European heavyweights sign up for gruelling Rás Mumhan
Launching the event, Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht Minister Jimmy Deenihan, described the race as “one of the institutions of Irish cycle racing, which is known far and wide as one of the toughest races on these islands”.
More than 165 riders have already signed up for the event and Mr Deenihan has credited Kerry Group as playing a “significant role in raising the profile of the race”.
The Dutch-based West Frsia and Ruiter Dakkpallen Wieler teams will participate again this year and the latter, having taken three of the top 10 places on the overall general classification, as well as two of the four stages, will be looking to again stamp their authority early on.
The Queen stage, yet again, will be the summit finish on Easter Saturday atop the category one Conor Pass, after a tough 130km in West Kerry. Last year it was Leon Burger (Ruiter Dakkpallen Wielerteam) who won the stage after he escaped from the leading group of five riders on the climb, and finished over a minute ahead of Ryan Sherlock and local man Paul Griffin. The latter two are excellent climbers and will expect to be in the shake-up again as domestic riders aim to make it eight wins in a row.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand U23 team has confirmed its participation for this year’s An Post Rás, taking place on the last week of May.
Though the team will be weakened somewhat by some of its riders opting to skip the race to focus entirely on the Olympics, they will still be a force to be reckoned with for the world-ranked event.
Last year, Aaron Gate took the white jersey for the young rider classification; Shane Archbold claimed green as points winner while Myron Simpson notched a fine stage win into Blarney.
However, this years’ provisional line-up is listed as Taylor Gunman, Dion Smith, Alex Frame, Cameron Karwowski, Scott Creighton and team manager Stephen Connell admits their main objective will be stage wins.
“We love the An Post Rás, having had terrific experiences and success at this race,” he said. “We are privileged to get the invite.
“With the Games [in London] in mind, some of the guys have decided to sit it out so this time round we will be gunning for stage wins each day,” he stated. “It looks a great route and the guys are fired up for it.”
New Zealand is the first of many international teams set to take part in this year’s race, with more to be finalised in the weeks ahead.
With the above races in mind, many domestic riders will be using this weekend’s Des Hanlon Classic in Carlow as a tune up for those races. The race, affectionately known as the ‘Hanlon’ has gained notoriety as one of the toughest one-day races in the country with a winners’ list that includes Brian Kenneally, Paul Griffin, and Rory Wyley in recent years. Greg Swinnad (Usher IRC) is the reigning champion and he’ll be at the start-line tomorrow to defend his title.
Promoted by Carlow Road CC, there are three races down for decision, with sign on at Éire Óg GAA Club, Iona Drive, and racing starting from 12 noon. The main event — the 120km A1/A2 race is first off at noon. The second race is off at 12.10pm and is for A3s only, taking in 100km. The third race, for A4s only, starts at 12.15pm and is 60km.
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