Next Sunday week the ancient village of Tallaght, nestled in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, will reverberate to all the excitement, colour and pageantry of a major, modern-day, international event when the Ceremonial Start of this year’s FBD Insurance RÁS takes place outside the Dominican Church at 12 o clock.

Andrew Roche winner 1997

In a major break with the traditional start from the GPO over 140 racing cyclists from nine countries will parade up Main Street led by the Tallaght Youth Band. Following a ten minute stop the race will set off on the first of eight days of gruelling racing with stage finishes in Enniscorthy, Cobh, An Daingean, Listowel, An Cheathru Rua, Westport, Clara, with the finish in Skerries on Sunday 28^th May.

Countries already confirmed as starters include Britain, Poland, Norway, Canada, USA and of course the Irish national Grant Thornton team and sixteen county teams. Further teams are due to be announced later this week.

The innovative start in Tallaght has the support of South Dublin County Council, local community organisations and the recently formed South Dublin Cycling Club, which is based in the area.