Delahaye and Armstrong to spearhead Irish Rás challenge

NEIL DELAHAYE, who produced the best performance seen on Irish roads so far this year with his solo victory on the gruelling South Kerry stage of Rás Mumhan, has been named on the SUBWAY Irish team for the FBD Insurance Rás, which gets under way in two weeks time.

This will be the Dubliner’s second appearance in Irish cycling’s showpiece but he proved in the Kerry mountains that he is ready for it this time.

Adam Armstrong, who outsmarted the former star professional, Malcolm Elliott, in the Tour of Ulster, also gets his place on the team. He, too, will be fancied to add a stage win to the six he has already notched up this season.

The line-up is completed by three U23 riders, Conor McAllister, Mark McKinley and Simon Williams, who have all stepped up a level this year with ambitions of racing in Europe.

The team will be managed by former international and 2004 Rás winner, Tommy Evans, whose experience will be crucial as the team targets stages while keeping a close eye on any opportunities to take the yellow jersey.

“We have selected a young team but they are coming into form at the right time. With Adam Armstrong, the overall winner of one of Ireland’s biggest races, included in the squad I believe that the riders will give a good account of themselves,” Phil Leigh, high performance director with Cycling Ireland, said.

“We are very fortunate this year to have the backing of the SUBWAY chain who are sponsoring the Irish team throughout 2010. Their support allows us to ensure that the team has all the backing it requires to be successful in this year’s Rás.”

Paul Heyes, development agent for SUBWAY in Ireland, said the company was delighted to announce this extension to its sponsorship.

“We have had a fantastic response to our sponsorship of the National Classic League and are delighted to extend our sponsorship to Team Ireland,” he said. “We plan to support Cycling Ireland in developing the sport as a competitive and leisure activity and we are looking forward to the performance of Team Ireland SUBWAY in the FBD Rás.”