Yet another strong overseas team has been confirmed for this year’s FBD Insurance RÁS, which begins in just over a month’s time in Naas.
The Continental (pro) team Kalev Chocolate are travelling to the race from Estonia, two years after making a good impression during the 2005 edition of the gruelling eight day race.
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| Mart Ojavee, Team Kalev Chocolate Estonia |
Then, team leader Sigvard Kukk took six top fifteen places en route to 11th overall, including placings of eighth, seventh and seventh on stages one, two and seven. His good form meant that team-mate Mart Ojavee was riding in his service during the event, but he nevertheless placed thirteenth on stage four.
With Kukk no longer with the team, 26 year old Ojavee has an excellent opportunity to chase personal success in the race. He will lead the strong squad, lining out with Andrei Mustonen, Alo Jakin, Silvar Kibur and Markku Ainsalu.
Ojavee and Mustonen were part of the 2005 team and so have a very valuable insight into the tactics of the FBD Insurance RÁS, known for its unique – and highly competitive – style of racing.
“Kalev Chocolate as Estonia’s only pro team should be a real threat,” said race director Dermot Dignam this week. “They have the pick of the best riders in the country and with their previous experience of the FBD RÁS, which is a big advantage, are certainly coming here with the intention of leaving their mark on the race.”
Estonia Kalev Chocolate now join the Germany - Thűringer Energie and Czech Republic - AC Sparta Praha squads as Continental teams confirmed as heading to Ireland for the UCI 2.2 ranked event. Several more will be announced in the weeks ahead, making it likely that this year’s race will be a hugely competitive and exciting one.
The 2007 FBD Insurance RÁS will get underway on Sunday May 20th with a 157 kilometre stage from Naas to Templemore. The riders will cover almost 1200 kilometres of flat-out racing as they travel anti-clockwise around the country, taking in additional stage finishes at Loughrea, Sligo, Dungloe, Buncrana, Derry, Newcastle and Skerries.
The race is sponsored by FBD Insurances and also receives important backing from the Irish Sports Council.
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| Kalev ChocolateTeam Estonia |
