Hibernian riders ones to beat in Rás

Brendan Mooney

The race has a new look this year with a Criterium stage in Killarney - part of the Killarney 250 celebrations - on Sunday afternoon when the town centre will be closed off for what will be a spectacular event.

But the destination of this year’s title may well have been decided by the early morning time trial which will be contested over the 10km route from Beaufort to Killorglin, with McCann and O’Loughlin the firm favourites.

Martin O’Loughlin, who will direct the fortunes of Irish cyclists up to the Athens Olympics and beyond, has

selected a strong national team for an event that is now regarded as the most important Irish cycling fixture outside of the FBD Milk Rás.

McCann and O’Loughlin will be joined by John O’Shea from Cidona Carrick, who has already seen visited the winner’s podium this year, mountain bike specialist Robin Seymour, whose place at the Olympics is booked and ough Dungarvan man, Rory Wyley, who also rides for the Cidona squad.

“The strength of the Ireland team reflects the prestige of the event,” Press Officer, Tadhg Moriarty, pointed out.

“The FBD Milk Rás, since becoming an official UCI event with valuable points up for grabs, has become one of the top events on the international calendar but has gone beyond the reach of some riders and I think that has worked in favour of Rás Mumhan, which has attracted 140 riders this year.”

There are three former winners in the field, Eugene Moriarty from Listowel, riding for Lee Strand/Cycleways, who won it three years ago, Stephen O’Sullivan, who also has strong ties with Kerry, and Brian Kenneally from Cidona Carrick Wheelers.