Irish Team to Compete in An Post Rás from 22-29 May
Cycling Ireland will be fielding a National Team in the An Post Rás which takes place from the 22-29 May. With this being the first time since 2011 that an Irish National Team has been entered in the event, the unique nature of the prestigious 8 day UCI stage race provides an ideal exposure to top international competition for the young and talented team. The team, which will be named in the coming weeks, will be primarily a young U23 team with one experienced senior road captain, and will be managed by 2004 Rás winner and multiple Olympian David McCann.
Tony Campbell, race organiser, is delighted to see the return of a National Irish Team in one of the flagship events for road racing in Ireland, saying “I’m pleased to see an Irish Team in the Rás again, especially seeing as the team giving an opportunity to young riders again. It will be a great experience for these riders, and there shouldn’t be too much pressure placed on them for results.”
The Rás is a unique race steeped in tradition, the terrain combined with the unpredictable nature of racing leads to exciting stages which attract teams from as far afield as New Zealand and the United States. Cycling Ireland Technical Director Brian Nugent is delighted to see a young and competitive Irish team back in the race saying “It’s great to be in a position to enter a talented Irish team in the Rás again. The Rás is a particularly special event, being a combination of fulltime professional riders mixing with national and domestic riders. It’s a great development opportunity for these guys to go through the Rás with an experienced winner as their manager.” Apart from the tough racing, the beauty of the race is that it passes through a lot of small and medium sized towns that a lot of national events don’t get to.
The 2016 An Post Rás route starts at Dublin Castle before making its way predominantly southwest towards the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, before coming through Cork and Waterford on its way back up to Skerries, Co. Dublin. There are still sponsorship opportunities available with the Irish National Team in this prestigious and high profile event. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Cycling Ireland PRO Heather Boyle. The racing takes place around Ireland from the 22-29 May
Below. Surely two Ulster riders who will be in contention for National Squad selection for May`s An Post Ras.
L. Declan Mulholland (Asea-Wheelworx) and R. Chris McGlinchey (Chain Reaction Cycles)
