It might seem like a strange spectacle, but cyclocross is now the discipline of choice for cyclists around the country — and the numbers turning up to races every weekend are proof of that.

The race director of the An Post Rás has warned those with designs on riding this year’s race that it is anything but easy — despite it being a much flatter route than previous years.

The An Post Rás saw one of its most dramatic days in recent memory unfold on the road from Cahersiveen to Clonakilty yesterday when the yellow jersey lost over eight minutes — and a new set of contenders emerged.