Sullivan

163. P. Teahon

164. J. Fenlon

165. D. Smyth

Kildare Newbridge Cutlery

166. J. Malone

167. R. Looby

168. R. Malone

169. F. McCormack

170. S. Kelly

Mayo Connacht Gold

171. D. O’Loughlin

172. J. Hodnett

173. M. Quigley

174. J. Brady

175. V. Gleeson

Meath Avonmore

176. C. Farrell

177. P. Sweeney

178. M. Fox

179. D. Finnegan

180. E. Roche

Meath Lee Strand Cycleways

181. P. Cassidy

182. R. Clarke

183. E. Moriarty

184. A. Crowley

185. A. Hedderman

Meath M. Donnelly

186. D. Nulty

187. T. Hughes

188. R. Moore

189. C. Sweetman

190. M. Kelly

Tipperary Dan Morrissey

191. M. O’Loughlin

192. B. Kenneally

193. M. Power

194. M. Mulcahy

195. E. Keogh

2003 Chris Newton Great Britain Wins The FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2003

18th. May - 25th. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Roscrea, 135 Kms.

Ceremonial Start, O'Connell St. Dublin, Newland Cross, Naas, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin,Ballybrittas, Emo, Mountmellic, Clonaslee. The Cut Category 3 KOM, Monickview Bridge, Mountrath, Castletown, Borris-In-Ossory, Roscrea,

Stage 2: Roscrea To Clifden, 188 Kms.

Roscrea, Birr, Riverstown, Portumna, Killimor, Loughrea, Craughwell, Oranmore Roundabout, Moycullen, Oughterard, Maam Cross, Clifden.

Stage 3: Clifden To Ballina, 145 Kms.

Clifden, Letterfrack,Leenane, Westport, Newport, Glenhest, Keenagh Category 3 KOM, Crossmolina, Ballina.

Stage 4: Ballina To Letterkenny, 173 Kms.

Ballina, Corballa, Dromore West, Templeboy, Beltra, Ballysodare, Sligo, Rathcormick, Drumcliff, Grange, cliffony, Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Barnesmore Gap Category 3 KOM, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Drumkeen, Letterkenny.

Stage 5: Letterkenny To Buncrana, 145 Kms.

Letterkenny, Maghera Beg Category 3 KOM, Bridgend, Burnfoot, Muff, Redcastle, Moville, Bredagh Category 3 KOM, Glenealy, Culdaff, Malin, Ballagh Hill Category 1 KOM, Bree X Roads, Malin, Carndonagh, Ballyliffan, Clonmany, Mamore Gap Category 1 KOM, Pinch Hill Category 3 KOM, Buncrana.

Stage 6: Buncrana To Donegal, 167 Kms.

Buncrana, Fahan, Burnfoot, Bridgend, Letterkenny, Oldtown Road, Meenirroy Cathegory 2 KOM, Fintown, Glenties, Ardara, Glengesh Category 1 KOM, Meenanery, Carrick, Bogagh Category 2 KOM, Cill Carthaigh, Bavin Category 2 KOM, Killybegs, Bruckless, Dunkineely, Inver P.O. Donegal.

Stage 7: Donegal To Oldcastle, 180 Kms.

Donegal, Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Kinlough, Manorhamilton, Glenfrane, Oggal Hill Category 3 KOM, Glangevlin, Ballavalley Gap Category 2 KOM, Bawnboy, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Virginia, Oldcastle.

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms.

Circuit 2.7 Kms. Chesterfield Avenue, Ordinance Survey Road, Furze Road, Chesterfield Avenue. Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Roscrea, 135 Kms. T. Evans (Ireland ISC) 2.36.27

Stage 2: Roscrea To Clifden, 188 Kms. J. Holmkvist (Sweden Bianchi) 5-13-14

Stage 3: Clifden To Ballina, 145 Kms. C. Power (Ireland ISC) 3-27-24

Stage 4: Ballina To Letterkenny, 173 Kms. K. Dawson (Lancaster Life Repair Group) 4-09-12

Stage 5: Letterkenny To Buncrana, 145 Kms. C. Newton (Great Britain) 3-24-46

Stage 6: Buncrana To Donegal, 167 Kms. J. Holmkvist (Sweden Bianchi) 4-07-38

Stage 7: Donegal To Oldcastle, 180 Kms. C. Power (Ireland ISC) 4-01.54

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms. A. Hodges Myerson (Sportsbook.com USA) 1-11-58

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	C. Newton, ReCycling Great Britain T. Lergard, Sweden Bianchi A. Hoigaard, Denmark M. Lovatt, Lancaster J. Tanner, Lancaster H. Haymes, England North West I. McLeod, South Africa HSBC T. Evans, Ireland, T. Lovkvist, Sweden Bianchi P. Moriarty, Dublin Skip	29-10-10 00-05 00-12 00-34 01-15 01-15 02-09 05-05 05-35 06-03

General Classification

10.

C. Newton, ReCycling Great Britain T. Lergard, Sweden Bianchi

A. Hoigaard, Denmark

M. Lovatt, Lancaster

J. Tanner, Lancaster

H. Haymes, England North West

I. McLeod, South Africa HSBC

T. Evans, Ireland,

T. Lovkvist, Sweden Bianchi

P. Moriarty, Dublin Skip

29-10-10

00-05

00-12

00-34

01-15

02-09

05-05

05-35

06-03

Best Young Rider Under 23 T. Lovkvist Sweden Bianchi

Points J. Holmkvist, Sweden Bianchi

Mountains M. Iglinskiv Kazakhstan

Best County Rider P. Moriarty Dublin Skip

International Team Winners Sweden Bianchi J. Holmkvist, T. Lergard, T. Lovkvist, J. Oisson, L. Ljungblad

County Team Winners Meath Lee Starnd Cycleways E. Moriarity, R Clarke, P. Finnegan, A. Crowley, S. O'Sullivan

List Of Competitors 2003

Ireland 1. C. Power 2. T Evans 3. D. O’Loughlin 4. A. Donnellan 5. V. Gleeson Kazakhstan 6. A. Medyannikov 7. A. Bazayev 8. M. Iglinskiv 9. V. Shestakov 10. A. Dymovskikh Great Britain 11. C. Newton 12. P. Manning 13. B. Steele 14. S. Cummings 15. K. Page Denmark Jylland-Fyn 16. A. Hojgaard 17. L. Sigaard 18. M. Larsen 19. B. Larsen 20. C. H. Brondberg South Africa Team HSBC 21. N. White 22. I. McLeod 23. D. Lill 24. J. Howes 25. D. Spence USA Team Sportsbook.com 26. J. Beck 27. M. Svatek 28. L. Perera 29. R. Oelkers 30. A. H. Myerson Australia Team Down Under 31. P. Thuaux 32. C. Jennings 33. A. Baguley 34. D. Harrigan 35. C. Stevenson Sweden Bianchi Scandinavia 36. J. Holmkvist 37. T. Lergard 38. J. Ljungblad 39. J. Olsson 40. P. Renard Germany RG Gútersloh/Nehiem 41. J. Scherf 42. C. Wegmann 43. B. Fox 44. J. Lucke 45. C. Eggert USA Team Bici Imports 46. J. Miller 47. I. Adams 48. R. Leech 49. J. Alachoyan 50. D. Pitman Wales Stena Line 51. J. Winn 52. H. Pritchard 53. J. Norfolk 54. A. Malarczyk 55. P. Sheppard London Irish Team Steals 56. S. Howells 57. M. Elliott 58. A. Young 59. R. Wyley 60. S. Furley Surrey Racing League 61. G. Dodd 62. J. Veness 63. R. Morgan 64. J. Hoy 65. D. Worthington Lancaster Life Repair Group 66. J. Tanner 67. K. Dawson 68. M. Lovatt 69. G. Briggs 70. B. Greenwood North Wales Team Energy 71. G. Roche 72. I. Roche 73. G. Jones 74. J. Capper 75. P. Hey	England South Primers Bournemouth 76. J. Charlesworth 77. A. Kay 78. S. Gibson 79. R. Eastman 80. C. Belsham Cambridge Dataphonics 81. M. Kelly 82. B. Hallam 83. J. Holmes 84. M. Melville 85. R. Enslin Manchester North West 86. N. Swithenbank 87. B. Nickson 88. J. Hill 89. H. Haymes 90. J. Williamson Dublin Usher Insulations 91. M. Mulcahy 92. E. O’Donoghue 93. D. Peelo 94. D. Byrne 95. F. O’Leary Dublin Skip Hire 96. P. Moriarty 97. J. P. Hilliard 98. J. Horgan 99. A. Hederman 100. M. McLeavy Dublin Iarnrod Eireann 101. P. Griffin 102. K. McMahon 103. J. Dempsey 104. J. Peppard 105. M. Slattery Dublin Orwell 106. S. McDonald 107. D. Tansey 108. E. Finn 109. M. Caddow 110. B. Lynch Kildare North 111. L. Roche 112. C. Lynch 113. J. Wall 114. K. Gallagher 115. A. Testa Kildare Newbridge 116. F. McCormack 117. T. Green 118. R. Looby 119. S. Kelly 120. D. Markovris Kildare Hirequip 121. B. Aherne 122. C. Murphy 123. P. Mulligan 124. R. Hooker 125. S. McEwan Mayo Galway Bay 126. P. Marrey 127. A. Reade 128. C. Keane 129. S. Kelly 130. M. Devins Meath Lee Strand 131. E. Moriarity 132. R. Clarke 133. P. Finnegan 134. A. Crowley 135. S. O’Sullivan Meath Donnelly Avonmore 136. C. Sweetman 137. D. Finnegan 138. T. Brady 139. D. Easton 140. R. Connor Tipperary Dan Morrissey 141. T. Barry 142. J. Fenlon 143. A. Roche 144. R. Cahill 145. B. Kenneally Wicklow Universal Innovations 146. D. Cunningham 147. B. Harris 148. J. Cruise 149. D. Kinch 150. F. Kelly

List Of Competitors 2003

Ireland

1. C. Power

2. T Evans

3. D. O’Loughlin

4. A. Donnellan

5. V. Gleeson

Kazakhstan

6. A. Medyannikov

7. A. Bazayev

8. M. Iglinskiv

9. V. Shestakov

10. A. Dymovskikh

Great Britain

11. C. Newton

12. P. Manning

13. B. Steele

14. S. Cummings

15. K. Page

Denmark Jylland-Fyn

16. A. Hojgaard

17. L. Sigaard

18. M. Larsen

19. B. Larsen

20. C. H. Brondberg

South Africa Team HSBC

21. N. White

22. I. McLeod

23. D. Lill

24. J. Howes

25. D. Spence

USA

Team Sportsbook.com

26. J. Beck

27. M. Svatek

28. L. Perera

29. R. Oelkers

30. A. H. Myerson

Australia

Team Down Under

31. P. Thuaux

32. C. Jennings

33. A. Baguley

34. D. Harrigan

35. C. Stevenson

Sweden

Bianchi Scandinavia

36. J. Holmkvist

37. T. Lergard

38. J. Ljungblad

39. J. Olsson

40. P. Renard

Germany

RG Gútersloh/Nehiem

41. J. Scherf

42. C. Wegmann

43. B. Fox

44. J. Lucke

45. C. Eggert

USA

Team Bici Imports

46. J. Miller

47. I. Adams

48. R. Leech

49. J. Alachoyan

50. D. Pitman

Wales Stena Line

51. J. Winn

52. H. Pritchard

53. J. Norfolk

54. A. Malarczyk

55. P. Sheppard

London Irish Team Steals

56. S. Howells

57. M. Elliott

58. A. Young

59. R. Wyley

60. S. Furley

Surrey Racing League

61. G. Dodd

62. J. Veness

63. R. Morgan

64. J. Hoy

65. D. Worthington

Lancaster Life Repair Group

66. J. Tanner

67. K. Dawson

68. M. Lovatt

69. G. Briggs

70. B. Greenwood

North Wales Team Energy

71. G. Roche

72. I. Roche

73. G. Jones

74. J. Capper

75. P. Hey

England South

Primers Bournemouth

76. J. Charlesworth

77. A. Kay

78. S. Gibson

79. R. Eastman

80. C. Belsham

Cambridge Dataphonics

81. M. Kelly

82. B. Hallam

83. J. Holmes

84. M. Melville

85. R. Enslin

Manchester North West

86. N. Swithenbank

87. B. Nickson

88. J. Hill

89. H. Haymes

90. J. Williamson

Dublin

Usher Insulations

91. M. Mulcahy

92. E. O’Donoghue

93. D. Peelo

94. D. Byrne

95. F. O’Leary

Dublin

Skip Hire

96. P. Moriarty

97. J. P. Hilliard

98. J. Horgan

99. A. Hederman

100. M. McLeavy

Dublin
Iarnrod Eireann

101. P. Griffin

102. K. McMahon

103. J. Dempsey

104. J. Peppard

105. M. Slattery

Dublin
Orwell

106. S. McDonald

107. D. Tansey

108. E. Finn

109. M. Caddow

110. B. Lynch

Kildare North

111. L. Roche

112. C. Lynch

113. J. Wall

114. K. Gallagher

115. A. Testa

Kildare
Newbridge

116. F. McCormack

117. T. Green

118. R. Looby

119. S. Kelly

120. D. Markovris

Kildare
Hirequip

121. B. Aherne

122. C. Murphy

123. P. Mulligan

124. R. Hooker

125. S. McEwan

Mayo Galway Bay

126. P. Marrey

127. A. Reade

128. C. Keane

129. S. Kelly

130. M. Devins

Meath
Lee Strand

131. E. Moriarity

132. R. Clarke

133. P. Finnegan

134. A. Crowley

135. S. O’Sullivan

Meath
Donnelly Avonmore

136. C. Sweetman

137. D. Finnegan

138. T. Brady

139. D. Easton

140. R. Connor

Tipperary Dan Morrissey

141. T. Barry

142. J. Fenlon

143. A. Roche

144. R. Cahill

145. B. Kenneally

Wicklow

Universal Innovations

146. D. Cunningham

147. B. Harris

148. J. Cruise

149. D. Kinch

150. F. Kelly

2004 David McCann Ireland Wins FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2004

23 Rd. May - 30th. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Trim, 132 Kms.

Dublin, Balbriggan, Germantown, Stamullen Hot Spot Sprint, Greenanstown Category 3 KOM, Duleek, Drogheda, Donore, Slane Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Glassallen Category 3 KOM, Collen Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Ardee, Wilkinstown, Navan, Trim.

Stage 2: Trim To Oranmore, 167 Kms.

Trim, Boardsmill, Ballivor, Raharney, Killucan, The Downs, Mullingar, Ballymore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, New Inn, Athenry, Oranmore.

Stage 3: Oranmore To Charleville, 152 Kms.

Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Gort, Drumindoora, Killenena Category 3 KOM, Aylevaun Category 3 KOM, Scariff, Tuamgraney, Ogonelle Category 3 KOM, Killaloe, Ballina, Birdhill, Newport, Boher, Caherconlish, Ballyneety, Crecora, Croom, Banoge, Charleville.

Stage 4: Charleville To Cahirciveen, 181 Kms.

Charleville, Newtownshandrum, Milford, Drumcolliher, Broadford, Glenduff Hill Category 3 KOM, Ashford, Glenquin Category 3 KOM, Abbeyfeale, Glenshearoon Category 3 KOM, Castleisland, Farranfore, Firies, Milltown, Killorglin, Seefin Category 3 KOM, Glenbeigh, Drum West Category 3 KOM, Mount Foley Category 3 KOM, Cahirciveen, Annagar Bridge, Raheen Category 2 KOM, Cill Urlait Category 2 KOM, Coonanaspig Category 1 KOM, Portmagee, Cahirciveen.

Stage 5: Cahirciveen To Millstreet, 152 Kms.

Cahirciveen, Waterville, Coomakista Category 1 KOM, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Inchee Mountain Category 1 KOM, Cuil Aodha, Baile Bhuirne, County Bounds Category 3 KOM, Glenfesk, Rathmore, Millstreet.

Stage 6: Millstreet To Seskin Hill Carrick-on Suir, 151 Kms.

Millstreet, Mallow, Castletownroche, Ballyhooly, Fermoy, Ballyduff, Cappoquinn, The Pike Category 3 KOM, Lemybrien, Mahon Bridge, Carrick-on-Suir, Seskin Hill, Category 1 KOM.

Stage 7: Carrick-on-Suir To Tullow, 149 Kms.

Carrick-on-Suir, Cussan Category 2 KOM, Kilmaganny, Newmarket, Knocktopher, Thomastown, Coppenagh Gap Category 2 KOM, Graignamanagh, Ballymurphy, Kiltealy, Bolamor Category 3 KOM, Bunclody, Cranavane Category 3 KOM, Myshall, The Heights Category 1 KOM, Corrabutt Gap, Category 1 KOM, Mount Leinster Category 1 KOM, Kiltealy, Bolamor Category 3 KOM, Bunclody Category 3 KOM, Tullow.

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms.

Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Trim, 132 Kms. V. Bonca (Slovenia Perutnina) 3-01-18

Stage 2: Trim To Oranmore, 167 Kms. S. Cohnen (Germany ComNet Senges) 3-54-12

Stage 3: Oranmore To Charleville, 152 Kms. D. Nally (Galway) 3 -37-05

Stage 4: Charleville To Cahirciveen, 181 Kms. D. McCann (Ireland) 4-27-16

Stage 5: Cahirciveen To Millstreet, 152 Kms. M. Elliott (Yorkshire) 4-00-09

Stage 6: Millstreet To Seskin Hill Carrick-on Suir, 151 Kms. D. O'Loughlin (Ireland) 3-25-47

Stage 7: Carrick-on-Suir To Tullow, 149 Kms. D. McCann (Ireland) 3-30-29

Stage 8: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40 Kms M. Elliott (Yorkshire) 1-18-31

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	D. McCann, Ireland V. Bonca,Slovenia D. O’Loughlin, Ireland D. Nally, Galway M. Elliott, Yorkshire D. Lynch, Ireland A. Malarczyk, Wales S. Cohnen, Germany ComNet T. Lergard, Scandinavia M. Lovatt, Yorkshire	27-17-12 00-36 00-39 01-03 01-44 01-46 02-18 02-54 02-55 03-04

General Classification

10.

D. McCann, Ireland V. Bonca,Slovenia

D. O’Loughlin, Ireland

D. Nally, Galway

M. Elliott, Yorkshire

D. Lynch, Ireland

A. Malarczyk, Wales

S. Cohnen, Germany ComNet

T. Lergard, Scandinavia

M. Lovatt, Yorkshire

27-17-12

00-36

00-39

01-03

01-44

01-46

02-18

02-54

02-55

03-04

Best Young Rider Under 23 S. Cohnen ,Team Comnet Senges Germany

Points Winner Maloclm Elliott Yorkshire Murphy & Gunn

Mountains Winner T. Lergard, Team Bianchi Scandinavia

International Team Winners Ireland Tommy Evans, Denis Lynch, David McCann. Eugene Moriarty, David O'Loughlin County Team Winners Kerry Paul Grifffin, Kieran McMahon, Sean Lacey,Ritchie Cahill, Aidan Crowley

List Of Competitors 2004

Ireland Thornton Recyling 1. Tommy Evans 2. Denis Lynch 3. David McCann 4. Eugene Moriarty 5. David O'Loughlin Kazahkstan 6. Valentine Iglinskiy 7. Valerity Dmitrive 8. Ivan Andreeyev 9. Vadim Vdovinov 10. Alenandr Dyachenko Great Britain Under 23 11. Grahan Biggs 12. Matthew Brammeier 13. Edward Clancey 14. Evan Oilphant 15. Mark Cavendish Wales Stena Line 16. Jamie Norfolk 17. Huw Prichard 18. Anthony Malaczyk 19. Paul Sheppard 20. Steven Roche Scandinavia Team Banchi Nordic 21. Glenn Bak 22. Mikael Segarsall 23. Kimmo Kananen 24. Petter Renang 25. Tobias Lergard Slovenia Team Perutnina PTUJ 26. Valter Bonca 27. Matej Stare 28. Branko Filip 29. Massimo Demarin 30. Germany Teasm ComNet Senges 31. Machael Schweizer 32. Uwe Sengewald 33. Rene Schild 34. Tjarco Cuppens 35. Stefan Cohnen Germany Team Stevens Von Hacht 36. Thorsten Wiedenroth 37. Arne Hinrichsen 38. Snoke Thiel 39. Sven Eckart 40. Jens Schiwedler USA Team Stelvio Teamwear 41. Michael Pudlinski 42. Michael Henson 43. Xavier Melendez 44. Michael Norton 45. Isaiah Adams USA Team Sakonnet Tech. 46. Greg Abrahamson 47. Robert Giannini 48. Andy Guptill 49. Chris Kuhl 50. Lee Rosenthal USA/Britain 51. Johnny Rondash 52. Curtis Gunn 53. Ben Greenwood 54. Steve Howells 55. Peter Hey Liverpool Century 56. Andy Bennett 57. Terry Giblin 58. Ant Cassidy 59. Mike Harrison 60. Graeme Hatcher North Wales Team Energy Cycles 61. George Rose 62. Richard Jones 63. Andy Hoskins 64. Greg Roche 65. Gareth Jones N/E England Team Bannatyne CRT 66. Richard Eastham 67. Steve Gibson 68. John Charlesworth 69. Richard Cartland 70. Steven Kenny	Team Murphy & Gunn 71. John Tanner 72. Mark Lovatt 73. Kevin Dawson 74. Malcolm Elliott 75. Julian Winn Surrey Racing League 76. Tim Dunford 77. John Ibbotson 78. Roger Morgan 79. Chris Birch 80. John Veness Cork Kanturk Credit Union 81. Daniel Lynch 82. Adrian Hedderman 83. Paidi O'Brien 84. Simon Kelly 85. John Horgan Dublin Usher IRC 86. Michael Mulcahy 87. Paul Healion 88. Brian Stewart 89. David Peelo 90. Gregory Swinand Dublin Orwell Wheelers Dundrum S/C . 91. Donal Byrne 92. Alan Lane 93. Gary McNulty 94. 95. Brian Aherne Dublin Wheelers All Systems 96. Brian Taaffe 97. Brian Keane 98. Daire McCaughley 99. Maurice Hickey 100. Roger Aiken Dublin Ravens Excel Logistics 101. Kieran Kane 102. Noel McGlynn 103. Noel Maloney 104. Thomas Graham 105. Derek King. Dublin Stagg Cycles Developements Bennett 106. Eugene Murtagh 107. Emmet Hogan 108. Ian Paine 109. James Walsh 110. Gary Sheehan. Galway 111. Colm Bracken 112. John Peppard 113. Michael Fitzgerald 114. Padraig Marrey 115. Dermot Nally Kildare Newbridge 116. Richard Malone 117. Fintan McCormack 118. Seamus Kelly 119. Kenneth Conlon 120. David Early Meath Lee Strand 121. Philip Cassidy 122. Mark Cassidy 123. Stephen O'Sullivan 124. Philip Finegan 125. Adrian Crowley Meath Martin Donnelly 126. Bill Moore 127. Paul Slane 128. Craig Sweetman 129. Robert Moore 130. Simon Mulvany Kerry 131. Paul Griffin 132. Kieran McMahon 133. Sean Lacey 134. Ritchie Cahill 135. Vincent Gleeson Tipperary Dan Morrissey 136. Tim Barry 137. Pat Keneally 138. Rory Wyley 139. John O'Shea 140. John Dempsey Wicklow 141. Brian Harris 142. Frank O'Leary 143. Fergal Kelly 144. Derek Cunningham 145. Robert Wise

List Of Competitors 2004

Ireland Thornton Recyling
1.   Tommy Evans
2.   Denis Lynch
3.   David McCann
4.   Eugene Moriarty
5.   David O'Loughlin

Kazahkstan
6.    Valentine Iglinskiy
7.    Valerity Dmitrive
8.    Ivan Andreeyev
9.    Vadim Vdovinov
10. Alenandr Dyachenko

Great Britain Under 23
11. Grahan Biggs
12. Matthew Brammeier
13. Edward Clancey
14. Evan Oilphant
15. Mark Cavendish

Wales Stena Line
16.   Jamie Norfolk
17.   Huw Prichard
18.   Anthony Malaczyk
19.   Paul Sheppard
20.   Steven Roche

Scandinavia
Team Banchi Nordic
21. Glenn Bak
22. Mikael Segarsall
23. Kimmo Kananen
24. Petter Renang
25. Tobias Lergard

Slovenia
Team Perutnina PTUJ
26.   Valter Bonca
27.   Matej Stare
28.   Branko Filip
29.   Massimo Demarin
30.

Germany
Teasm ComNet Senges
31. Machael Schweizer
32. Uwe Sengewald
33. Rene Schild
34. Tjarco Cuppens
35. Stefan Cohnen

Germany
Team Stevens Von Hacht
36.   Thorsten Wiedenroth
37.   Arne Hinrichsen
38.   Snoke Thiel
39.   Sven Eckart
40.   Jens Schiwedler

USA
Team Stelvio Teamwear
41. Michael Pudlinski
42. Michael Henson
43. Xavier Melendez
44. Michael Norton
45. Isaiah Adams

USA
Team Sakonnet Tech.
46.   Greg Abrahamson
47.   Robert Giannini
48.   Andy Guptill
49.   Chris Kuhl
50.   Lee Rosenthal

USA/Britain
51. Johnny Rondash
52. Curtis Gunn
53. Ben Greenwood
54. Steve Howells
55. Peter Hey

Liverpool Century
56.   Andy Bennett
57.   Terry Giblin
58.   Ant Cassidy
59.   Mike Harrison
60.   Graeme Hatcher

North Wales
Team Energy Cycles
61. George Rose
62. Richard Jones
63. Andy Hoskins
64. Greg Roche
65. Gareth Jones

N/E England
Team Bannatyne CRT
66.   Richard Eastham
67.   Steve Gibson
68.   John Charlesworth
69.   Richard Cartland
70.   Steven Kenny

Team Murphy & Gunn
71. John Tanner
72. Mark Lovatt
73. Kevin Dawson
74. Malcolm Elliott
75. Julian Winn

Surrey Racing League
76.   Tim Dunford
77.   John Ibbotson
78.   Roger Morgan
79.   Chris Birch
80.   John Veness

Cork Kanturk Credit Union
81. Daniel Lynch
82. Adrian Hedderman
83. Paidi O'Brien
84. Simon Kelly
85. John Horgan

Dublin Usher IRC
86.   Michael Mulcahy
87.   Paul Healion
88.   Brian Stewart
89.   David Peelo
90.   Gregory Swinand

Dublin Orwell Wheelers
Dundrum S/C .
91. Donal Byrne
92. Alan Lane
93. Gary McNulty
94.
95. Brian Aherne

Dublin Wheelers
All Systems
96.   Brian Taaffe
97.   Brian Keane
98.   Daire McCaughley
99.   Maurice Hickey
100. Roger Aiken

Dublin Ravens Excel Logistics
101. Kieran Kane
102. Noel McGlynn
103. Noel Maloney
104. Thomas Graham
105. Derek King.

Dublin Stagg Cycles
Developements Bennett
106. Eugene Murtagh
107. Emmet Hogan
108. Ian Paine
109. James Walsh
110. Gary Sheehan.

Galway
111. Colm Bracken
112. John Peppard
113. Michael Fitzgerald
114. Padraig Marrey
115. Dermot Nally

Kildare Newbridge
116. Richard Malone
117. Fintan McCormack
118. Seamus Kelly
119. Kenneth Conlon
120. David Early

Meath Lee Strand
121. Philip Cassidy
122. Mark Cassidy
123. Stephen O'Sullivan
124. Philip Finegan
125. Adrian Crowley

Meath Martin Donnelly
126. Bill Moore
127. Paul Slane
128. Craig Sweetman
129. Robert Moore
130. Simon Mulvany

Kerry
131. Paul Griffin
132. Kieran McMahon
133. Sean Lacey
134. Ritchie Cahill
135. Vincent Gleeson

Tipperary Dan Morrissey
136. Tim Barry
137. Pat Keneally
138. Rory Wyley
139. John O'Shea
140. John Dempsey

Wicklow
141. Brian Harris
142. Frank O'Leary
143. Fergal Kelly
144. Derek Cunningham
145. Robert Wise

2005 Chris Newton Wins His Second FBD Insurance Rás

FBD Insurance Rás Tailteann 2005

22nd. May - 29th. May

Route

Stage 1: Dublin To Emyvale, 136 Kms.

Dublin Swords By-Pass, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Tully Esker Category 3 KOM, Dunleer, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Ardee, Clontibret, Tyholland, Emyvale.

Stage 2: Emyvale To Tubbercurry, 165 Kms.

Emyvale, Corraghduff Category 3 KOM, Tydavent, Scotstown, Smithborough, Clones, Belturbet, Ballyconnell, Bawnboy, Bellavalley Gap Category 3 KOM, Glangevlin, Drumkeera, Dromahair, Ballintogher, Ballinacarrow, Tubbercurry.

Stage 3: Tubbercurry To Lisdoonvarna, 156 Kms.

Tubbercurry, Charlestown, Lurga Category 3 KOM, Kilkelly, Ballindine, Milltown, Tuam, Claregalway, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill Category 2 KOM, Lisdoonvarna.

Stage 4: Lisdoonvarna To Templemore, 162 Kms.

Lisdoonvarna, Kilshanny, Inagh, Kilnamona, Ennis, Cross of Spancihill, Broadford, Formoyle Category 3 KOM, Ballybrack Category 3 KOM, Clonlara Bridge, O’Briensbridge, Montpelier, Birdhill, Newport, Lackamore Category 3 KOM, Curreeney Cross Category 3 KOM, Templederry, Borrisleigh, Templemore.

Stage 5: Templemore To Abbeyleix, 144 Kms.

Templemore, Templetouhy, Johnston, Urlingford, The Crag Category 1 KOM, Grangehill Category 3 KOM, The Commons, Ballingarry, Ballymac, Cuffesgrange, Kilkenny By-Pass, Paulstown, Old Leighlin, The Butt Category 1 KOM, Coan, Uskerty Hill Category 2 KOM, Castlecomer, Glenmagoo Category 2 KOM, Ballyraggett, Attanagh, Abbeyleix.

Stage 6: Abbeyleix To Rathdrum, 160 Kms.

Abbeyleix, The Swan, Newtown, Killeshin, Carlow, Ballon, Bunclody, N80/N11, Ferns, Camolin, Gorey, Inch, Arklow By-Pass, Rathnew, Glenealy, Rathdrum.

Stage 7: Rathdrum To Wicklow Town 138 Kms.

Rathdrum, Ballygannon Hill Category 3 KOM, Glenmalure, Slieveman Category 1 KOM, Aughavannagh, Barnameelia Category 3 KOM, Rathangan, Kiltegan, Baltinglass, Poulaphouca, Valleymount, Ballyknockan, Lacken Category 3 KOM, Oldcourt, Ballyward Category 2 KOM, Ballysmutton Bridge, Sally Gap Category 1 KOM, Lugalla Category 1 KOM, Sraghmore, Roundwood, Wicklow.

Stage 8: Dublin Phoenix Park Circuit, 50 Kms.

Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Emyvale, 136 Kms, R. Aiken (Louth) 2-53-19

Stage 2: Emyvale To Tubbercurry, 165 Kms. C. Newton (ReCycling) 4-11-11

Stage 3: Tubbercurry To Lisdoonvarna, 156 Kms. C. Newton (ReCycling) 3.29.25

Stage 4: Lisdoonvarna To Templemore, 162 Kms. M. Elliott (Yorkshire) 4-02-58

Stage 5: Templemore To Abbeyleix, 144 Kms. M. Christiansen (Norway) 3-23-13

Stage 6: Abbeyleix To Rathdrum, 160 Kms. M. C. Newton (ReCycling) 4-01-09

Stage 7: Rathdrum To Wicklow Town 138 Kms. M. Hegerberg (Norway) 3-29-36

Stage 8: Dublin Phoenix Park Circuit, 50 Kms B. Moore (Meath) 1-01-14

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	C. Newton, Recycling.Co.Uk M. Elliott, Yorkshire M. Hegreberg, Sparebanken Vest Norway Y. Barker, Wales R.Sharman, Recycling.Co.Uk T. Barry, Tipperary Dan Morrissey G. Rasch, Sparebanken Vest Norway J. Tanner, Yorkshire S. Gillespie, U.S. TIAA-CREF K. Dawson, Yorkshire	26-32-29 00-14 02-21 02-24 02-43 02-43 02-59 05-40 05-50 06-19

General Classification

10.

C. Newton, Recycling.Co.Uk M. Elliott, Yorkshire

M. Hegreberg, Sparebanken Vest Norway

Y. Barker, Wales

R.Sharman, Recycling.Co.Uk

T. Barry, Tipperary Dan Morrissey

G. Rasch, Sparebanken Vest Norway

J. Tanner, Yorkshire

S. Gillespie, U.S. TIAA-CREF

K. Dawson, Yorkshire

26-32-29

00-14

02-21

02-24

02-43

02-59

05-40

05-50

06-19

List Of Competitors 2005

Ireland 1 John Dempsey 2. Stephen Gallagher 3. Paudie O'Brien 4. Conor Murphy 5. Brian Keane Canada Team Jet Fuel Coffee 6. Zach Bell 7. Kevin Miller 8. Mark Pozniak 9. Andrew Randell 10. Stig Somme Czech Republic Team Elmarco KK Cub 11. Rostislav Kortky 12. Jan Novak 13. Jiri Korbel 14. Onderj Pavelka 15. Michael Stastny Estonia Team Kalve Chocolate 16. Sigvard Kukk 17. Andri Lebedev 18. Marko Poldma D.N.S. 19. Andrei Mustonen 20. Mart Ojavee England Team Fujibikes 21. Gareth Jones 22. Greg Roche 23. Anthony Malarczyk 24. Kristan House 25. Stephan Wolfer Germany Team Stevens von Hacht 26. Thorsten Wiedenroth 27. Arne Hinrichsen 28. Snoke Thiel 29. Jens Schwedler 30. Malte Urban Norway Team Sparebanken Vest 31. Are Andersen 32. Morten Christiansen 33. Morten Hegerberg 34. Gabriel Rasch 35. Stian Remme Netherlands Team B & E Cycling 36. Tino Haakman 37. Richard Kooijman 38. Menno de Boer 39. Hugo Kettman 40. Peter Vermeulen Scotland 41. Duncan Urquart 42. Evan Oliphant 43. Gary Hand 44. Alex Coutts 45. David Smith Scotland West 46. James Cusick 47. Stuart McGregor 48. Paul Coats 49. Chris Smart 50. Marcus Smith Wales Stena Line 51. Julian Winn 52. Jamie Norfolk 53. Robert Partridge 54. Paul Sheppard 55. Yanto Barker US Team Guinness 56. Donald Reeb 57. David Kilpper 58. Todd Duncan 59. Mark King 60. J.Skiles Keith US Team Boston Scientific 61. Conor Hurley 62. Peter Sleight 63. Mike Barton 64. Alan Potter 65. Justin Lillie US Team TIAA-CREF 66. Stuart Gillespie 67. Ian MacGregor 68. Sheldon Deeny 69. David Robinson 70. Nathan Mitchell US Maguire Cycles 71. Dan O'Sullivan 72. Emmett Hogan 73. Max Spirin 74. Aaron Beardsley 75. Fred Stamm US Ventilux First Mortgage 76. Kenny Williams 77. Michael Walsh 78. Kacey Charmberlin 79. Nobby O'Reilly 80. Jason Bethal US Tradewind Sports 81. Chris Harnish 82. Jeremy Burton 83. Jeff Craddock 84. Conor Coffey 85. Thad LaVallee GB Recycling.co.uk/MG XPOWER/Litespeed 86. Chris Newton 87. Paul Manning 88. Rob Sharman 89. Shaun Snodden 90. Ben Greenwood Yorkshire-Trinity Capital 91. John Tanner 92. Kevin Dawson 93. Mark Lovatt 94. Tommy Evans 95. Malcolm Elliott NE England 96. John Charlesworth 97. David Buchan 98. Ronnie Batey 99. Steve Kenny 100. Chris Daddy	Surrey Racing League 101. Roger Morgan 102. Chris McNamara 103. Timothy Dunford 104. Simon Saunders 105. Gary Dodd East England Angliasport 106. Richard Eastham 107. Chris Belsham 108. Richard Cartland 109. Simon McNamara 110. Peter Hey Cork Kanturk 111. Daniel Lynch 112. Denis Lynch 113. Martyn Irvine 114. Eoin Concannon 115. Michael Fitzgerald Cork Nucleus 116. John Horgan 117. Michael Hennessy 118. Simon Kelly 119. Padraig Marrey 120. AnthonyO'Brien Dublin Whs. All Systems 121. Ken Norgrove 122. Ciaran Farrell 123. Fergus O'Connor 124. Brian Taaffe 125. David Peelo Dublin IRC Moy Isover 126. John-Paul Lyons 127. Stephen Enright 128. Dave O'Reilly 129. Michael Elliott 130. Karl Elliott Dublin Usher Insulations 131. Paul Healion 132. Philip Finnegan 133. Brian Stewart 134. Michael Mulcahy 135. Ryan Connor Dublin Murphy & Gunn 136. Eddie O'Donoghue 137. John Wall 138. Adrian Hedderman 139. Morgan Fox 140. Frank O'Connor Dublin Dundrum S/C. 141. Mark McLeavey 142. Scott McDonald 143. Francis Ennis 144. David McLoughlin 145. John Sower Dublin Exel Ravens 146. Jonathan Gormley 147. Ian Paine 148. Tom Hemmant 149. John Dillon 150. Kieran Keane Kerry 151. John O'Brien 152. Michael Horgan 153. Tony Devane 154. Thomas Lavey 155. Eldon Looney Kildare Murphy Surveys Woodlands Kitchen 156. Colm Bracken 157. Ciaran Steed 158. Michael Steed 159. Barry Donnelly 160. William Byrne Kildare Ena Loakman Remax 161. Daire O'Sullivan 162. Richard Malone 163. Dave Early 164. Cormac O'Shea 165. Tom Green Louth Safe Cycling 166. Roger Aiken 167. Karl Dolan 168. Myles McCrory 169. Sean McGreevy 170. Eoin Whelan Meath cycleways.com 171. Philip Cassidy 172. Mark Cassidy 173. Adrian Crowley 174. Stephen O'Sullivan 175. Eugene Morairty Meath M J Donnelly 176. Craig Sweetman 177. Simon Mulvany 178. Robert Moore 179. Bill Moore 180. Sean Lacey Tipperary Dan Morrissey 181. Tim Barry 182. Rory Wyley 183. John O'Shea 184. Brian Truman 185. Vincent Gleeson Tipperary Worldwide Cycles 186. Barry Meehan 187. John Mason 188. Keith Griffin 189. Andy Roche 190. A.N.Other Wicklow North 191. John Paul Lynch 192. Adam Kelly 193. Niall Jenkins 194. Michael O'Donnell 195. Frank O'Leary Wicklow South 196. Eamonn Pendergast 197. Gerard Ivory 198. Paddy Kelly 199. Derek Cunningham 200. Cain Crowley

List Of Competitors 2005

Ireland 1 John Dempsey 2. Stephen Gallagher 3. Paudie O'Brien 4. Conor Murphy 5. Brian Keane Canada Team Jet Fuel Coffee 6. Zach Bell 7. Kevin Miller 8. Mark Pozniak 9. Andrew Randell 10. Stig Somme

Czech Republic Team Elmarco KK Cub 11. Rostislav Kortky 12. Jan Novak 13. Jiri Korbel 14. Onderj Pavelka 15. Michael Stastny

Estonia Team Kalve Chocolate 16. Sigvard Kukk 17. Andri Lebedev 18. Marko Poldma D.N.S. 19. Andrei Mustonen 20. Mart Ojavee

England Team Fujibikes 21. Gareth Jones 22. Greg Roche 23. Anthony Malarczyk 24. Kristan House 25. Stephan Wolfer

Germany Team Stevens von Hacht 26. Thorsten Wiedenroth 27. Arne Hinrichsen 28. Snoke Thiel 29. Jens Schwedler 30. Malte Urban

Norway Team Sparebanken Vest 31. Are Andersen 32. Morten Christiansen 33. Morten Hegerberg 34. Gabriel Rasch 35. Stian Remme

Netherlands Team B & E Cycling 36. Tino Haakman 37. Richard Kooijman 38. Menno de Boer 39. Hugo Kettman 40. Peter Vermeulen

Scotland 41. Duncan Urquart 42. Evan Oliphant 43. Gary Hand 44. Alex Coutts 45. David Smith

Scotland West 46. James Cusick 47. Stuart McGregor 48. Paul Coats 49. Chris Smart 50. Marcus Smith

Wales Stena Line 51. Julian Winn 52. Jamie Norfolk 53. Robert Partridge 54. Paul Sheppard 55. Yanto Barker

US Team Guinness 56. Donald Reeb 57. David Kilpper 58. Todd Duncan 59. Mark King 60. J.Skiles Keith

US Team Boston Scientific 61. Conor Hurley 62. Peter Sleight 63. Mike Barton 64. Alan Potter 65. Justin Lillie

US Team TIAA-CREF 66. Stuart Gillespie 67. Ian MacGregor 68. Sheldon Deeny 69. David Robinson 70. Nathan Mitchell

US Maguire Cycles 71. Dan O'Sullivan 72. Emmett Hogan 73. Max Spirin 74. Aaron Beardsley 75. Fred Stamm

US Ventilux First Mortgage 76. Kenny Williams 77. Michael Walsh 78. Kacey Charmberlin 79. Nobby O'Reilly 80. Jason Bethal

US Tradewind Sports 81. Chris Harnish 82. Jeremy Burton 83. Jeff Craddock 84. Conor Coffey 85. Thad LaVallee

GB Recycling.co.uk/MG XPOWER/Litespeed 86. Chris Newton 87. Paul Manning 88. Rob Sharman 89. Shaun Snodden 90. Ben Greenwood

Yorkshire-Trinity Capital 91. John Tanner 92. Kevin Dawson 93. Mark Lovatt 94. Tommy Evans 95. Malcolm Elliott

NE England 96. John Charlesworth 97. David Buchan 98. Ronnie Batey 99. Steve Kenny 100. Chris Daddy

Surrey Racing League 101. Roger Morgan 102. Chris McNamara 103. Timothy Dunford 104. Simon Saunders 105. Gary Dodd East England Angliasport 106. Richard Eastham 107. Chris Belsham 108. Richard Cartland 109. Simon McNamara 110. Peter Hey

Cork Kanturk 111. Daniel Lynch 112. Denis Lynch 113. Martyn Irvine 114. Eoin Concannon 115. Michael Fitzgerald

Cork Nucleus 116. John Horgan 117. Michael Hennessy 118. Simon Kelly 119. Padraig Marrey 120. AnthonyO'Brien

Dublin Whs. All Systems 121. Ken Norgrove 122. Ciaran Farrell 123. Fergus O'Connor 124. Brian Taaffe 125. David Peelo

Dublin IRC Moy Isover 126. John-Paul Lyons 127. Stephen Enright 128. Dave O'Reilly 129. Michael Elliott 130. Karl Elliott

Dublin Usher Insulations 131. Paul Healion 132. Philip Finnegan 133. Brian Stewart 134. Michael Mulcahy 135. Ryan Connor

Dublin Murphy & Gunn 136. Eddie O'Donoghue 137. John Wall 138. Adrian Hedderman 139. Morgan Fox 140. Frank O'Connor

Dublin Dundrum S/C. 141. Mark McLeavey 142. Scott McDonald 143. Francis Ennis 144. David McLoughlin 145. John Sower

Dublin Exel Ravens 146. Jonathan Gormley 147. Ian Paine 148. Tom Hemmant 149. John Dillon 150. Kieran Keane

Kerry 151. John O'Brien 152. Michael Horgan 153. Tony Devane 154. Thomas Lavey 155. Eldon Looney

Kildare Murphy Surveys Woodlands Kitchen 156. Colm Bracken 157. Ciaran Steed 158. Michael Steed 159. Barry Donnelly 160. William Byrne

Kildare Ena Loakman Remax 161. Daire O'Sullivan 162. Richard Malone 163. Dave Early 164. Cormac O'Shea 165. Tom Green

Louth Safe Cycling 166. Roger Aiken 167. Karl Dolan 168. Myles McCrory 169. Sean McGreevy 170. Eoin Whelan

Meath cycleways.com 171. Philip Cassidy 172. Mark Cassidy 173. Adrian Crowley 174. Stephen O'Sullivan 175. Eugene Morairty

Meath M J Donnelly 176. Craig Sweetman 177. Simon Mulvany 178. Robert Moore 179. Bill Moore 180. Sean Lacey

Tipperary Dan Morrissey 181. Tim Barry 182. Rory Wyley 183. John O'Shea 184. Brian Truman 185. Vincent Gleeson

Tipperary Worldwide Cycles 186. Barry Meehan 187. John Mason 188. Keith Griffin 189. Andy Roche 190. A.N.Other

Wicklow North 191. John Paul Lynch 192. Adam Kelly 193. Niall Jenkins 194. Michael O'Donnell 195. Frank O'Leary

Wicklow South 196. Eamonn Pendergast 197. Gerard Ivory 198. Paddy Kelly 199. Derek Cunningham 200. Cain Crowley

Punctures, Pedalling And Putting Them Up Is Edwards Annual Job By Suzanne Pender, Carlow Nationalist May 26, 2005

From Mending punctures in jig time to now sourcing accommodation for an entourage of over 500 right around the country, it's little wonder that the name of Ballon man Edward Dawson has become synonymous with Ireland's unique cycling event, The Rás. Edward from Maple Lawn, Ballon has been involved in the International Cycle Race for the past 36 years, beginning first as a participant to now becoming one of the event's main organisers. The FBD Insurance Rás, which this week is passing through towns and villages throughout the country, is now regarded as the biggest international amateur event in Europe attracting teams from all over the world. The event has therefore developed into a mammoth task of organisation with accommodation to be sourced in all the race stops, route maps to be finalised and the teams to be adequately catered for throughout the event. It's Edward's who takes on the enormous task of accommodation and the logistical nightmare of making sure an entourage of over 500, including over 200 riders, have a place to rest their weary bones after a day's cycling. This week, therefore, Edwards is up to his eyes in the event which began last Sunday and continues until Sunday 29, taking in hundreds of kilometers and eight sages ziz-zagging across the country.

In this area, the race will be passing through Carlow, Ballon and Bunclody on Friday while on Saturday, Baltinglass will be among the local towns visited. The nearest stage end is Abbeyleix on Thursday evening. " It starts in October/November when I go around visiting various locations. But after all these years, you kind of know all the places" admits Edward, with the calmness of a man with tons of experience.

"We'd have about 500 they arrive gradually from Wednesday to Sunday before the race so I organise accommodation for them then as well," he adds.

Edward began his involvement with The Rás in 1969 when he participated in the race and the following year was a manager for famed Carlow cyclist and former winner of The Rás Mike O'Donoghue.

After that, for three years he worked with the French team and then moved into the area of helping in the organisation of the event.

Now it's Edward and Race Director Dermot Dignam who are the driving forces behind the event. Edward's involvement in the Rás in on a purely voluntary basis. In fact, such is his enthusiasm and loyalty to the race that each year, two weeks of his holidays are given up to the event. "I enjoy it. sure it's part of my life now...I'm hardly going to give it up after 36 years," laughs Edward. This year, six professional teams will take part in the race, which will take in eight locations for overnight stops. The route itself takes the cyclist through a host of towns and villages all over Ireland where once again the support from the public is sure to be a huge encouragement. "It's brilliant in the towns and when we pass the schools and the children come out to wave and cheer-there isn't one school that won't be out...it's great," enthused Edward. However, despite the meticulous planning that goes in every year, over its history The Rás hasn't gone without its near disasters, one of which is still very clearly in Edwards memory. On one occasion, just 10 minutes before passing through the town of Navan, word came through to the race director that the road was completely blocked up due to a funeral in the town. Panic quite obviously ensued as a serous accident could have happened were it not for Edward's quick action. "I just happened to know the area and brought the race down another route and managed to get around the town. Thankfully everything worked out well and the break away group stayed away," he explained Edward is adamant that the Rás simply won't survive without the generous support of its sponsors including Flynn's Garage, Tullow and FBD Insurance, the events key sponsor. "The support of the gardai is also vital adds Edward." "There's about 16 off duty gardai who give up their holiday time to help out as well as the gardai in every part of the country who man every single junction we pass through" Edward explains. Of course, as a proud Ballon man, one of Edward's dreams was to see the Rás stop in his home village. Sadly this didn't work out when the chance arouse a couple of years ago. "Unfortunately the County Council erected bollards and roundabouts in Ballon so we weren't able to bring the race through the village. We had to move into Tullow instead which, of course, was a disappointment to me" Edward adds. Quiet clearly Edward has no plans to put his Rás days behind him despite 36 years of involvement which he jokes would get you a sizeable pension anywhere else." No I've no plans to stop...as long as it keeps going...I'll keep going," he smiles.

2006 Kristian House Team ReCycling.Co.Uk Wins The FBD Insurance Rás

FBD Insurance Rás - 8 Day International Cycle Race

21st - 28th May 2006

Route

Stage 1: Tallaght To Enniscorthy, 121 Kms.

Tallaght, The Embankment, Blessington, Naas, Kilcullen, Castledermot, Tullow, Closh Cross, Bunclody,Enniscorthy

Stage 2: Enniscorthy To Cobh, 180.Kms.

Enniscorthy, Clonroche, New Ross, Glenmore,Waterford, Dungarvan, The Sweep, Youghal, Killeagh Castlemartyr , Cobh

Stage 3: Cobh To An Daingean, 173 Kms.

Cobh, Jack Lynch Tunnel, Macroom, BaileBhuirne, County Bounds, Glenflesk, Killarney, Fossa, Crohane, Faha, Milltown, Castlemayne, Boolteens, Inch, An Draighneain, An Bharog Bheag, LoisPóil, An Daingean

Stage 4: An Daingean To An Cheathru Rua, 150 Kms.

An, Daingean, Ceann Trá, Fahan, Baile Icín, Dún Chaoin, Casadh na Graige, Baile An Fheirtéaraigh, Baile na hÁith, An Daingean, Líos Póil, Garia na dTor, An Draighneain, Inch, Boolteens, Castlemaine, Firies, Farranfore, Castleisland, The Maum, ReanagowanCrossroads, Finuge, Listowel

Stage 5: Kilrush To An Cheathru Rua 178 Kms.

Kilrush, Cooraclare, Creagh, Quilty, Milltown Malbay, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Lisdoonavarna, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Ballindereen, Kilcolgan.Clarnbridge, Galway, Moycullen, Oughterard, Seanafeistin, Casla, An Cheathrú Rua

Stage 6: Team Time Trial, 24 Kms.

Casla, An Tulach, Caoran na gCearc Theas, Ros a Mhil, Casla

Stage 7: An Cheathru Rua To Westport, 83 Kms.

An Cheathrú Rua, Screeb Cross, Maam Cross, Tri na Cille, Maum, Culliagh More, Leenane, Carrowkennedy, Aghagower, Westport

Stage 8: Westport To Clara, 168 Kms.

Westport, Casrlebar, Balla, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballinlough, Castlerea, Ballymoe, Roscommon, Knockcroghery, Athlone By-Pass, Moat, Clara

Stage 9: Clara To Skerries, 155 Kms.

Clara, Kilbeggan, Tyrellspass, Rochfordbridge, Milltownpass, Kinnegad, Trim, Drumree, Dunshaughlin, Rathoath, Curragha, Pluckhimin, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage, Skerries, Black Hills Skerries, Black Hills, Skerries Finish Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Stage 1: Dublin To Enniscorthy, 121 Kms, C. Newton (ReCycling ) 2-48-37

Stage 2: Enniscorthy To Cobh, 180 Kms. D. Pate (U.S.A.TIAA-CREF) 4-31-15

Stage 3: Cobh To An-Daingean, 172.5 Kms. J. Marden (Australia FRF) 4.42.49

Stage 4: An-Daingean To Listowel, 150 Kms. C. Power (Eireann Dan Morrissey) 3-42-42

Stage 5: Listowel To An Cheathru Rua, 178 Kms. J. Welniak (Poland) 5-18-57

Stage 6: An Cheathru Rua Team Time Trial, 24 Kms. Britain ReCycling

Stage 7: An Cheathru Rua To Westport, 83 Kms. C. Power (Eireann Dan Morrissey) 3-42-42

Stage 8: Westport To Clara, 168 Kms B. Matysiak (Poland) 3.38.46 Stage 9: Clara to Skerries, 155 Kms. M. Hegerberg (Norway) 3-28-19-10

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	K. House, ReCycling Britain D. Pate, USA TIAA CREF M. Hegerberg, Norway D.O’Loughlin, Ireland Grant Thornton Tommy Evans, Dublin Usher I.R.C. S. Kelly, Ireland Murphy & Gunn P. Herzig, Australia F R F W. Randle, Doncsaster Stenna Line M. Matysiak, Poland C. Power, Eireann Dan Morrissey	29- 26-33 St. 00-12 00-20 00- 38 02-18 St. 04-47 06-51 06-55

General Classification

10.

K. House, ReCycling Britain

D. Pate, USA TIAA CREF

M. Hegerberg, Norway

D.O’Loughlin, Ireland Grant Thornton

Tommy Evans, Dublin Usher I.R.C.

S. Kelly, Ireland Murphy & Gunn

P. Herzig, Australia F R F

W. Randle, Doncsaster Stenna Line

M. Matysiak, Poland

C. Power, Eireann Dan Morrissey

29- 26-33
St.

00-12

00-20

00- 38

02-18

St.

04-47

06-51

06-55

List Of Competitors 2006

Britain ReCycling.co.uk 1 Chris Newton 2. Robin Sharman 3. Kristian House 4. Evan Oliphant 5. Robert Partridge Ireland Grant Thornton 6. David O'Loughlin 7. Paidi O'Brien 8. Roger Aiken 9. Ryan Connor 10. Connor Murphy Britain Doncaster Stenna Line 11. Wayne Randle 12. Mark Lovatt 13. Dieter Droger 14. Ashley Brown 15. Gavin Evans Australia FRF Couriers Caravle 16. Peter McDonald 17. Jausha Marden 18. Peter Herzig 19. Joe McDonnell 20. Cody Stevenson Belgium M.Donnelly Sean Kelly 21. Jehudi Schoonacker 22. Tim Cassidy 23. Mark Cassidy 24. Kurt Bogaerts 25. Michael Concannon Canada Symmetrics 26. Andrew Randell 27. Brandon Crichton 28. Jeff Sherstobitoff 29. Brad Fairall 30. Will Routley Germany Stevens Cycling 31. Johannes Sickmuller 32. Florian Schroden 33. Fabain Brzezinski 34. Greg Reian 35. Benjamin Hill Ireland Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn 36. Simon Kelly 37. Paul Healion 38. John O'Shea 39. John Dempsey 40. Morgan Fox Norway Sparbanken Vest 41. Morten Hegerberg 42. Kurt Anders Fostervold 43. Are Andersen 44. Tamas Lenayel 45. Martin Prazdnovsky Poland Legia Bazylisek 46. Bartlomie Matysiak 47. Michal Pawlyta 48. Lukasz Modzelewski 49. Jaroslaw Welniak 50. Przemyslaw Pietrzak USA TIAA-CREF 51. Dan Bowman 52. Danny Pate 53. Lucas Euser 54. Mike Friedman 55. Bryan Smyth USA Endeavour Cycles 56. Isaiah Adams 57. 58. David Sachs 59. Josh James 60. Graham Howard Surrey Racing League 61. Simon Saunders 62. Toby Neave 63. Jaco Ehlers 64. Alex Hagman 65. Daniel Duguid Yorkshire JE James 66. Christopher Belsham 67. Matthew Melville 68. Mike Harrison 69. Peter Hey 70. Llewellyn Byrne Cork Murray Developments 71. Daniel Lynch 72. Denis Lynch 73. Michael Hennessy 74. Michael Fitzgerald 75. John O'Brien	Cork Nat. Safety & Training 76. Brian Murphy 77. Eldon Looney 78. Tony Kemp 79. Emmett Murphy 80. Anthony O'Brien Down Biznet Solutions 81. Brendan Kirk 82. Stephen McKenna 83. Paul Hanna 84. Martyn Irvine 85. Paul Vaughan Dublin Dundrum Town Center 86. Donal Byrne 87. David Lane 88. David McLoughlin 89. Gary McNulty 90. Myles Kirby Dublin Whls. All Systems 91. Daire McCaughley 92. Gordon Tangney 93. Brian Taffe 94. Bryan Keane 95. Simon Whelan Dublin Eurocycles Eurobaby 96. John-Paul Lyons 97. Noel Moloney 98. Mark McLeavey 99. Jason Callaghan 100. David Rawlins Dublin IRC Usher Insulation 101. Tommy Evans 102. Eoin Whelan 103. Matthew Ward 104. Greg Swinard 105. Gary Crory Galway Velotec.ie 106. Adrian Crowley 107. Keith Griffin 108. Phil Maher 109. Frank Dunne 110. Michael O'Reilly Kerry Earl Of Desmond 111. Sean Lacey 112. Niall Brosnan 113. Vincent Gleeson 114. Padraig Marrey 115. John McCarthy Kildare Murphy Surveys 116. Mike Steed 117. John Lynch 118. David Peelo 119. Will Byrne 120. Colm Braken *Kildare Ens Loakman Remax* 121. Corman O'Shea 122. Seamus Kelly 123. Daire O'Sullivan 124. Richard Malone 125. Fintan McCormack Louth Cuchulainn Crystal 126. Karl Dolan 127. Kevin Lynch 128. Myles Crory 129. Sean McGreevy 130. Drew McKinley Meath MyHome.ie 131. Aidan Crowley 132. Michael Fitzgerald 133. Brian Kinneally 134. Stephen O'Sullivan 135. John Mason Meath Martin Donnelly 136. Craig Sweetman 137. Simon Mulvany 138. Bill Moore 139. Frank O'Connor 140. Peter O'Connor *Manager: John Varley* Éireann Dan Morrissey 141. Tim Barry 142. Roty Wyley 143. Martin O'Loughlin 144. Ray Clarke 145. Ciaran Power

List Of Competitors 2006

Britain ReCycling.co.uk
1    Chris Newton
2.   Robin Sharman
3.   Kristian House
4.   Evan Oliphant
5.   Robert Partridge

Ireland Grant Thornton
6.   David O'Loughlin
7.   Paidi O'Brien
8.   Roger Aiken
9.   Ryan Connor
10. Connor Murphy

Britain Doncaster
Stenna Line
11. Wayne Randle
12. Mark Lovatt
13. Dieter Droger
14. Ashley Brown
15. Gavin Evans

Australia
FRF Couriers Caravle
16.   Peter McDonald
17.   Jausha Marden
18.   Peter Herzig
19.   Joe McDonnell
20.   Cody Stevenson

Belgium
M.Donnelly Sean Kelly
21.   Jehudi Schoonacker
22.   Tim Cassidy
23.   Mark Cassidy
24.   Kurt Bogaerts
25.   Michael Concannon

Canada
Symmetrics
26.   Andrew Randell
27.   Brandon Crichton
28.   Jeff Sherstobitoff
29.   Brad Fairall
30.  Will Routley

Germany
Stevens Cycling
31. Johannes Sickmuller
32. Florian Schroden
33. Fabain Brzezinski
34. Greg Reian
35. Benjamin Hill

Ireland
Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn
36.   Simon Kelly
37.   Paul Healion
38.   John O'Shea
39.   John Dempsey
40. Morgan Fox

Norway
Sparbanken Vest
41.   Morten Hegerberg
42.   Kurt Anders Fostervold
43.   Are Andersen
44.   Tamas Lenayel
45.   Martin Prazdnovsky

Poland
Legia Bazylisek
46.   Bartlomie Matysiak
47.   Michal Pawlyta
48.   Lukasz Modzelewski
49.   Jaroslaw Welniak
50.   Przemyslaw Pietrzak

USA TIAA-CREF
51. Dan Bowman
52. Danny Pate
53. Lucas Euser
54. Mike Friedman
55. Bryan Smyth

USA Endeavour Cycles
56.   Isaiah Adams
57.
58.   David Sachs
59.   Josh James
60.   Graham Howard

Surrey Racing League
61.   Simon Saunders
62.   Toby Neave
63.   Jaco Ehlers
64.   Alex Hagman
65.   Daniel Duguid

Yorkshire JE James
66.   Christopher Belsham
67.   Matthew Melville
68.   Mike Harrison
69.   Peter Hey
70.   Llewellyn Byrne

Cork Murray Developments
71.   Daniel Lynch
72.   Denis Lynch
73.   Michael Hennessy
74.   Michael Fitzgerald
75.   John O'Brien

Cork Nat. Safety & Training
76.   Brian Murphy
77.   Eldon Looney
78.   Tony Kemp
79.   Emmett Murphy
80.   Anthony O'Brien

Down Biznet Solutions
81.   Brendan Kirk
82.   Stephen McKenna
83.   Paul Hanna
84.   Martyn Irvine
85.   Paul Vaughan

Dublin Dundrum Town Center
86.   Donal Byrne
87.   David Lane
88.   David McLoughlin
89.   Gary McNulty
90.   Myles Kirby

Dublin Whls. All Systems
91.   Daire McCaughley
92.   Gordon Tangney
93.   Brian Taffe
94.   Bryan Keane
95.   Simon Whelan

Dublin Eurocycles Eurobaby
96.   John-Paul Lyons
97.   Noel Moloney
98.   Mark McLeavey
99.   Jason Callaghan
100. David Rawlins

Dublin IRC Usher Insulation
101.  Tommy Evans
102.  Eoin Whelan
103.  Matthew Ward
104. Greg Swinard
105. Gary Crory

Galway Velotec.ie
106. Adrian Crowley
107.  Keith Griffin
108.  Phil Maher
109.  Frank Dunne
110.  Michael O'Reilly

Kerry Earl Of Desmond
111. Sean Lacey
112. Niall Brosnan
113. Vincent Gleeson
114. Padraig Marrey
115. John McCarthy

Kildare Murphy Surveys
116. Mike Steed
117. John Lynch
118. David Peelo
119. Will Byrne
120. Colm Braken

Kildare Ens Loakman Remax
121. Corman O'Shea
122. Seamus Kelly
123. Daire O'Sullivan
124. Richard Malone
125. Fintan McCormack

Louth Cuchulainn Crystal
126. Karl Dolan
127. Kevin Lynch
128. Myles Crory
129. Sean McGreevy
130. Drew McKinley

Meath MyHome.ie
131. Aidan Crowley
132. Michael Fitzgerald
133. Brian Kinneally
134. Stephen O'Sullivan
135. John Mason

Meath Martin Donnelly
136.  Craig Sweetman
137. Simon Mulvany
138.   Bill Moore
139.   Frank O'Connor
140. Peter O'Connor

Manager: John Varley

Éireann Dan Morrissey
141. Tim Barry
142. Roty Wyley
143. Martin O'Loughlin
144. Ray Clarke
145. Ciaran Power

2007 Tony Martin Germany Wins The FBD Insurance Rás

FBD Insurance Rás - 8 Day International Cycle Race

20th.- 27th. May 2007

Route

Stage 1: Naas To Templemore, 158 Kms.

Naas, Newbridge Hot Spot Sprint, The Curragh, Kildare, Monasterevin, Portarlington Hot Spot Sprint, Mountmellick Hot Spot Sprint, Rosenallis, Clonaslee, The Cut Category 2 KOM, Mountrath, Borris-in-Ossory, Roscrea By-Pass, Templemore, Bouladuff, Borrisoleigh, Templemore

Stage 2: Templemore To Loughrea, 147 Kms.

Templemore, Thurles, R502, Ballycahill, Curreeney Cross Category 3 KOM, Dolla, Silvermines, Ballina, Killaloe, Tuamgraney, Scarriff, Lecarrow Category 3 KOM, Killanena Category 3 KOM, Gort, Loughrea.

Stage 3: Loughrea To Sligo, 171 Kms.

Loughrea, Kilconieran, Athenry, TuamDunmore, Ballyhaunis, Charlestown, Tobercurry, Ballygawley, Ballintogher, Dromahair, Clogher More Category 3 KOM, Sligo.

Stage 4: Sligo To Dungloe, 138 Kms.

Sligo, Drumcliff, Grange, Cliffony, Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Donegal By-Pass, Mountcharles Category 3 KOM, Dunkineely, Bruckless, Ardara, Glenties, Maas, Leitir, Mhic an Bháird, Dungloe.

Stage 5: Dungloe To Buncrana, 131 Kms.

Dungloe:, Dubhcharaidh, Peirse Mor Category 3 KOM, Carabit Category 2 KOM, Fintown, Letterkenny, Burnfoot, Fahan, Buncrana, Slavery Category 3 KOM, Pinch Mountain Category 2 KOM, Clonmany, Mamore Gap Category 1 KOM, Old Mountain Category 3 KOM, Buncrana

Stage 6: Buncrana To Derry, 96 Kms.

Buncrana, Clonmany, Ballyliffen, Carndonagh, Malin, Culdaff, Gleneely, Moville, Muff, Derry.

Stage 7 : Derry To Newcastle, 165 Kms.

Derry, Dubgiven, Glenshane Pass 3 KOM, Cookstown, Dungannon, Moy, Portadown, Gilford, Lawrencestown, Banbridge, Ballyward, Devils Elbow Category 3 KOM, Castlewellan, Newcastle.

Stage 8 Newcastle To Skerries, 174 Kms.

Newcastle, Castlewellan, Kilcoo, Hilltown, Lynch’s Hill Category 3 KOM, Mayobridge, Newry, Cloghoe Mountain Category 3 KOM, Dundalk, Ardee, Collen, Slane, Balrath, Pluckhimin Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries. Race Director: Dermot Dignam

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	T. Martin, Thuringer Energie Germany P.O’Brien, Ireland Murphy & Gunn P. McDonald, Australia FRF J. Anthony U. S. Kodak C. Newton, ReCycling Britain S. Gallagher, Ireland Murphy & Gunn B. Kenneally, Meath MyHome.ie D. Rollin, U.S. Kodak D. McCann, Ireland Subway P. Pretsch,Thuringer Energie Germany	27-27-13 00-17 00-24 00-36 01-02 01-15 01-22 01-30 01-35 01-43

General Classification

10.

T. Martin, Thuringer Energie Germany
P.O’Brien, Ireland Murphy & Gunn

P. McDonald, Australia FRF

J. Anthony U. S. Kodak

C. Newton, ReCycling Britain

S. Gallagher, Ireland Murphy & Gunn

B. Kenneally, Meath MyHome.ie

D. Rollin, U.S. Kodak

D. McCann, Ireland Subway

P. Pretsch,Thuringer Energie Germany

27-27-13 00-17

00-24

00-36

01-02

01-15

01-22

01-30

01-35

01-43

List Of Competitors 2007

Ireland 1 David McCann 2. Martyn Irvine 3. Dermot Nally 4. Mark Scanlon 5. Paul Griffin Iran 6. Mahdi Fathi 7. Mohammad Rastad 8. Amir Shakeri 9. Mobin Bazherzadega 10. Mahoud Talei Netherlands Under 23 11. Yvo Kusters 12. Alain van der Velde 13. Ricardo van der Velde 14. Michael Kreder 15. Robin Chaigneau Ireland (Pro) Murphy & Gunn NewlynM.Donnolly S.Kelly 16. Paidi O'Brien 17. Mark Cassidy 18. Stephen Gallagher 19. Glenn Bak 20. Simon Kelly Australia (Pro) Team FRF Couriers NSWIS 21. Peter McDonald 22. Peter Herzig 23. Jason Hegert 24. Chris Jory 25. Brendan Brooks England (Pro) Stenna Line Recycling.Co.Uk 26. Chris Newton 27. Graham Briggs 28. Tom Diggle 29. Ryan Bonser 30. Simon Holt Chech Republic (Pro) Team Sparta Praha 31. Petr Pucelik 32. Tomas Hruby 33. Zdenek Krizek 34. Ondrej Pavek 35. Josef Soukup Denmark (Pro) Team Vision Bikes 36. Simon Jensen 37. Thomas Bendixen 38. Michael Johansen 39. Benjamin Justesen 40. Mads Bugge Estonia (Pro) Team Kalve Chocolate 41. Mart Ojavee 42. Andrei Mustonen 43. Markku Ainsalu 44. Alo Jakin 45. Silvar Kibur Germany (Pro) Team Thúringer Energie 46. Tony Martin 47. Marcel Barth 48. Nico Graf 49. Florian Frohn 50. Patrick Gretsch USA (Pro) Team Kodak Sierra Navada Brewing Co. 51. Mark Walters 52. Dominique Rollin 53. Josh Thornton 54. Ben Raby 55. Jesse Anthony USA (Pro) Team Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast 56. Daniel Bowman 57. Dominique Perras 58. Ryan Roth 59. Justin Spinnelli 60. Nick Waite Germany Team Stevens von Hacht 61. Sónke Thiel 62. Benjamin Hill 63. Rene Birkenfeld 64. Johannes Sickmúller 65. Yannick Tiedt Britain Team Sportscover Planet X 66. Ashley Brown 67. Mark Lovatt 68. Wayne Randle 69. John Charlsworth 70. Marcin Bialoblocki Britian Team Surrey League 71. Toby Neave 72. Matt Green 73. Richard Simmonds 74. Paul Delahunty 75. Ben Pochee	Britain Notrh West England 76. Chris Belsham 77. Peter Hey 78. Matt Melville 79. Llewellyn Byrne 80. Richard Eastman Armagh Big Picture Developement 81. Roher Aiken 82. Kieran Downey 83. David Mulholland 84. Daire McCaughley 85. Myles McCorry Cork Omega Designs Ltd. 86. Ben Lieberson 87. Tony Kemp 88. Michael O'Reilly 89. Partick Moriarty 90. Michael Hennessy Down Mar Properties 91. Brendan Kirk 92. John Neil 93. Jonathan Gormley 94. Ronan Mcloughlin 95. Barry Mullin Dublin Murphy & Gunn 96. Padraig Marrey 97. Sean Lacey 98. Isaac Speirs 99. Derek Burke 100. Mark Nester Dublin Eurocycles Eurobaby 101. Noel Moloney 102. James Lattimore 103. John Paul Lyons 104. Ciaran Kelly 105. Dave Reilly Dublin IRC Usher Insulations 106. Neill Delahaye 107. Matthew Ward 108. Conor Murphy 109. Alan Carey 110. Adam Armstrong *Dublin Orwell* *Dundrun Shopping Center* 111. Brian Aherne 112. Colm Aherne 113. Kevin Donagher 114. Stephen Surdival 115. Dave McLaughlin Kildare Newbrige Ena Loakman Re/Max 116. Richard Malone 117. Nathan Jones 118. Frank O'Leary 119. Michael Storan 120. Cormac O'Shea Kildare Murphy Surveys 121. Colm Braken 122. David Peelo 123. Mick Mulcahy 124. Paul Vaughan 125. Noel McGlynn Kerry Earl Of Desmond Hotel 126. Michael Butler 127. Micael Concannon 128. Thomas Flaherty 129. David Brennan 130. Cian Hogan Meath M.Donnelly/Cycleways 131. Craig Sweetman 132. Frank O'Connor 133. Brian Taaffe 134. Ciaran Cassidy 135. Adrian Hederman Meath Myhome.ie/BDBC 136. Brian Kenneally 137. Scott McDonald 138. Eugene Moriarty 139. Aidan Crowley 140. Stephen O'Sullivan Tipperary Dan Morrissey 141. Raymond Clarke 142. Rory Wyley 143. John O'Brien 144. Hugh Mulhearne 145. Michael Fitzgerald Waterford Comeragh Cycling Club 146. Don Feighery 147. Robin Kelly 148. Tom Fanning 149. Conor McGrath 150. Frank Dunne

List Of Competitors 2007

Ireland
1    David McCann
2.   Martyn Irvine
3.   Dermot Nally
4.   Mark Scanlon
5.   Paul Griffin

Iran
6.   Mahdi Fathi
7.   Mohammad Rastad
8.   Amir Shakeri
9.   Mobin Bazherzadega
10. Mahoud Talei

Netherlands Under 23
11. Yvo Kusters
12. Alain van der Velde
13. Ricardo van der Velde
14. Michael Kreder
15. Robin Chaigneau

Ireland (Pro) Murphy & Gunn
NewlynM.Donnolly S.Kelly
16.   Paidi O'Brien
17.   Mark Cassidy
18.   Stephen Gallagher
19.   Glenn Bak
20.   Simon Kelly

Australia (Pro)
Team FRF Couriers NSWIS
21.   Peter McDonald
22.   Peter Herzig
23.   Jason Hegert
24.   Chris Jory
25.   Brendan Brooks

England (Pro)
Stenna Line Recycling.Co.Uk
26.   Chris Newton
27.   Graham Briggs
28.   Tom Diggle
29.   Ryan Bonser
30.   Simon Holt

Chech Republic (Pro)
Team Sparta Praha
31. Petr Pucelik
32. Tomas Hruby
33. Zdenek Krizek
34. Ondrej Pavek
35. Josef Soukup

Denmark (Pro)
Team Vision Bikes
36.   Simon Jensen
37.   Thomas Bendixen
38.   Michael Johansen
39.   Benjamin Justesen
40.  Mads Bugge

Estonia (Pro)
Team Kalve Chocolate
41.   Mart Ojavee
42.   Andrei Mustonen
43.   Markku Ainsalu
44.   Alo Jakin
45.   Silvar Kibur

Germany (Pro)
Team Thúringer Energie
46.  Tony Martin
47.   Marcel Barth
48.   Nico Graf
49.   Florian Frohn
50.  Patrick Gretsch

USA (Pro) Team Kodak
Sierra Navada Brewing Co.
51. Mark Walters
52. Dominique Rollin
53. Josh Thornton
54. Ben Raby
55. Jesse Anthony

USA (Pro) Team Kelly
Benefit Strategies/Medifast
56.   Daniel Bowman
57.   Dominique Perras
58.   Ryan Roth
59.   Justin Spinnelli
60.   Nick Waite

Germany
Team Stevens von Hacht
61.   Sónke Thiel
62.   Benjamin Hill
63.   Rene Birkenfeld
64.   Johannes Sickmúller
65.   Yannick Tiedt

Britain
Team Sportscover Planet X
66.   Ashley Brown
67.   Mark Lovatt
68.   Wayne Randle
69.   John Charlsworth
70.   Marcin Bialoblocki

Britian
Team Surrey League
71.   Toby Neave
72.   Matt Green
73.   Richard Simmonds
74.   Paul Delahunty
75.   Ben Pochee

Britain
Notrh West England
76.   Chris Belsham
77.   Peter Hey
78.   Matt Melville
79.   Llewellyn Byrne
80.   Richard Eastman

Armagh
Big Picture Developement
81.   Roher Aiken
82.   Kieran Downey
83.   David Mulholland
84.   Daire McCaughley
85.   Myles McCorry

Cork
Omega Designs Ltd.
86.   Ben Lieberson
87.   Tony Kemp
88.   Michael O'Reilly
89.   Partick Moriarty
90.   Michael Hennessy

Down
Mar Properties
91.   Brendan Kirk
92.   John Neil
93.   Jonathan Gormley
94.   Ronan Mcloughlin
95.   Barry Mullin

Dublin
Murphy & Gunn
96.   Padraig Marrey
97.   Sean Lacey
98.   Isaac Speirs
99.   Derek Burke
100. Mark Nester

Dublin
Eurocycles Eurobaby
101.  Noel Moloney
102.  James Lattimore
103.  John Paul Lyons
104.  Ciaran Kelly
105. Dave Reilly

Dublin
IRC Usher Insulations
106. Neill Delahaye
107.  Matthew Ward
108.  Conor Murphy
109.  Alan Carey
110.  Adam Armstrong

Dublin Orwell
Dundrun Shopping Center
111. Brian Aherne
112. Colm Aherne
113. Kevin Donagher
114. Stephen Surdival
115. Dave McLaughlin

Kildare Newbrige
Ena Loakman Re/Max
116. Richard Malone
117. Nathan Jones
118. Frank O'Leary
119. Michael Storan
120. Cormac O'Shea

Kildare
Murphy Surveys
121. Colm Braken
122. David Peelo
123. Mick Mulcahy
124. Paul Vaughan
125. Noel McGlynn

Kerry
Earl Of Desmond Hotel
126. Michael Butler
127. Micael Concannon
128. Thomas Flaherty
129. David Brennan
130. Cian Hogan

Meath
M.Donnelly/Cycleways
131. Craig Sweetman
132. Frank O'Connor
133. Brian Taaffe
134. Ciaran Cassidy
135. Adrian Hederman

Meath
Myhome.ie/BDBC
136. Brian Kenneally
137. Scott McDonald
138. Eugene Moriarty
139. Aidan Crowley
140. Stephen O'Sullivan

Tipperary
Dan Morrissey
141. Raymond Clarke
142. Rory Wyley
143. John O'Brien
144. Hugh Mulhearne
145. Michael Fitzgerald

Waterford
Comeragh Cycling Club
146. Don Feighery
147. Robin Kelly
148. Tom Fanning
149. Conor McGrath
150. Frank Dunne

2008 Stephen Gallagher, Ireland An Post Wins The FBD Insurance Rás Tailteann

FBD Insurance Rás 2008 - 8 Day International Cycle Race

18th. May - 25th. May

Route

Stage 1: Navan To Ballinamore, 142 Kms.

Navan, Kells, Kells Category 3 KOM, Ballinlough, Slieve an Callaigh Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Oldcastle, (Virginia), Ballyjamesduff, Granard Hot Spot Prime, Ballinalee, Longford, Newtownforbes Hot Spot Prime, Rooskey, Dromod, Mohill, Fenagh, Ballinamore

Stage 2: Ballinamore To Claremorris 167 Kms.

Ballinamore, Drumcong, Carrick-on Shannon, Tobercurry, Slieve Gamph Category 3 KOM, Bunnyconnellan, Ballina, Pontoon, Castlebar, Balla, Claremorris

Stage 3: Claremorris To Lisdoonvarna, 133 Kms.

Claremorris, Milltown, Tuam, Claregalway, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Ballinalacken Category 3 KOM, Roadford/Doolin, Doonagore Category 1 KOM, Lisdoonvarna

Stage 4: Corofin To Tralee 156 Kms.

Corofin, Ennis, Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Limerick, Patrickswell, Adare, Newcastlewest, Barnagh Gap Category 3 KOM, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale, Glanshearon Category 3 KOM, Barr na Gaoithe Category 3 KOM, Reanagown Crossroads, Tralee

Stage 5: Tralee To Skibbereen 141 Kms.

Tralee, Farranfore Category 3 KOM, Killarney, Ladies View Category 2 KOM, Molls Gap Category 2 KOM, Kenmare, Turners Rock Category 2 KOM, Glengarrif, Derrynacreha Category 3 KOM, Ballylickey, Bantry, (Ballydehob), Skibbereen.

Stage 6: Skibbereen To Clonmel 180 Kms.

Skibbereen, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Carraighdroichid, Coachford, Donoughmore, Bweeng, Dromahane, Mallow, New Twopothouse, Doneraile, Kildorrey, Mitchelstown, Ballyporeen, Clogheen, Ardfinnan, Clonmel

Stage 7: Clonmel To Roundwood 177 Kms.

Clonmel, Glenbower Category 3 KOM, Grangemockler, Kilkenny, Paulstown, Loughlinbridge, Nurney, Tullow, Hackestown, Tinahely, Aughrim, Slieve Mann Category 1 KOM, Drumgoff Category 1 KOM, Laragh, Annamoe, Roundwood

Stage 8: Newbridge To Skerries, 130 Kms.

Newbridge, Milltown, Allen, Kilmeague, Prosperous, Kilcock, Warrenstowm, Drumree, Dunshaughlin, Rathoath, Curragha, Pluckhimin, Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries. Race Director : Dermot Dignam

General Classification
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	S. Gallagher, Ireland An Post R. Aiken, Ireland R. Partridge, Britian Stena Rapha A. Highman, Britain Plowman Craven M. Khormizi, Iran Azda University W. Dyble, Poland D. Downing, Britain Stena Rapha K. Page, Pezula Ireland B. de Schrooder, Ireland An Post P. O’Brien, Ireland An Post	30-34-30 01-42 01-43 01-45 01-55 02-30 02-40 02-47 03-01 03-05

General Classification

10.

S. Gallagher, Ireland An Post R. Aiken, Ireland

R. Partridge, Britian Stena Rapha

A. Highman, Britain Plowman Craven

M. Khormizi, Iran Azda University

W. Dyble, Poland

D. Downing, Britain Stena Rapha

K. Page, Pezula Ireland

B. de Schrooder, Ireland An Post

P. O’Brien, Ireland An Post

30-34-30 01-42

01-43

01-45

01-55

02-30

02-40

02-47

03-01

03-05

Best Young Rider Under 23 Years D Appleby

Points Downing, Britain Stena Rapha

Mountains Gilham

List Of Competitors 2008

Ireland 1 David McCann 2. Paul Griffin 3. Roger Aiken 4. Michael Concannon 5. Robin Seymour Team Poland 11. Rafal Ratajczyk 12. Wojciech Dybel 13. Jaroslaw Dabrowski 14. Mateusz Komar 15. Blazej Janiaczyk Britian (Pro) Stena Rapha- Condor ReCycling.Co.Uk 21. Christopher Newton 22. Kristian House 23. Dean Downing 24. Dale Appleby 25. Rob Partridge Ireland (Pro)An Post Grant Thornton Sean Kelly 31. Paidi O'Brien 32. Mark Cassidy 33. Stephen Gallagher 34. Benny de Schrooder 35. Daniel Lloyd Norway(Pro) Team Sparebanken Vest 41. Stian Remme 42. Morten Hegreberg 43. Havard Nybo 44. Christer Rake 45. Tamas Lengyel France Provence Alpes Cote D'A 51. Stevens Aubert 52. Florain Fina 53. Jean Marc Maurin 54. Nicolas Ligier 55. Renaud Pioline Team Isle Of Man Microgaming-Dolan-High 5 61. Andrew Roche 62. Graeme Hatcher 63. Warren Flynn 64. Martin Ford 65. Ken Hanson Britain Team Kinesis 71. James Sampson 72. Matt Cronshaw 73. Tom Last 74. Josh James 75. Kit Gilham Dublin McNally Swords 81. Kevin Donagher 82. Stephen Halpin 83. Jason O'Callaghan 84. Ciaran Lewis 85. Paul Healion Dublin Dundrum Town Centre 91. Stephen Surdival 92. Cian Crowley 93. Con Collis 94. Graham Hurley 95. Shane Hurle Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies 101. Niall Brosnan 102. Brendan Lacey 103. Denis Dunworth 104. Simon Coughlan 105. David Brennan	Netherlands 6. Levi Heimans 7. Maurice Schreurs 8. Patrick Kos 9. Tim Van Der Zanden 10. Ismael Kip Iran (Pro) Azad University 16. Amir Zargari 17. Abbas Saeiditanha 18. Sayed Mostafa Khormizi 19. Farshad Salehian 20. Mehdi Faridi Kovij Britian (Pro) Team Plowman Craven 26. Simon Richardson 27. Alex Higham 28. Tom Barras 29. Neil Coleman 30. Evan Oliphant Ireland(Pro) Team Pezula 36. Ciaran Power 37. David O'Loughlin 38. Kieran Page 39. Cameron Jennings 40. Derek Burke Bulgaria Team Nessebar 46. Georgi Georgiev 47. Bogdan Stoychev 48. Spas Gyurov 49. Martin Grashev 50. Stanislav Zaralie Germany Team Stevens von Hacht 56. Rene Birkenfeld 57. Johannes Sickmuller 58. Ole Quast 59. Sascha Wagner 60. Yannik Kiedt Britian Surrey Racing League 66. Andrew Bye 67. Wouter Sybrandy 68. Chris McNamara 69. Chris Moores 70. Dave Sinclare Britian South England Team Primera Sport.Co.Uk 76. Daniel Davis 77. William Hedden 78. Tom Kirk 79. Matthew Melville 80. Danny Carroll Dublin IRC Usher Insulations 86. Peter Hawkins 87. Linus Murphy 88. Neil Delahaye 89. Simon Kelly 90. Colm Cassidy Dublin Eurocycles 96. Urban Monks 97. Michael Butler 98. Daire O'Sullivan 99. Mark Nestor 100. Sean Lacey Kildare Newbridge 106. Corman O'Shea 107. Richard Malone 108. Diarmuid Carew 109. Michael Storan 110. Nathan Jones

List Of Competitors 2008

Ireland
1    David McCann
2.   Paul Griffin
3.   Roger Aiken
4.   Michael Concannon
5.   Robin Seymour

Team Poland
11. Rafal Ratajczyk
12. Wojciech Dybel
13.  Jaroslaw Dabrowski
14. Mateusz Komar
15. Blazej Janiaczyk

Britian (Pro) Stena Rapha-
Condor ReCycling.Co.Uk
21.  Christopher Newton
22. Kristian House
23.   Dean Downing
24.   Dale Appleby
25.   Rob Partridge

Ireland (Pro)An Post
Grant Thornton Sean Kelly
31.   Paidi O'Brien
32.   Mark Cassidy
33.   Stephen Gallagher
34.    Benny de Schrooder
35.   Daniel Lloyd

Norway(Pro)
Team Sparebanken Vest
41.   Stian Remme
42.   Morten Hegreberg
43.   Havard Nybo
44.   Christer Rake
45.   Tamas Lengyel

France
Provence Alpes Cote D'A
51.  Stevens Aubert
52.  Florain Fina
53.  Jean Marc Maurin
54.  Nicolas Ligier
55. Renaud Pioline

Team Isle Of Man
Microgaming-Dolan-High 5
61.   Andrew Roche
62.   Graeme Hatcher
63.   Warren Flynn
64.   Martin Ford
65.   Ken Hanson

Britain
Team Kinesis
71.   James Sampson
72.   Matt Cronshaw
73.   Tom Last
74.   Josh James
75.   Kit Gilham

Dublin
McNally Swords
81.   Kevin Donagher
82.   Stephen Halpin
83.   Jason O'Callaghan
84.   Ciaran Lewis
85.   Paul Healion

Dublin Dundrum Town Centre
91.   Stephen Surdival
92.   Cian Crowley
93.   Con Collis
94.   Graham Hurley
95.   Shane Hurle

Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies
101. Niall Brosnan
102. Brendan Lacey
103. Denis Dunworth
104. Simon Coughlan
105. David Brennan

Netherlands
6.   Levi Heimans
7.   Maurice Schreurs
8.   Patrick Kos
9.   Tim Van Der Zanden
10. Ismael Kip

Iran (Pro) Azad University
16. Amir Zargari
17. Abbas Saeiditanha
18. Sayed Mostafa Khormizi
19. Farshad Salehian
20. Mehdi Faridi Kovij

Britian (Pro)
Team Plowman Craven
26.   Simon Richardson
27.   Alex Higham
28.   Tom Barras
29.   Neil Coleman
30.   Evan Oliphant

Ireland(Pro)
Team Pezula
36. Ciaran Power
37. David O'Loughlin
38. Kieran Page
39. Cameron Jennings
40. Derek Burke

Bulgaria
Team Nessebar
46.   Georgi Georgiev
47.   Bogdan Stoychev
48.   Spas Gyurov
49.   Martin Grashev
50.   Stanislav Zaralie

Germany
Team Stevens von Hacht
56. Rene Birkenfeld
57. Johannes Sickmuller
58. Ole Quast
59. Sascha Wagner
60. Yannik Kiedt

Britian
Surrey Racing League
66.   Andrew Bye
67.   Wouter Sybrandy
68.   Chris McNamara
69.   Chris Moores
70.   Dave Sinclare

Britian South England
Team Primera Sport.Co.Uk
76.   Daniel Davis
77.   William Hedden
78.   Tom Kirk
79.   Matthew Melville
80.   Danny Carroll

Dublin IRC
Usher Insulations
86.   Peter Hawkins
87.   Linus Murphy
88.   Neil Delahaye
89.   Simon Kelly
90.   Colm Cassidy

Dublin Eurocycles
96.   Urban Monks
97.   Michael Butler
98.   Daire O'Sullivan
99.   Mark Nestor
100. Sean Lacey

Kildare Newbridge
106. Corman O'Shea
107.  Richard Malone
108.  Diarmuid Carew
109.  Michael Storan
110.  Nathan Jones

2009 Simon Richardson Rapha Condor Wins FBD Insurance Rás

FBD Insurance Rás 2009 - 8 Day International Cycle Race

17th. May - 24th. May

Route

STAGE 1. SUNDAY 17TH MAY KILCULLEN – WEXFORD, 125 KMS.

Kilcullen, Castledermot, Knocknacree Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Tullow Hot Spot Sprint, Bunclody Hot Spot Sprint, Enniscorthy, Adamstown, Barntown, Wexford.

STAGE 2. MONDAY 18TH MAY, WEXFORD – COBH, 178 KMS.

Wexford, Barntown, Ballinaboola, New Ross, Glenmore Category 3 KOM, Waterford, Kilmeadon, Lemybrien, Dungarvan By-Pass, The Sweep Category 3 KOM, Youghal Category 3 KOM, Killeagh, Castlemartyr, Cobh.

STAGE 3. TUESDAY 19TH MAY, COBH – CAHIRCIVEEN, 189 KMS.

Cobh, Jack Lynch Tunnel, Srelane, Curralahy, Lissarda, Macroom, Coolavokig Category 3 KOM, Baile Mhic Ire, Baile Bhuirne, The Coom Category 1 KOM, Kilgarvan, Kenmare, Templenoe, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Coomakista Category 1 KOM, Waterville, Cahirciveen.

STAGE 4. WEDNESDAY 20th MAY, CAHIRCIVEEN – KILLORGLIN, 178 KMS.

Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin, Milltown, Castlemaine, Boolteens, Inch, An Draighneain Category 3 KOM, Anascaul, Anascaul Category 3 KOM, Camp, Stradbally, Conor Pass Category 1 KOM, An Daingean, Ballintaggart Category 3 KOM, Líos Póil, Garraí na dTor Category 3 KOM, An Draighneain Category 3 KOM , Inch, Boolteens, Castlemaine, Milltown, Killorglin.

STAGE 5. THURSDAY 21st MAY, KILLORGLIN – SCARIFF, 155 KMS.

Killorglin, Milltown, Firies, Farranfore, Castleisland, Glansharoon Category 3 KOM, Abbeyfeale, Templeglantine, Barnagh Gap Category 3 KOM, Newcastlewest, Adare, Limerick By-Pass, Birdhill, Killaloe, Ogonelle, Tuamgraney, Scariff.

STAGE 6. FRIDAY 22nd MAY, SCARIFF – CASTLEBAR, 159 KMS.

Scarriff, Lecarrow Category 3 KOM, Killanena Category 3 KOM, Dromindoora, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell, Athenry, Laraghmore, Corrofin, Belclare, Caherlistrane, Shrule, Kilmaine, Ballinrobe, Partry, Ballintubber, Ballheane, Castlebar.

STAGE 7. SATURDAY 23rd MAY, CASTLEBAR – CLARA, 150 KMS.

Castlebar, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballinlough, Castlerea, Ballymoe, Roscommon, Knockcroghery, Lecarrow, Moate, Clara.

STAGE 8. SUNDAY 24th MAY, CLARA – SKERRIES 155 KMS.

Clara, Kilbeggan, Tyrellspass, Rochfordbridge, Milltownpass, Kinnegad, Killyon, Trim, Warrenstown, Warrenstown, Drumree, Dunshaughlin, Rathoath, Curragha, Pluckhimin Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries. Race Director: Dermot Dignam

List Of Competitors 2009

A * After Riders Name Indicates A Young Rider

	IRELAND (Pro)Team An Post M		IRELAND
	Donnelly,Grant Thornton Sean
	Kelly
1	Niko Eeckhout	6	David McCann
2	Paidi O'Brien	7	Paul Healion
3	Mark Cassidy	8	Martyn Irvine
4	David O'Loughlin	9	Seán Downey *
5	Benny De Scrooder	10	Stephen Barrett
	*Manager; Kurt Bogaerts*		Manager; Tommy Evans

	IRELAND Development U23		AUSTRALIA (Pro)
	Development U23		Team Cinelli-DownUnder
11	Stephen Halpin *	16	Peter Ronsse
12	Ciaran Cassidy *	17	Bert Roesems
13	Urban Monks *	18	Nicholas Walker *
14	Aaron Buggle *	19	Logan Hutchings
15	Adam Armstrong *	20	Sven de Weerdt
	Manager: Dan Curtin		Manager; Gilbert De Weerdt

	AUSTRIA (Pro)		CHINA (Pro)
	Team Arbö KTM Junkers		Team Trek Marco Polo
21	Hannes Gründlinger	26	Jacques Janse van Rensburg *
22	Jan Barta	27	Jaco Venter *
23	Stefan Poll	28	Leon van Bon
24	Josef Kugler	29	James Spragg *
25	Lukas Winter	30	Eric van de Meent
	Manager: Osker Hauser		Manager; Remko Kramer

	DENMARK (Pro)		GREECE (Pro)
	Team Designa Kokken		Team Heraklion-Nessebar-Kastro
31	Mads Christensen	36	Spas Gyurov
32	Laurent Didier	37	Bogdan Stoychev
33	Morten Kruse Brink *	38	Georgi Georgiev
34	Kasper Jebjerg	39	Martin Grashev *
35		40	Ivailo Gabrovski
	Manager; Christain Andresen		Manager; Todor Angelov

	GERMANY (Pro)		NORWAY
	Team Kuota-Indeland		Team Giant-Veoila
41	Stefan Ganser	46	Ole Jogen Jenson *
42	Bjorn Ganser	47	Joachim Pettersen
43	Luke Roberts	48	Rune Jogert
44	Joachim Tolles	49	Espen Jogert
45	Alexander Gottfried	50	Jaan Kirsipuu
	Manager; Viktor Hudalla		Manager; David McQuaid

	BRITAIN (Pro)		BRITAIN (Pro)
	Team Rapha Condor		Team Halfords Bike Hut
51	Christopher Newton	56	Ian Bibby *
52	Darren Lapthorne	57	David Fletcher *
53	Kristian House	58	Mark McNally *
54	Simon Richardson	59	Rob Partridge
55	Tom Southam	60	Ian Wilkinson
	Manager; John Herety		Manager; Keith Lambert

	BRITAIN (Pro)		BRITAIN
	Candi TV - Marshalls Pasta		Surrey Racing League
61	Russ Downing	66	Chris McNamara
62	Pete Williams *	67	Steve Calland
63	Andrew Roche	68	Richard Hoult
64	Dale Appleby *	69	John Veness
65	James Sampson *	70	John Heaton-Armstrong
	Manager; Julian Winn		Manager; Keith Butler

	BRITAIN MERSEYSIDE		BRITAIN
	Team KuK Kinesis Bikes		BC East Midlands
71	James Moss	76	Llewey Byrne
72	Matthew Kipling	77	Daniel Drake
73	Steve Lampier	78	Thomas Kirk
74	James Stewart	79	Christopher Prior
75	Robert Wardell	80	Gareth Williams
	Manager; Chris Truett		Manager; Peter Kay

	BRITAIN CHESHIRE		AN DUN Newry Whs. CC
	Sigmasport/Spelialized/Sportful
81	Matthew Stephens	86	Mark McKinley *
82	Kit Kilham	87	Drew McKinley
83	Tom Last *	88	Sean McGreevy
84	James Wlliamson	89	Barry Monaghan
85	Wouter Sybrandy	90	Colm Quinn
	Manager; Peter Hey		Manager; Noel McKinley

	DUBLIN Zilcom-South Dublin		DUBLIN IRC Ushers Insulations
91	Mike Reddan	96	Neil Delahaye
92	Frazer Duncan	97	Peter Hawkins
93	Paul O'Keefe	98	Simon Kelly
94	Andrew McQuaid *	99	Derek Burke
95	Mark Dowling	100	Conor Murphy
	Manager; James Lawless		Manager; Gary McElroy

	DUBLIN DTC Orwell Wheelers		DUBLIN Eurocycles
101	Stephen Surdival	106	Seán Lacey
102	Shane Hurley	107	Michael Butler
103	Graham Hurley	108	Michael Fitzgerald
104	Odhran Connors	109	Cathal McCarthy
105	Philip Finegan	110	Conor McAllister *
	Manager; Graham Thomas		Manager; Urban Monks

	DUBLIN KTM Winning Solutions		KERRY Total Cleaning Supplies
111		116	Paul Griffin
112	Richard McCauley	117	Niall Brosnan
113	Dylan Rafter	118	Brendan Lacey
114	Philip Lavery *	119	Michael Concannon
115	Adrian Hedderman	120	Ray Clarke
	Manager; Richie Keddy		Manager; Matt Lacey

	KILDARE		KILDARE
	Murphy Surveys		Newbridge Projector World
121	Colm Bracken	126	Richard Malone
122	David Peelo	127	Michael Barry
123	Ciaran Steed	128	Keven Hartnett *
124	Kieran Kelly	129	Michael Storan
125	Brian Geraghty	130	Daniel Clifford *
	Manager; Liam Walker		Manager; John Malone

	MAYO Castlebar Western Edge		MEATH
	Medical Communications		Engraveit.ie/BDBC/Cycleways
131	David Brennan	136	Brian Kenneally
132	Patrick Clarke *	137	Eugene Moriarty
133	Chris Coyle	138	Stephen O'Sullivan
134	Paul Dunne	139	Aidan Crowley
135	Chris Troy	140	John Mason
	Manager; Kevin Dunleavy		Manager; Philip Cassidy

	MEATH Martin Donnelly		TIPPERARY Dan Morrissey
141	Kieran Keane	146	Hugh Mulhearn
142	Colin Robinson	147	Joseph Fenlon
143	Jonathan Gibson	148	John Dempsey
144	Tony Brady	149	Sam Bennett *
145	John Lynch	150	Mark Power
	Manager; Seamus Gough		Manager; Paul Lonergan

	TIPPERARY Clonmel CC		WATERFORD Comeragh CC
151	Martin Gill	156	Robin Kelly
152	Danny Carroll	157	Keith Gater
153		158	Mark Nugent *
154	Kevin Shelly	159	Don Feighery
155	Keith Fox	160	Michael Hennessy
	*Manager; Declan Byrne*		*Manager: Conor McGrath*

2010 Alexander Wetterhall Sprocket Promotions Sweden Wins FBD Insurance Rás

FBD Insurance Rás 2010 - 8 Day International Cycle Race

23 May - 30 May 2010

STAGE 1, SUNDAY 23 MAY, DUNBOYNE - DUNDALK 149 KMS.

Dunboyne, Ratoath, Curragha, Slane Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Collen Hot Spot Sprint, Ardee, Tallanstown, Louth, Dundalk, Carlingford Hot Spot Sprint, Omeath, Long Womans Grave Category 2 KOM, The Bush, Dundalk.

STAGE 2, MONDAY 24 MAY, DUNDALK - CARRICK-ON-SHANNON 155KMS.

Dundalk Castleblaney, Ballybay, Swans Cross Roads, Newbliss, Clones, Belturbet, Ballyconnell, Bawnboy, Bellavalley Gap Category 2 KOM, Glangevlin, Dowra, Drumshambo, Leitrim, Carrick-On-Shannon.

STAGE 3, TUESDAY 25 MAY, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON - OUGHTERARD 171KMS

Carrick-On-Shannon Frenchpark, Castlerea, Ballinlough, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballinrobe, Neale, Cong, Clonbur, Finny, Gowlaun Category 3 KOM, Tir na Cille Category 2 KOM, Maum, Maam Cross, Oughterard.

STAGE 4, WEDNESDAY 26 MAY, OUGHTERARD - TIPPERARY 169KMS.

Oughterard, Moycullen, Galway, Oranmore, Clarenbridge, Kilcolgan, Ardrahan, Gort, Dromindoora, Killanena Category 3 KOM, Knockanena Category 3 KOM, Scariff, Tuamgraney, Killaloe, Ballina, Birdhill, Newport, Murroe, Boher, Pallasgreen, Oola, Tipperary.

STAGE 5, THURSDAY 27 MAY, TIPPERARY - SESKIN HILL (CARRICK-ON-SUIR) 157KMS.

Tipperary, Lattin, Emly, Knocklong, Elton, Kilmallock, Ardpatrick, Kildorrey, Glanworth, Fermoy, Ballyduff, Lismore, Cappoquinn, The Pike Category 3 KOM, Lemybrien, Seskin Hill Category 1 KOM.

STAGE 6, FRIDAY 28 MAY, CARRICK-ON-SUIR - GOREY, 127KMS.

Carrick-On-Suir, Kilmaganny, Newmarket, Knocktopher, Thomastown, Gowran, Goresbridge, Borris, Garryhill Cross, Knockdramagh Category 3 KOM, The Heights Category 2 KOM, Corrabutt Gap Category 1 KOM, Bunclody, Corragh Category 3 KOM, Carnew 3 KOM, Monaseed Category 3 KOM, Hollyfort, Laraheenhill Category 3 KOM, (Inch), Gorey.

STAGE 7, SATURDAY 29 MAY, GOREY - KILCULLEN, 151KMS.

Gorey, Carnew, Shillelagh, Tullow, Hacketstown, Tinahely, Aughrim, Ballinaclash, Greenan, Glenmalure, Drumgoff Category 1 KOM, Laragh, Wicklow Gap Category 1 KOM, Slieve Corragh Category 2 KOM, Hollywood, Tober Category 3 KOM, (Dunlavin), Kilcullen.

STAGE 8, SUNDAY 30 MAY, KILCULLEN - SKERRIES, 140KMS

Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Newbridge, Milltown, Allen, Kilmeague, Prosperous, Kilcock, Dunshaughlin, Rathoath, Curragha, Pluckhimin Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries. Race Director: Dermot Dignam

List Of Competitors 2010
	BRITAIN (Pro)		IRELAND
	Sigmasport Specialize		Subway

1	Simon Richardson	6	Neil Delahaye
2	Kit Gilham	7	Simon Williams
3	Wouter Sybrandy	8	Mark McKinley
4	Stephen Gallagher	9	Conor McAllistair
5	James Williamson	10	Adam Armstrong
	Manager; Sid Barras		Manager; Thomas Evans

	IRELAND Development U23		NEW ZEALAND

11	Tighernach Murphy	16	Shane Archbold
12	Patrick Clarke	17	Marc Ryan
13	Philip Bremmer	18	Westley Gough
14	Dean Dunlop	19	Thomas Scully
15	Dominic Jelfs	20	Aaron Gate
	Manager: Dan Curtin		Manager; Stephen Connell

	AUSTRIA (Pro)		AUSTRALIAN (Pro)
	Team Arbö KTM Gebruder Weiss		Team Drapac Porche
21	Lars Pria	26	Joe Lewis
22	Hannes Grundinger	27	Peter McDonald
23	Josef Kugler	28	David Pell
24	Michael Singer	29	Rhys Pollock
25	Stefan Probst	30	Stuart Shaw
	Manager: Osker Hauser		Manager; Agostino Giramondo

	BELGIUM (Pro)		GERMANY (Pro)
	Team An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly		Team Thuringer Energie
31	David O'Loughlin	36	John Degenkolb
32	Mark Cassidy	37	Maximillian May
33	Connor McConvey	38	Bastian Burgel
34	Mark McNally	39	Lucas Schadlich
35	Pieter Ghyllebert	40	Jakob Steigmiller
	Manager; Kurt Bogaerts		Manager; Jorg Werner

	JAPAN (Pro)		SPAIN (Pro)
	Team Nippo		Team Burgos 2016-Castilla y Leon
41	Luca Barla	46	Diego Dallego Arnaiz
42	Masaaki Kikuchi	47	Luis Mas Bonet
43	Alessio Signego	48	Raul Santamarta Valbuena
44	Mariusz Wiesiak	49	Vincente Grau Jorda
45		50	Ivan Meloro Coco
	Manager; Alberto Elli		Manager; Julio Andres Izquierdo

	SWEDEN (Pro)		USA
	Team Sprocket Pro Cycling		Team Inside-Out Sports
51	Alexander Wetterhall	56	Eoin McDonnell
52	John Anderson	57	John Crow
53	Niklas Gustavsson	58	Matt Howe
54	Tobyn Horton	59	Curtis Staples
55	Fredrik Johansson	60	Owen Walker
	Manager; Magnus Backstedt		Manager; Donald McDonnell

	WALES		BRITAIN (Pro)
			Team Rapha Condor Sharp
61	Robert Partridge	66	Christopher Newton
62	John Mould	67	Ben Greenwood
63	Rhys Lloyd	68	Tiernan Jonathan Locke
64	Paul Esposti	69	Matt Cornshaw
65	Matthew Rowe	70	Dan Craven
	Manager; Gareth Sheppard		Manager; Phillip West

	BRITAIN (Pro)		ISLE Of MAN
	Team Motorpoint Marshalls Pasta
71	Ian Bibby	76	Graeme Hatcher
72	John McEvoy	77	Marty Warren
73	Andrew Roche	78	Matthew Williams
74	James Sampson	79	Tadek Rudz
75	Peter Williams	80	Shem Rodger
	Manager; Keith Lambert		Manager; Peter Kay

	TEAM PLANET X		AN DUN Newry Whs. CC

81	Gary Crory	86	Drew McKinley
82	Roger Aiken	87	Nathan Morgan
83	Mark Lovatt	88	Sean McGreevy
84	Stephen Barrett	89	Mark Campbell
85	Richard Prince	90	Mark Buchanan
	Manager; Frank Campbell		Manager; Noel McKinley

	CORK Kanturk Town		DUBLIN
91	Will Curtin	96
92	Brian Murphy	97
93	Brian Canty	98
94	Richard Hooten	99
95	Bryan Long	100
	Manager; Bernard Geoghan		Manager;

	DUBLIN		DUBLIN Eurocycles
101		106	Conor Murphy
102		107	Ryan Sherlock
103		108	Thomas Martin
104		109	Frazer Duncan
105		110	Adrian Hedderman
	Manager;		Manager; Urban Monks

	DUBLIN Murphy & Gunn		DUBLIN UCD
111	Kieth Fox	116	Fiachra Rohan
112	Philip Finegan	117	Colm Cassidy
113	Philip Lavery	118	Ciaran Conluain
114	Michael Brady	119	Fergus Ryan
115	Stephen Halpin	120	Anthony Walsh
	Manager; Myles Gallagher		Manager; Niall Dwyer

	DUBLIN		GALWAY Bay
	Zilcom-South Dublin
121	Michael Reddin	126	Eoghan Considine
122	Paul O'Keefe	127	Ruaidhri Geraghty
123	Lorcan Davoust	128
124	Richard Keddy	129	Donal Kelly
125	David Dukes	130	Paul Giblin
	Manager; Michelle Lawless		Manager; Rory Considine

	KILDARE Murphy Surveys		KILDARE Newbridge

131	Kieran Keane	136	Michael Storan
132	John Lynch	137	Stephen Lynch
133	David Peelo	138	Richard Malone
134	Colin Bracken	139	Aiden Crowley
135	Alan Burke	140	Diarmuid Carew
	Manager; Liam Walker		Manager; John Malone

	LIMERICK BDO Get BACk Challenge		MAYO Castlebar Western Edge Medical Comm.
141	Michael Fitzgerald	146	David Brennan
142	Brendan Lacey	147	Stephen Surdival
143	Sean Lacey	148	Chris Coyle
144	Alan Loftus	149	Ciaran Clarke
145	Michael O'Reilly	150	Bernard Twomey
151 152 153 154 155	Manager; Michael Butler MEATH Engraveit.ie/Jade.ie Stephen O'Sullivan Eugene Moriarty Mark Dowling Andrew Meehan Timothy O'Regan Manager; Philip Cassidy	156 157 158 159 160	Manager; Kevin Dunleavy MEATH Martin Donnelly Colin Robinson Tony Brady Colm Quinn Stuart Cox Niall Brosnan Manager; Seamus Gough

	TIPPERARY Dan Morrissey		WEXFORD
161	Rory Wyley	166	Alex Williams
162	Andrew Aherne	167	Murt Doyle
163	Paul Griffin	168	Odran Connors
164	Tim Barry	169	Keith Gater
165	John Dempsey	170	Will Byrne
	Manager; Paul Lonergan		Manager: Derek Webb

2011 Gediminas Bagdonas An Post Sean Kelly Belgium Team Wins The First An Post Sponsored Rás

An Post Rás 2011 - 8 Day International Cycle Race

22nd. May - 29th. May

Route

STAGE 1, SUNDAY 22nd. MAY, DUNBOYNE – PORTUMNA 148 KMS.

Dunboyne, Maynooth, Clane, Prosperous, Allenwood Hot Spot Sprint, Rathangan, Bracknagh, Portarlington,Mountmellic Hot Spot Sprint, Rosenallis, Clonalsee Hot Spot Sprint, Cadamstown, Kinnitty, Birr, Riverstown, Portumna.

STAGE 2, MONDAY 23rd MAY, PORTUMNA – KILRUSH 164KMS.

Portumna, Abbey, Ballinakill, Kilbecanty, Gort, Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Bell Harbour, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill Category 2 KOM, Losdoonvarna, Kilshanny, Ennistymon, Lahinch Hot Spot Sprint, Milltown Malbay, Quilty Hot Spot Sprint , Creagh, Cooraclare, Kilrush, Cappa, Kilrush.

STAGE 3, TUESDAY 24^TH MAY KILRUSH - CASTLEISLAND 175KMS

Kilrush, Lissycasey Hot Spot Sprint, Ennis, Clarecastle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Limerick, Patrickswell Hot Spot Sprint, Adare, Newcastlewest, Barnagh Gap Category 3 KOM, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale, Ahaneboy Category 3 KOM , Castleisland, Crag Cave Category 1 KOM , Castleisland.

STAGE4,WEDNESDAY 25^ThMAY,CASTLEISLAND CASTLETOWNBERE 142KMS.

Castleisland, Farranfore, Milltown, Killorglin, Fossa, Killarney, Ladies View Category 2 KOM, Molls Gap Category 2 KOM , Kenmare, Tousist Category 3 KOM, Knocknaoughanish Category 2 KOM, Lauragh, Healy Pass Category 1 KOM, Adrigole, Castletownbere.

STAGE 5, THURSDAY 26^TH MAY, CASTLETOWNBERE – BLARNEY 156KMS.

Castletonbere, Adrigole, Traflask, Loughavaul Category 3 KOM, Glengarriff, Derrycreha Category 3 KOM, Ballylickey, Bantry, Ardyhoulihane Category 3 KOM, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Ballineen Hot Spot Sprint, Enniskean, Moskeagh Category 2 KOM, Windy Gap Category 2 KOM, Coachford, Dripsey, Inniscarra, Blarney.

STAGE 6, FRIDAY 27^TH MAY, BLARNEY – TRAMORE 172KMS.

Blarney, Rathduff, Mallow, Castletownroache, Ballyhooly, Killathy Category 3 KOM, Tallow Hot Spot Sprint, Kilmore Category 3 KOM, Grange Category 3 KOM, Dungarvan, Bunmahon, Tankardstown, Benvoy Category 3 KOM, Dunbrattin & Boatstrand, Annestown, Ballygarran Category 3 KOM , Fenor, Carrigavantry Reservoir, Tramore.

STAGE 7, SATURDAY 28^TH MAY, TRAMORE – KIDARE, 161KMS,

Tramore, Kilmeadon, Fiddown, Piltown, Templeorem, Brown Mountain Category 2 KOM, Newmarket, Knocktopher, Thomastown, Dungarvan, Gowran Hot SpotSprint, Paulstown, Ballinabranna, Clogrennane Category 1 KOM, Newtown, The Swan, Timahoe, Stradbally, Vicarstown, Kildangan Paddy Flanagan Memorial Prime, Monasterevin, Kildare.

STAGE 8, SUNDAY29^TH MAY, KIldare – SKERRIES, 133KMS

Kildare, Miltown,Hill Of Allen Category 3 KOM, Kilmeague, Prosperous, Painstown, Kilcock, Dunsany, Dunshaughlin, Ratoath, Curragha, PuckhiminCategory 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross Of The Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3KOM,Sherries. Race Director: Dermot Dignam Assistant Race Directors: Eddie Dawson & Tony Campbell

List Of Competitors 2010

IRELAND Skoda 1. Paul Griffin 2. Conor Dunne 3. Sean Downey 4. Peter Hawkins 5. Felix English Manager: Neil Martin.	IRELAND Development 6. Philip Bremmer 7. Charles Prendergast 8. Stephen Clancy 9. Owen Cummins 10. A.N.Other Manager: Noel McGlynn
NEW ZEALAND 11. Aaron Gate 12. Shane Archbold 13. Marc Ryan 14. Cameron Karwowski 15. Myron Simpson Manager: Stephen Connell	ASIA(PRO) Giant Kenda Cycling Team 16. David McCann 17. Marytn Irvine 18. Alex Coutts 19. Chang Wei Kei 20. Wang Yin Chin Manager: Cormac McCann
AUSTRALIA(PRO) Drapac Cycling 21. Stuart Shaw 22. Adam Semple 23. Rhys Pollock 24. Floris Goesinnen 25. Lachlann Norris Manager: Agostino Giramondo	BELGIUM(PRO) An Post Sean Kelly 26. Sam Bennett 27. Mark Cassidy 28. Mark McNally 29. Ronan McLaughlin 30. Gediminas Bogdonas Manager: Kurt Bogaerts
FRANCE AVC Aix en Provence 31. Erwan Brenterch 32. Nickolay Mihaylov 33. Bob Rodriguez 34. Roman Ramier 35. Remi Sarreboubee Manager: Eric Drubay	GERMANY(PRO) Thuringer Energie 36. Jakob Steigmiller 37. Johannes Kahra 38. Bastian Burgel 39. Ralf Matzka 40. Marcel Barth Manager: Jens Lang
GREECE(PRO) KTM – Murcia 41. Jose Carrasco 42. Hector Gonzalez Baeza 43. Salvador Guardiola 44. Javier Benitez Pomares 45. Jaume Rovira Pous Manager: Inaki Urroz Sanchez	ITALY(PRO) D’Angelo & D’Antenucci Nippo 46. Danilo Andrenacci 47. Henry Frusto 48. Bernardo Riccio 49. Kohei Uchima 50. Alexander Zhdanov Manager: Alberto Elli
UKRAINE(PRO) ISD – Lampre Continental 51. Yuriy Agarkov 52. Oleksander Martynenko 53. Anatoliy Pakhtusov 54. Oleksandr Sheydyk 55. Maksym Vasyliev Manager: Myrza Mykola	USA(PRO) Wonderful Pistachios 56. Neil Coleman 57. Menso De Jong 58. Collin Samaan 59. Tom Faiers 60. Tim Farnham Manager: Robert Coble
BRITAIN(PRO) Rapha Condor Sharp 61. Dean Windsor 62. Ben Greenwood 63. Casey Munro 64. Dean Downing 65. James McCallum Manager: Mathew Southam	BRITAIN(PRO) Sigma Sport Specialized 66. Simon Richardson 67. Wouter Sybrandy 68. Thomas Copeland 69. James Williamson 70. Steven Lampier Manager: Sid Barras
BRITAIN(PRO) Motorpoint 71. Pete Williams 72. James Sampson 73. Marcin Bialoblocki 74. Will Bjergfelt 75. Tobyn Horton Manager: Chris Truett	BRITAIN Forme Procycliste San Lamere 76. Robert Orr 77. Dexter Gardias 78. Jack Adams 79. Will Fox 80. Samuel Parker Manager: Tom Kirk
BRITAIN Scienceinsport.com 81. Alistair Rutherford 82. Tim Lawson 83. Paul Oldham 84. Ian Field 85. Adam Yates Manager: Greg Newton	ISLE OF MAN 86. Graeme Hatcher 87. Timothy Kennaugh 88. Aaron Livsey 89. Christian Varley 90. Andrew Roche Manager: Peter Kay
CARLOW Dan Morrissey Better Build 91. Sean Lacey 92. Michael O’Reilly 93. Michael Fitzgerald 94. Tim Barry 95. Joe Fenlon Manager: Richard Cahill	CORK County 96. Bryan Long 97. Will Curtin 98. Dave Kenneally 99. Eddie Barry 100. Michael Butler Manager: Gerald Long
CORK Kanturk 101. Richard Hooton 102. Simon Ryan 103. Owen Ryan 104. Alan Loftus 105. Jean Michel Lamy Manager: Dan Curtin	DONEGAL LK Bikes 106. Sean McFadden 107. Sean Stewart 108. Rory Devlin 109. Damien Lagan 110. John Dempsey Manager: Michael Black
DONEGAL Sportactive/ Engraveit/An Chuirt Hotel 111. Paidi O’Brien 112. Ryan Sherlock 113. Stephen Halpin 114. Aidan Crowley 115. Stephen Gallagher Manager: Philip Finegan	DUBLIN Barnardos 116. Shane Hurley 117. Graham Hurley 118. Michael Barry 119. Michael Duffy 120. Odhran Connors Manager: Karl Walsh
DUBLIN Eurocycles 121. Conor Murphy 122. Adam Armstrong 123. Thomas Martin 124. Paul Mulligan 125. Frazer Duncan Manager: Urban Monks	DUBLIN South Dublin Zilcom 126. Michael Reddin 127. Anthony Doyle 128. Art McManus 129. Mark Gill 130. James Davenport Manager: John Paul Lyons
DUBLIN Stevens Cyclelogical 131. Dave Cassidy 132. Pat Fitzpatrick 133. William McCabe 134. Adrian Hedderman 135. Cathal Miller Manager: Gerry Harte	DUBLIN Orwell 136. Brian Aherne 137. Stephen Surdival 138. A.N.Other 139. A.N.Other 140. Dave McLoughlin Manager: Ger McNamara
DUBLIN UCD 141. Anthony Walsh 142. Colm Cassidy 143. Mike Brookfield 144. Fergus Ryan 145. Wes Murphy Manager: Ian Richardson	GALWAY Black Rose Racing 146. Aidan Reade 147. Eoghan Considine 148. Keith Fox 149. Colm Bracken 150. Conor O’Shea Manager: Declan O’Loughlin
KILDARE Newbridge 151. Richard Malone 152. Mike Storan 153. Enda Connelly 154. Robin Kelly 155. Derek Cunningham Manager: John Malone	KILDARE Murphy Surveys 156. John Lynch 157. Steve Franzoni 158. Alan Burke 158. Brian Geraghty 160. John Gargan Manager: Liam Walker
MAYO Western Edge Medical Communications 161. David Brennan 162. Ciaran Clarke 163. Patrick Clarke 164. Christian Coyle 165. Bernard Twomey Manager: John Brennan	MEATH Dectek 166. Stephen O’Sullivan 167. Neil Delahaye 168. Tim O’Regan 169. Mark Dowling 170. Fiachra O’Muire Manager: Philip Cassidy
MEATH 53 Degrees North Optimun Nuitrition 171. Ciaran Hallinan 172. Simon Kelly 173. Michael McCarthy 174. Eugene Moriarty 175. Andrew Meehan Manager: John Wall	MEATH Stamullen M. Donnelly 176. John Sower 177. Derek Finnegan 178. Declan Byrne 179. Tony Brady 180. James McMaster Manager: James Gough
WATERFORD Comeragh 181. Thomas Lavery 182. David O'Loughlin 183. Martin Cullinane 184. Enda Donnelly 185. Damien Travers Manager: Derek Webb

Ben Greenwood Rapha Condor Sharp Imperssions Of The Rás From His Blog

Men of the Ras Posted on 6/11/2011 8:55:27 PM If you like wind and rain, Ireland is the place to be Some races are more than just a bike race. While many of them seem to be just the same thing but in a different country with slightly different hotels, there are some races which stand out from the crowd and have a unique feel and quality that makes them memorable and special. One such event is the Irish race the An Post Rás, which is unlike any other in the world. And, to be honest, I don’t think many riders could handle more than one race like the Rás a year - it either makes you or breaks you. For those of you who don’t know much about the Rás, here’s a brief introduction. It’s 8 day- long UCI 2.2 category event and takes place in the last week of May in the Republic of Ireland. The stages range from 130km to 180km with an average of around 160km a day. The field is a mix of foreign UCI Continental teams, national teams, and Irish county teams with a maximum of 5 riders per team. It all sounds like a normal race, so what makes it so special? Well, firstly there’s the racing which can only be described as unpredictable and completely bonkers. The main problem for the pro teams is they only have 5 riders which makes defending the yellow jersey extremely difficult. Unless they are confident that the rider they have in the yellow jersey is stronger than everyone else, then most teams don’t even bother trying to keep it. With only 4 guys to ride on the front, if you get the jersey in the first few days then the best plan is to try and lose it and get it back at a later date. Most riders who have ridden the Rás before don’t even think of it as a stage race. It’s more eight one-day races in a row with an overall classification at the end. That’s the way you have to ride it, because every day is the same. As soon as the flag drops the attacks start, and they usually keep going until the stage ends. This is partly down to the ‘County riders’ who always want to show well on their home roads. And there’s a race within a race for the County rider individual and team GC and the best County rider on the stage. This results in some strange tactics as the Irish teams battle with each other while the bigger teams try to win the race proper. Another big part of the craziness of the Rás is the terrain. It’s always rolling…never too mountainous but also never totally flat. This means that there’s always a good place to launch an attack and as the hills aren’t too serious, most riders in the bunch are able to put in a move. Typically a Rás break can be 15-20 riders as group of two and three ride away and then eventually join up to form a good sized group. If all the big teams have a rider there then the move is likely to never be seen again, gaining huge time in the process. This happens day after day until a few riders who have made the break each day are left to fight out the overall. The trouble is that it’s impossible to predict where and when the big GC breaks will go. It’s not like the Tour de France where everything is formulaic and it’s easy to predict when a bunch sprint will occur or when the big favourites will make their attack. In the Rás the break normally goes on the most unremarkable sections of road. A moment’s inattention or an untimely mechanical and a GC favourite can lose minutes and the chance of victory is over. The other thing that sets the Rás apart is its history. It’s an epic race with many epic stories and it’s captured the imagination of the Irish people. If you are a cyclist and go to Ireland, the first thing people will ask you is if you have ridden the Rás. There’s always county riders at the Rás for whom their lifelong goal is to finish the race and become a ‘Man of the Rás’. The Rás isn’t just a race, it’s also a social event. The highlight of which is the ‘night stages’. This is where the team staff and members of the organisation can share a few pints and talk about the day’s events. It’s not uncommon for some of the riders to join in and have a drink or two. One of my old team-mates Mark Lovatt was well known for liking a drink at the Rás. He personal best was 13 pints of Guinness the night before a stage. How he even started the stage never mind finished it, I’m not sure. I was told this year that three pints was the perfect amount to get optimum recovery but I wasn’t too keen to try it in case it just made me feel bad in the morning. This year in the Rapha Condor Sharp team we had three riders who were doing the Rás for the first time. They had heard the term ‘Men of the Rás’ but didn’t understand what it meant. They all thought it was just another weeklong stage race, and you don’t normally get a special moniker for finishing them. Stage one saw the team take the stage win and yellow jersey thanks to Dean Downing, following a fantastic leadout by James McCallum and Dean Windsor. The race got stopped temporarily with seven km to go due to a huge crash in the bunch. It was at this point the new Rás boys started to realise this race didn’t follow the usual script. Any doubts they had were extinguished on stage 2 when we rode into a gale force headwind all day. The stage winner averaged 33km/h in what was one of the slowest Rás stages ever. The word epic was used both during and after the stage by the riders. If you’re not tough then don’t come to the Rás. As the days went on and attack after attack was launched and brought back, two of our new boys started talking about wanting to finish the Rás. Not because they were hating the race, quite the contrary; it was because they couldn’t call themselves ‘men of the Rás’ until they finished the last stage. Meanwhile the other new boy had decided this was the most ridiculous and insane race he had ever done and was counting down the hours until he could fly home. After the race every finisher gets a Rás medal. As a team we’re used to winning races so normally merely finishing a race doesn’t get given much thought. So getting a medal for finishing isn’t something that is usually treasured or taken seriously. But when we were talking about whether we would hang around after the finish to get our medals, the new boys were adamant that we would be going up to the podium. ‘We’ve suffered for eight days to become men of the Rás’ they said, ‘and we want our medals to prove it’ As Rás legend and two-time winner Phil Cassidy said to me when I told him it was my fifth Rás, ‘The first ten are hard, after that they start getting easier’ Maybe in six years time I’ll be writing a blog saying how easy the Rás is, but for now all I can say is what an epic race it is…and that I can’t wait for next year. So if you meet someone who says he’s a man of the Rás, give him some respect, he deserves it… Thanks for reading, Benji

2011 Race Technical Guide

An Post Rás 2011 Race Officials Manual

Nicalos Baldo, Team Atlas Jakroo Switzerland Winner Of The 2012 An Post Rás

AN POST Rás 2012 -ay International Cycle Race

20th. May - 27th. May

Route

STAGE 1, SUNDAY 20th. MAY, DUNBOYNE – KILKENNY 147 KMS.

Dunboyne, Garadice, Kilcock, Beltreacy Cross, Painestown Cross, Prosperous, Kilmeague, Allen, Hill Of Allen Hot Spot Prime, Miltown, Kildare, Nurney, Kilmead, Athy, Ballylynan Hot Spot Sprint, Farnons Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Prime, Newtown, Crettyard, Castlecomer, Glenmagoo Category 2 KOM, Ballyragget, Dunmore, Finish Patrick Street, Kilkenny.

STAGE 2, MONDAY 21st. MAY, KIKLENNY – GORT 158 KMS.

Kilkenny, Freshford Post Office Prime, Urlingford Post Office Prime Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Ballycahill, Milestone, Coonmore Category 3 KOM, Rear Cross, Newport, Birdhill, Ballina, Killaloe, Ogonnellle Category 3 KOM, Tuamgraney, Scarriff, Lecarrow Category 3 KOM, Aylebaun Category 3 KOM, Killanena Category 3 KOM, Finish Bridge Street, Gort.

STAGE 3, TUESDAY 22nd MAY GORT – WESTPORT 145 KMS.

Gort, Ardrahan, Kilcolgan, Clarinbridge, On N6 West, Galway By-Pass Road, On N59 Moycullen Post Office Prime. Roscahill , Oughterard, Maam Cross,Tir Na Cille Category 3 KOM, An Mám Gowlaun Category 2 KOM, Maumtrasna Category 1 KOM, Tourmakedy, Killavally, Finish Mill Street, Westport.

STAGE 4, WEDNESDAY 23rd MAY, WESTPORT – BUNDORAN 135 KMS.

Westport, Castlebar, Ballyavary, Charlestown, Curry, Tubbercurry, Ballinacarrow, Sligo, Rathcormack Drumcliff, Grange, Cliffony, Bundoran

STAGE 5, THURSDAY 24TH MAY, BUNDORAN – BUNCRANA 149 KMS.

Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Barnesmore Gap Category 3 KOM. Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Drumkeen. Maghera Beg Category 2 KOM, Burt Post Office Prime, Burnfoot, Fahan, Buncrana, Slavary Category 3 KOM, Old Mountain Category 3 KOM, Pinch Mountain Category 2 KOM, Clonmany, Mamore Gap Category 1 KOM, Old Mountain Category 3 KOM, Buncrana.

STAGE 6, FRIDAY 25TH MAY, BUNCRANA – KILLYBEGS, 134 KMS.

Buncrana, Fahan, Tooban, Burnfoot, Bridgend, Letterkenny, Meenirroy Category 2 KOM, Fintown, Glenties, Ardara, Glengesh Pass Category 1 KOM, Meenaneary, Carrick, Bogagh Category 2 KOM, Kilcar, Bavin Category 2 KOM, Finish Shore Road, Killybegs.

STAGE 7, SATURDAY 26TH MAY, DONEGAL – COOTEHILL, 161 KMS.

Donegal, Bundoran, Kinlough, Rossinver, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne Post Office Prime, Dowra, Bellavalley Category 2 KOM, Black Rocks Cross, Bawnboy, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Redhills, Scotshouse, Kavanaghs Hill Category 3 KOM, Newbliss, Finish Main Street, Cootehill

STAGE 8, SUNDAY 27TH MAY, COOTEHILL – SKERRIES, 140 KMS.

Cootehill, Shercock, Kingscourt, Nobber Post Office Prime, Wilkinstown, Gormanlough, Slane Category 3 KOM, Balrath Cross, Kilmoon Cross, Pluckhimin Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Skerries, Black Hills Category 3 KOM, Finish Strand Street, Skerries Race Director: Dermot Dignam Assistant Race Directors: Eddie Dawson & Tony Campbell

List Of Competitors An Post Rás 2012

BELGIUM An Post Sean Kelly UCI Continental Team 1. Gediminas Bagdonas 2. Sam Bennett 3. Ronan McLaughlin 4. Sean Downey 5. Conor McConvey Manager: Kurt Bogaerts	MOROCCO National Team 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Manager:
NEW ZEALAND National Team 11. Taylor Gunman 12. Dion Smith 13. Pieter Bulling 14. Cameron Karwowski 15. Scott Creighton Manager: Daniel Healey	CZECH REP. AC Sparta Praha UCI Continental Team 16. Martin Hunal 17. Ondrej Pavek 18. Rostislav Krotky 19. Jiri Nesveda 20. Daniel Vejmelka Manager: Zdenek Rubas
Denmark Blue Water Cycling UCI Continental Team 21. Jacob Nielsen 22. Lasse Nornan Hansen 23. Rolf Nyborg Broge 24. Mark Sehested Pedersen 25. Christian Jerslid Jensen Manager: Brian Henriksen	NETHERLANDS Koga UCI Continental Team 26. Bouke Kuiper 27. Roy Eefting 28. Lars Vierbergen 29. Michael Vingerling 30. Jelmer Asjes Manager: Will Vink
Norway OneCo-Mesterhus UCI Continental Team 31. Kristian Forbord 32. Christian Hannestad 33. Krister Hagen 34. Sondre Hurum 35. Magnus Borresen Manager: Fred Enger	SWITZERLAND Atlas Personal-Jakroo UCI Continental Team 36. Marcel Aregger 37. Pirmin Lang 38. Johnatan Fumeaux 39. Nicolas Baldo 40. Florian Slazinger Manager: Gustav Mosimann
TAIWAN RTS Racing UCI Continental Team 41. David McCann 42. Martyn Irvine 43. Alex Coutts 44. Chang Wei Kei 45. Manager: Cormac McCann	FRANCE AVC Aix en Provence 46. Julien Ammendola 47. Jelle Lugten 48. Rapheal Tapella 49. Thomas Rostollan 50. Remi Sarreboubee Manager: Eric Drubay
GERMANY Bike Aid Cycling Team 51. Timo Schafer 52. Christian Poth 53. Daniel Bichlmann 54. Kai Exner 55. Andreas Miessen Manager: Nicole Keller	BRITAIN Rapha Condor Sharp UCI Continental Team 56. Richard Handley 57. Richard Lang 58. Ben Grenda 59. Felix English 60. Christopher Jennings Manager: John Herety
BRITAIN Team IG-Sigma Sport UCI Continental Team 61. Simon Richardson 62. Dan Craven 63. AndrewGriffiths 64. Wouter Sybrandy 65. Peter Hawkins Manager: James Williamson	BRITAIN Node4 Giordana Racing UCI Continental Team 66. Marcin Bialoblocki 67. James Moss 68. David Clarke 69. Matthew Higgins 70. Philip Lavery Manager: Bill Nickson
BRITAIN UK Youth Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team 71. Fredrick Johansson 72. Christopher Stevenson 73. Gruffudd Lewis 74. Richard Tanguy 75. James Lowsley - Williams Manager: Chris Truett	BRITAIN Metaltek-Scott 76. Stephen Halpin 77. Dale Appleby 78. Rhys Lloyd 79. Ben Stockdale 80. James Gullen Manager: Andrew Swain
ISLE OF MAN Microgaming 81. Christian Varley 82. Andrew Roche 83. Graeme Hatcher 84. Chris Nicholson 85. Tom Black Manager: Alan Geoghegan	ANTRIM Chain Reaction Cycles / Vitus 86. Conor McAllister 87. Kyle Housten 88. Bryan McKinney 89. Sean McFadden 90. Ciaran O'Sullivan Manager: John McAllister
CARLOW Dan Morrissey Speedy Spokes 91. Aaron Buggle 92. Sean Lacey 93. Robin Kelly 94. Michael O’Reilly 95. Tim Barry Manager: Philip Finegan	CORK First Finance Will’s Wheels 96. Dave Kenneally 97. Dave Peelo 98. Donnacha O’Brien 99. John Lynch 100. John Gargan Manager: Liam Walker
DONEGAL LK Bikes 101. Sean Stewart 102. Rory Devlin 103. Damien Lagan 104. David McLoughlin 105. Mark Buchanan Manager: Michael Black	DUBLIN WEST Eurocycles 106. Conor Murphy 107. Adam Armstrong 108. Thomas Martin 109. Frazer Duncan 110. Will McCabe Manager: Urban Monks
DUBLIN DUNDRUM Dundrum Town Centre Orwell 111. Brian Ahern 112. Odhran O'Connors 113. Patrick O’Brien 114. Daniel Whitting 115. Aidan Collins Manager: David McLoughlin	DUBLIN SOUTH UCD 116. Art McManus 117. Noel McGlynn 118. Colm Cassidy 119. Charles Prendergast 120. Ciaran O'Conluain Manager: Jason O’Callaghan
GALWAY Black Rose Racing 121. Eoghan Considine 122. Stuart Cox 123. Keith Fox 124. Alan Loftus 125. Edward Barry Manager: Aidan Reade	KILDARE NEWBRIDGE Pfizer 126. Michael Storan 127. Richard Malone 128. Robert Looby 129. Stephen Looby 130. Enda Connelly Manager: John Malone
KILDARE KILCULLEN 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. Manager:	LOUTH Cuchulainn Crystal 136. Ray O’Shaughnessey 137. Myles McCorry 138. Michael Barry 139. Daragh Mortimer 140. Colm Quinn Manager: Dominic Brannigan
MAYO CASTLEBAR Western Edge Medical Comm. 141. David Brennan 142. Ciaran Clarke 143. Patrick Clarke 144. Chris Coyle 145. Peter Tuohy Manager: Kevin Dunleavy	MAYO Centra 146. Padrig Marrey 147. J.J. Flaherty 148. Donal Harrington 149. Michael Flanagan 150. Michael Brady Manager: Myles Gallagher
MEATH DUNBOYNE DID Electrical 151. Mark Dowling 152. Fiachra O’Muire 153. Daniel Clifford 154. Tim O’Regan 155. Javan Nulty Manager: Philip Cassidy	MEATH EAST Spin 11 156. Stephen O’Sullivan 157. Eugene Moriarty 158. Andrew Meehan 158. Aidan Crowley 160. John Mason Manager: John Wall
MEATH STAMULLEN Martin Donnelly 161. Colin Robinson 162. Hugh McMahon 163. Chris Reilly 164. Declan Byrne 165. Keith Walls Manager: James Gough	TIPPERARY CARRICK Iverk Produce 166. John O’Shea 167. Ryan Sherlock 168. Martin Mizjayski 169. Michael Lucey 170. Greg Swinand Manager: Paul Lonergan
TIPPERARY Team DMG Visit Nenagh N7 171. Michael Butler 172. Richard Hooton 173. Simon Ryan 174. 175. Matt Slattery Manager: Rene Van Dam

List Of Competitors An Post Rás 2012

BELGIUM An Post Sean Kelly

UCI Continental Team

1. Gediminas Bagdonas

2. Sam Bennett

3. Ronan McLaughlin

4. Sean Downey

5. Conor McConvey

Manager: Kurt Bogaerts

MOROCCO

National Team

10.

Manager:

NEW ZEALAND

National Team

11. Taylor Gunman

12. Dion Smith

13. Pieter Bulling

14. Cameron Karwowski

15. Scott Creighton

Manager: Daniel Healey

CZECH REP. AC Sparta Praha

UCI Continental Team

16. Martin Hunal

17. Ondrej Pavek

18. Rostislav Krotky

19. Jiri Nesveda

20. Daniel Vejmelka

Manager: Zdenek Rubas

Denmark Blue Water Cycling

UCI Continental Team

21. Jacob Nielsen

22. Lasse Nornan Hansen

23. Rolf Nyborg Broge

24. Mark Sehested Pedersen

25. Christian Jerslid Jensen

Manager: Brian Henriksen

NETHERLANDS Koga

UCI Continental Team

26. Bouke Kuiper

27. Roy Eefting

28. Lars Vierbergen

29. Michael Vingerling

30. Jelmer Asjes

Manager: Will Vink

Norway OneCo-Mesterhus

UCI Continental Team

31. Kristian Forbord

32. Christian Hannestad

33. Krister Hagen

34. Sondre Hurum

35. Magnus Borresen

Manager: Fred Enger

SWITZERLAND Atlas Personal-Jakroo UCI Continental Team

36. Marcel Aregger

37. Pirmin Lang

38. Johnatan Fumeaux

39. Nicolas Baldo

40. Florian Slazinger

Manager: Gustav Mosimann

TAIWAN RTS Racing

UCI Continental Team

41. David McCann

42. Martyn Irvine

43. Alex Coutts

44. Chang Wei Kei

45.

Manager: Cormac McCann

FRANCE AVC Aix en Provence

46. Julien Ammendola

47. Jelle Lugten

48. Rapheal Tapella

49. Thomas Rostollan

50. Remi Sarreboubee

Manager: Eric Drubay

GERMANY Bike Aid Cycling Team

51. Timo Schafer

52. Christian Poth

53. Daniel Bichlmann

54. Kai Exner

55. Andreas Miessen

Manager: Nicole Keller

BRITAIN Rapha Condor Sharp

UCI Continental Team

56. Richard Handley

57. Richard Lang

58. Ben Grenda

59. Felix English

60. Christopher Jennings

Manager: John Herety

BRITAIN Team IG-Sigma Sport UCI Continental Team

61. Simon Richardson

62. Dan Craven

63. AndrewGriffiths

64. Wouter Sybrandy

65. Peter Hawkins

Manager: James Williamson

BRITAIN Node4 Giordana Racing UCI Continental Team

66. Marcin Bialoblocki

67. James Moss

68. David Clarke

69. Matthew Higgins

70. Philip Lavery

Manager: Bill Nickson

BRITAIN UK Youth Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team

71. Fredrick Johansson

72. Christopher Stevenson

73. Gruffudd Lewis

74. Richard Tanguy

75. James Lowsley - Williams

Manager: Chris Truett

BRITAIN

Metaltek-Scott

76. Stephen Halpin

77. Dale Appleby

78. Rhys Lloyd

79. Ben Stockdale

80. James Gullen

Manager: Andrew Swain

ISLE OF MAN

Microgaming

81. Christian Varley

82. Andrew Roche

83. Graeme Hatcher

84. Chris Nicholson

85. Tom Black

Manager: Alan Geoghegan

ANTRIM

Chain Reaction Cycles / Vitus

86. Conor McAllister

87. Kyle Housten

88. Bryan McKinney

89. Sean McFadden

90. Ciaran O'Sullivan

Manager: John McAllister

CARLOW Dan Morrissey Speedy Spokes

91. Aaron Buggle

92. Sean Lacey

93. Robin Kelly

94. Michael O’Reilly

95. Tim Barry

Manager: Philip Finegan

CORK First Finance Will’s Wheels

96. Dave Kenneally

97. Dave Peelo

98. Donnacha O’Brien

99. John Lynch

100. John Gargan

Manager: Liam Walker

DONEGAL

LK Bikes

101. Sean Stewart

102. Rory Devlin

103. Damien Lagan

104. David McLoughlin

105. Mark Buchanan

Manager: Michael Black

DUBLIN WEST

Eurocycles

106. Conor Murphy

107. Adam Armstrong

108. Thomas Martin

109. Frazer Duncan

110. Will McCabe

Manager: Urban Monks

DUBLIN DUNDRUM

Dundrum Town Centre Orwell

111. Brian Ahern

112. Odhran O'Connors

113. Patrick O’Brien

114. Daniel Whitting

115. Aidan Collins

Manager: David McLoughlin

DUBLIN SOUTH

UCD

116. Art McManus

117. Noel McGlynn

118. Colm Cassidy

119. Charles Prendergast

120. Ciaran O'Conluain

Manager: Jason O’Callaghan

GALWAY

Black Rose Racing

121. Eoghan Considine

122. Stuart Cox

123. Keith Fox

124. Alan Loftus

125. Edward Barry

Manager: Aidan Reade

KILDARE NEWBRIDGE

Pfizer

126. Michael Storan

127. Richard Malone

128. Robert Looby

129. Stephen Looby

130. Enda Connelly

Manager: John Malone

KILDARE KILCULLEN

131.

132.

133.

134.

135.

Manager:

LOUTH

Cuchulainn Crystal

136. Ray O’Shaughnessey

137. Myles McCorry

138. Michael Barry

139. Daragh Mortimer

140. Colm Quinn

Manager: Dominic Brannigan

MAYO CASTLEBAR

Western Edge Medical Comm.

141. David Brennan

142. Ciaran Clarke

143. Patrick Clarke

144. Chris Coyle

145. Peter Tuohy

Manager: Kevin Dunleavy

MAYO Centra

146. Padrig Marrey

147. J.J. Flaherty

148. Donal Harrington

149. Michael Flanagan

150. Michael Brady

Manager: Myles Gallagher

MEATH DUNBOYNE

DID Electrical

151. Mark Dowling

152. Fiachra O’Muire

153. Daniel Clifford

154. Tim O’Regan

155. Javan Nulty

Manager: Philip Cassidy

MEATH EAST Spin 11

156. Stephen O’Sullivan

157. Eugene Moriarty

158. Andrew Meehan

158. Aidan Crowley

160. John Mason

Manager: John Wall

MEATH STAMULLEN

Martin Donnelly

161. Colin Robinson

162. Hugh McMahon

163. Chris Reilly

164. Declan Byrne

165. Keith Walls

Manager: James Gough

TIPPERARY CARRICK

Iverk Produce

166. John O’Shea

167. Ryan Sherlock

168. Martin Mizjayski

169. Michael Lucey

170. Greg Swinand

Manager: Paul Lonergan

TIPPERARY

Team DMG Visit Nenagh N7

171. Michael Butler

172. Richard Hooton

173. Simon Ryan

174.

175. Matt Slattery

Manager: Rene Van Dam

Marcin Bialoblocki UK Youth Wins The 2013 An Post Rás

AN POST Rás 2013 - 8 Day International Cycle Race

19th. May - 26th. May Route

STAGE 1, SUNDAY 19th MAY, DUNBOYNE – LONGFORD 135 KMS.

Dunboyne, Summerhill, Trim, Athboy Post Office Prime, Kilskyre, Crossakeel, Sliabh An Cailleach Category 3 KOM, Oldcastle, Ballyjamesduff, Granard, Ballinalee, Longford.

STAGE 2, MONDAY 20th MAY, LONGFORD – NENAGH 160 KMS.

Longford, Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Roscommon, Athleague, Ballygar Post Office Prime, Mountbellew, Caltra, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Laurencetown, Portumna, Carrigahorig, Terryglass, Ballinderry, Coolbawn, Puckane, Nenagh.

STAGE 3, TUESDAY 21st MAY NENAGH – LISTOWEL 141KMS.

Nenagh, Dolla, Bolingbook Category 2 KOM, Doon, Cappamore, Booher, Caherconlish, Ballyneety, Crecora, Patrickswell Post Office Prime. Adare, Croagh, Rathkeale Bypass, Ardagh Post Office Prime, Glenaster Ardagh Category 3 KOM. Carrigkerry Athea Post Office Prime, Athea Category 3 KOM, Listowel.

STAGE 4, WEDNESDAY 22nd MAY, LISTOWEL – GLENGARRIFF 153 KMS.

Listowel, Lacka West Category 3 KOH, Crinny Category 3 KOM, Castleisland, Farranfore, Category 3 KOM, Killarney, Ladies View Category 2 KOM, Molls Gap Category 1 KOM, Kenmare, Garranes Category 2 KOM, Lauragh, Healy Pass, Category 1 KOM, Adrigole, Cooleraigh Category 3 KOM, Glengarriff

STAGE 5, THURSDAY 23rd MAY, GLENGARRIFF – MITCHELSTOWN 150 KMS.

Glengarriff, Ballylickey, Pearson’s Bridge, Kealkill, Pass Of Keimaneigh Category 2 KOM. Ballingeary, Gortnabinna Category 2 KOM, Renanirree, Lissacresig, Macroom, Carriganimmy, Millstreet, Rathcool, Banteer, Mallow, New Two Pot House, Doneraile, Kildorrery, Category 3 KOM, Glennahulla, Mitchelstown.

STAGE 6, FRIDAY 24th MAY, MITCHELSTOWN – CARLOW, 155 KMS.

Mitchelstown, Kilbehenny, Skeheenarinky, Cahir, New Inn, Cashel, Horse & Jockey, Littleton, Urlingford Post Office Prime, Freshford, Ballyragget, Byrnesgrove Category 3 KOM, Castlecomer, Castlecomer Category 3 KOM, Gorteen Category 1 KOM, Coan West Category 2 KOM, Bilboa, Clogrenan Category 2 KOM, Killeshin, Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow.

STAGE 7, SATURDAY 25th MAY, CARLOW – NAAS, 141 KMS.

Carlow, Tullow, Coolakenna, Shillelagh, Coolboy, Coolafancy, Ballythomas Category 2 KOM, Monalea Category 3 KOM, Annagh Gap Category 3 KOM, Coolgreany, Arklow, Woodenbridge, Cronebeg Category 3 KOM, Ballinaclash, Garrymore Category 2 KOM, Grennan, Drumgoff Category 1 KOM, Laragh, Wicklow Gap Category 1 KOM, Slieve Corragh Category 3 KOM, Hollywood, Ballymore Eustace, Punchestown, Naas.

STAGE 8, SUNDAY 26th MAY, Naas – SKERRIES, 145 KMS.

Naas, Newbridge, Milltown, Hill Of Allen Category 3 KOM, Allen Kilmeague, Prosperous, Kilcock, Garadice, Dunsany, Dunshaughlin, Ratoath, Curragha, Pluckhimin Category 3 KOM, Garristown, Naul, Balrothery, Cross Of The Cage Category KOM, Skerries, (1st Passage) Black Hill Category 3 KOM, Skerries, (2nd Passage) Black Hill Category 3 KOM, Skerries Finish. Race Director Tony Campbell Race Director Tony Campbell Assistant Race Director Eddie Dawson Eddie Dawson Assistant Race Director

List Of Competitors An Post Rás 2013

BELGIUM An Post Chain Reaction - Sean Kelly UCI Continental Team 1. Sam Bennett 2. Ronan McLaughlin 3. Sean Downey 4. Nicolas Vereescen 5. Shane Archbold Manager: Kurt Bogaerts	IRELAND Polygon Sweet Nice UCI Continental Team 6. Ryan Sherlock 7. Stephen Halpin 8. 9. Charles John Prendergast 10. Mark Dowling Manager: Ryan Connor
BELGIUM National Team 11. Jasper De Buyst 12. Kenny De Ketele 13. Tim Mertens 14. Aimé De Gendt 15. Moreno De Pauw Manager: Peter Pieters	TEAM CANADA National Team 16. Stuart Wight 17. Garrett McLeod 18. Remi Pelletier-Roy 19. Kristofer Dahl 20. Alex Cataford Manager: Phil Cortes
GREAT BRITAIN National Team 21. Joseph Kelly 22. Samuel Harrison 23. Simon Yates 24. Alistar Slater 25. Owain Doull Manager: Keith Lambert	SCOTLAND National Team 26. Evan Oliphant 27. Michael Nicolson 28. Ben Greenwood 29. Alex Coutts 30. Robert Hassan Manager: Graeme Herd
AUSTRALIA Team Subaru Albion 31. Keagan Atkinson 32. David Early 33. Chris McLoran 34. Cam Harrison 35. Anthony Murray Manager: Frank Conceicao	AUSTRIA ARBÖ Gebrüder Weiss – Obernodorfer UCI Continental Team 36. Benjamin Edmuller 37. Jakub Kratochvilla 38. Andreas Müller 39. Adam Homolka 40. Alexander Schrangl Manager: Oskar Hauser
AZERBAIJAN Synergy Baku Cycling Project UCI Continental Team 41. John Ebsen 42. Rico Rogers 43. Connor McConvey 44. Kirill Pozdnyakov 45. Christoph Schweizer Manager: Jeremy Hunt	CZECH REPUBLIC AC Sparta Praha UCI Continental Team 46. Martin Hunal 47. Tomas Okrouhlicky 48. Rostislav Krotky 49. Tomas Medek 50. Tomas Holub Manager: Zdenek Rubas
DENMARK Blue Water Cycling Bike Aid Cycling Team 51. Jacob Nielsen 52. Daniel Holm Foder 53. Morten Oellegaard 54. Rasmus Guldhammer 55. Mark Sehested Pedersen Manager: René Jacobsen	GERMANY Bike Aid – Schwalbe Cycling Team 56. Timo Schäfer 57. Richard Bichlmann 58. Matthias Sehnapka 59. Karsten Keunecke 60. Philip Becker Manager: Jesse Klaus
HOLLAND Koga Cycling Team UCI Continental Team 61. Roy Eefting 62. Nick Stopler 63. Lars Vierbergen 64. Umberto Atzori 65. Bouke Kuiper Manager: Wil Vink	USA Astellas Oncology Cycling Team 66. Jacob Rytlewski 67. Matt Green 68. Anthony Walsh 69. Coulton Hartrich 70. Ryan Aitcheson Manager: Andrew Frey
BRITAIN Rapha Condor JLT UCI Continental Team 71. Aaron Buggle 72. Richard Handley 73. Michael Cuming 74. Edward Laverack 75. Elliott Porter Manager: John Herety	BRITAIN Team IG-Sigma Sport UCI Continental Team 76. Peter Hawkins 77. James Moss 78. Pete Williams 79. Wouter Sybrandy 80. Joseph Perrett Manager: Simon Howes
Britain NODE4 Giordana Racing 81. Dan Barry 82. Michael Northey 83. Christian Varley 84. Steven Lampier 85. Rodger Shern Manager: William Nickson	BRITAIN UK Youth Pro Cycling 86. Marcin Bialoblocki 87. Josh Huni 88. Rob Partridge 89. Richard Tanguy 90. James Lowsley Williams Manager: David POvall
CORK Aquablue 91. Sean Lacey 92. Damien Shaw 93. Olan Barrett 94. Tim Barry 95. Joe Fenlon Manager: Brendan McLoughlin	Derry Duffin Transport 96. Bryan McKinney 97. Devon McIlwaine 98. Niall O’Hagan 99. Marc Potts 100. Owen Jeffries Manager: Eddie McKinney
DOWN Chain Reaction Cycles Boucher 101. Matt Blayney 102. Conor Hanna 103. Stuart Henry 104. 105. Dave Watson Manager: Dave Watson Snr.	DUBLIN WEST Eurocycles 106. Conor Murphy 107. Thomas Martin 108. Frazer Duncan 109. James McMaster 110. Adam Armstrong Manager: Urban Monks Snr.
DUBLIN CENTRAL UCD 111. John Lynch 112. Ian Richardson 113. Barrick Parker 114. Con Collis 115. Eoin Morton Manager: Jason O’Callaghan	DUBLIN SOUTH 116. Art MacManusa 117. Aaron O’Donoghue 118. James Davenport 119. Brendan Moloney 120. Geoff Sheehan Manager: Kenny Bucke
DUBLIN NORTH GARDA Richies Bikestore/Ethos Engineering 121. Stephen Enright 122. Neil O’Leary 123. Michael Doyle 124. 125. David Duke Manager: Liam Hogan	DUBLIN Dundrum Town Centre Orwell 126. Aidan Collins 127. Diarmuid Collins 128. Odhran Connors 129. Eric Downey 130. Aidan Crowley Manager: Thomas Graham
GALWAY Galway Bay 131. Darach Behan 132. Eoghan Clifford 133. Liam Frawley 134. Derek Joyce 135. Mike Ryder

List Of Competitors An Post Rás 2013

BELGIUM An Post Chain Reaction -

Sean Kelly UCI Continental Team

1. Sam Bennett

2. Ronan McLaughlin

3. Sean Downey

4. Nicolas Vereescen

5. Shane Archbold

Manager: Kurt Bogaerts

IRELAND Polygon Sweet Nice

UCI Continental Team

6. Ryan Sherlock

7. Stephen Halpin

9. Charles John Prendergast

10. Mark Dowling

Manager: Ryan Connor

BELGIUM

National Team

11. Jasper De Buyst

12. Kenny De Ketele

13. Tim Mertens

14. Aimé De Gendt

15. Moreno De Pauw

Manager: Peter Pieters

TEAM CANADA

National Team

16. Stuart Wight

17. Garrett McLeod

18. Remi Pelletier-Roy

19. Kristofer Dahl

20. Alex Cataford

Manager: Phil Cortes

GREAT BRITAIN

National Team

21. Joseph Kelly

22. Samuel Harrison

23. Simon Yates

24. Alistar Slater

25. Owain Doull

Manager: Keith Lambert

SCOTLAND

National Team

26. Evan Oliphant

27. Michael Nicolson

28. Ben Greenwood

29. Alex Coutts

30. Robert Hassan

Manager: Graeme Herd

AUSTRALIA Team Subaru Albion

31. Keagan Atkinson

32. David Early

33. Chris McLoran

34. Cam Harrison

35. Anthony Murray

Manager: Frank Conceicao

AUSTRIA ARBÖ Gebrüder Weiss – Obernodorfer UCI Continental Team

36. Benjamin Edmuller

37. Jakub Kratochvilla

38. Andreas Müller

39. Adam Homolka

40. Alexander Schrangl

Manager: Oskar Hauser

AZERBAIJAN Synergy Baku Cycling Project

UCI Continental Team

41. John Ebsen

42. Rico Rogers

43. Connor McConvey

44. Kirill Pozdnyakov

45. Christoph Schweizer

Manager: Jeremy Hunt

CZECH REPUBLIC AC Sparta Praha UCI Continental Team

46. Martin Hunal

47. Tomas Okrouhlicky

48. Rostislav Krotky

49. Tomas Medek

50. Tomas Holub

Manager: Zdenek Rubas

DENMARK Blue Water Cycling Bike Aid Cycling Team

51. Jacob Nielsen

52. Daniel Holm Foder

53. Morten Oellegaard

54. Rasmus Guldhammer

55. Mark Sehested Pedersen

Manager: René Jacobsen

GERMANY Bike Aid – Schwalbe Cycling Team

56. Timo Schäfer

57. Richard Bichlmann

58. Matthias Sehnapka

59. Karsten Keunecke

60. Philip Becker

Manager: Jesse Klaus

HOLLAND Koga Cycling Team

UCI Continental Team

61. Roy Eefting

62. Nick Stopler

63. Lars Vierbergen

64. Umberto Atzori

65. Bouke Kuiper

Manager: Wil Vink

USA Astellas Oncology Cycling Team

66. Jacob Rytlewski

67. Matt Green

68. Anthony Walsh

69. Coulton Hartrich

70. Ryan Aitcheson

Manager: Andrew Frey

BRITAIN Rapha Condor JLT

UCI Continental Team

71. Aaron Buggle

72. Richard Handley

73. Michael Cuming

74. Edward Laverack

75. Elliott Porter

Manager: John Herety

BRITAIN Team IG-Sigma Sport

UCI Continental Team

76. Peter Hawkins

77. James Moss

78. Pete Williams

79. Wouter Sybrandy

80. Joseph Perrett

Manager: Simon Howes

Britain

NODE4 Giordana Racing

81. Dan Barry

82. Michael Northey

83. Christian Varley

84. Steven Lampier

85. Rodger Shern

Manager: William Nickson

BRITAIN

UK Youth Pro Cycling

86. Marcin Bialoblocki

87. Josh Huni

88. Rob Partridge

89. Richard Tanguy

90. James Lowsley Williams

Manager: David POvall

CORK

Aquablue

91. Sean Lacey

92. Damien Shaw

93. Olan Barrett

94. Tim Barry

95. Joe Fenlon

Manager: Brendan McLoughlin

Derry

Duffin Transport

96. Bryan McKinney

97. Devon McIlwaine

98. Niall O’Hagan

99. Marc Potts

100. Owen Jeffries

Manager: Eddie McKinney

DOWN

Chain Reaction Cycles Boucher

101. Matt Blayney

102. Conor Hanna

103. Stuart Henry

104.

105. Dave Watson

Manager: Dave Watson Snr.

DUBLIN WEST

Eurocycles

106. Conor Murphy

107. Thomas Martin

108. Frazer Duncan

109. James McMaster

110. Adam Armstrong

Manager: Urban Monks Snr.

DUBLIN CENTRAL

UCD

111. John Lynch

112. Ian Richardson

113. Barrick Parker

114. Con Collis

115. Eoin Morton

Manager: Jason O’Callaghan

DUBLIN SOUTH

116. Art MacManusa

117. Aaron O’Donoghue

118. James Davenport

119. Brendan Moloney

120. Geoff Sheehan

Manager: Kenny Bucke

DUBLIN NORTH

GARDA Richies Bikestore/Ethos Engineering

121. Stephen Enright

122. Neil O’Leary

123. Michael Doyle

124.

125. David Duke

Manager: Liam Hogan

DUBLIN

Dundrum Town Centre Orwell

126. Aidan Collins

127. Diarmuid Collins

128. Odhran Connors

129. Eric Downey

130. Aidan Crowley

Manager: Thomas Graham

GALWAY

Galway Bay

131. Darach Behan

132. Eoghan Clifford

133. Liam Frawley

134. Derek Joyce

135. Mike Ryder

About Rás Tailteann

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Europcar revealed as official race partner to An Rás Tailteann

Promising Irish national team announced for Rás Tailteann

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

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

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

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

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

First two International teams announced for Rás Tailteann

Rás Tailteann 2018 – Stage Starting List & Results

Stage 8 – Naas to Skerries

Results

Download [309.50 KB]

Starting Rider List

Stage 7 – Carlow to Naas

Results

2018Stage_7_Results

Starting Rider List

Stage 6 – Mitchelstown to Carlow

Results

Starting Rider List

Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

Download [346.08 KB]

Starting Rider List

Stage 5 – Glengarriff to Mitchelstown

Results

Download [346.08 KB]

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

Rás Tailteann 2018 – Team Entry List

Rás Tailteann 2018 – Race Technical Guide

Rás Tailteann Cycling Kit

Rás Pictures

Click here…

Past Winners

1999 Philip Cassidy Ireland Makes It Two FBD Milk Rás

FBD Milk Rás 1999- 9 Day International Cycle Race

Stage 1: Dublin To Waterford, 151 Kms.

Stage 2: Waterford To Charleville, 167 Kms.

Stage 3: Charleville To Killaloe, 141 Kms.

Stage 4: Killaloe To Ballinrobe, 141 Kms.

Stage 5: Ballinrobe To Sligo, 172 Kms.

Stage 6: Donegal To Killybegs, 143 Kms.

Stage 7: Killybegs To Cootehill, 159 Kms.

Stage 8: Cootehill To Drogheda 165 Kms.

Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium 1 Hour Racing.

2000 Julian Winn, Wales Wins FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2000

Stage 1: Dublin To Longford, 143 Kms.

Stage 2: Longford To Newport, 163 Kms.

Stage 3: Newport To Oughterard, 121 Kms.

Stage 4: Oughterard To Listowel, 192 Kms.

Stage 5: Listower To Kenmare, 171 Kms.

Stage 6: Kenmare To Mitchelstown, 144 Kms.

Stage 7: Mitchelstown To Enniscorthy, 150 Kms.

Stage 8: Enniscorthy To Tullow, 156 Kms.

Stage 9: Dublin City Center Criterium, 50 Min. Plus 3 Laps.

2001 Paul Manning Great Britain Wins The FBD Milk Rás Tailteann

FBD Milk Rás 2001

Stage 1: Navan To Ballaghaderreen, 155 Kms.

Stage 2: Ballaghaderreen To Portumna, 131 Kms.

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