Exciting changes confirmed for gruelling Rás

WHILE the focus has been on the introduction of a team time trial and a gruelling final stage to replace the traditional circuit finish, this year’s FBD Insurance Rás will also include some old, familiar obstacles as the eight-day showpiece returns to Kerry.

This year’s event, from May 21-28 will feature teams from at least 10 countries, it will have first-time stage finishes in An Cheathru Rua, Clara and Skerries, and there will be return visits to Enniscorthy, Cobh, An Daingean, Listowel and Westport.

The route includes six stages over 150km and will be punctuated by 23 KOM climbs. The third stage, 173km from Cobh to An Daingean (Dingle) - will end with an uphill finish.