When Pádraig Marrey was booted out of the An Post Rás last year along with 28 others for missing the time limit on stage three, he would have been be forgiven if he decided to call time on his 27-year racing career.

The Kerry Group Rás Mumhan takes centre stage this weekend with the 500-plus kilometre stage race attracting a massive field of more than 170 riders.

Cycling Ireland has appointed Padraig Marrey, 31, from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, head of coaching with immediate effect.

Mark Scanlon will become the first Irish rider to take part in the cycling’s holy grail the Tour de France next month since 1987 winner Stephen Roche bowed out 11 years ago.

Irish cyclist Padraig Marrey (Western Lakes CC) scored a major international win when he won the Mastes section at the Berne Grand Prix yesterday.