It promises to be one of the most gruelling editions of the race in recent years and yesterday, at the official launch of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in Killorglin, a stellar lineup was revealed, with teams from Holland, England, the Isle of Man and France to converge on Kerry over the Easter weekend.

THE second stage of the An Post Rás from Portumna to Kilrush was just over 101 miles but a stormforce headwind turned it into a real test of endurance and if ever there was a worthy stage winner, it was Gediminas Bagdonas, a member of the An Post/Sean Kelly team while Shane Archbold of the New Zealand National Team took the race leader’s yellow jersey.