Return of big climbs on testing Rás route

This year’s An Post Rás route is designed to provoke attacking racing while also giving the full-time working man, or county rider, a chance at being competitive, says race director Tony Campbell.

Following a recent ruling by Cycling Ireland that no riders can upgrade to a category A2 licence so they can ride the country’s biggest stage race, Campbell was also keen to ensure only the cream of the home-based men can compete.

And yesterday’s route announcement was proof of that, with a whopping 25 climbs included, three of them category one ascents.