Rough ride ahead as cyclists gears up for familiar Rás route
But there will be little respite for the riders who face eight days, 20 King of the Mountain climbs and a total of 1224kilometre before arriving at the finish line in Skerries a week later.
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of FBD Insurance sponsorship of the race, making it one of the longest-running sports sponsorship in the country and the 2.2-ranked event begins with a 142km stage from Navan to Ballinamore featuring category three climbs at Kells and Slieve an gCallaigh and with these also doubling as hotspot sprints, valuable time bonuses will be up for grabs and could determine who wears the first yellow jersey.
