Haakman Kerry bound

TINO HAAKMAN, runner-up in 2008 and 11th overall last year, will return to Kerry to lead the West Frisia Combilift team from Holland in the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan 4-Day International Cycle Race over the Easter weekend.

In his bid to win the title, which eluded him two years ago, the teak tough Dutch rider will be joined by Rick Beemsterboer and Rob Muud who both rode in the race last year, with Robert Jan Moll and Henk Van Vuure completing the line-up.

Dion Beukeboom, who won the first stage last year and ended up third overall behind Brian Kenneally, returns to lead a second Dutch team, Team Midi Centre Ruiter.

West Wales Dragons make their debut and will be represented by Grant Leavy, David Crowley, Rowan Marshall, Heflin Price and James Lewis.

The race gets under way on Good Friday with the 96 Km Milltown-Caragh Lake stage. Saturday’s Healy Pass mountain stage will have a big bearing on the destination of the title. On Easter Sunday, the third stage in South Kerry will incorporate the annual visit to Valentia Island.

The race returns to Mid Kerry on Easter Monday for the Grand Finale which will finish with 10 laps of the traditional Donal McKenna Circuit.