When the gruelling FBD Insurance RÁS gets underway from Naas on Sunday missing from the start line will be the five man strong Iranian team. It appears an elaborate plan was in operation to use the race as a means of persons entering the country, and not for to tackle the big Irish international cycle race.

Following months of negotiating with what appeared to be a legitimate Vice President of the Iranian Cycling Federation race organiser Dermot Dignam was alerted to the possibility of a scam over the past few days when agreed procedures were breeched by the Iranians. Commenting on the situation Dignam confirmed that “following discussions with the Iranian Embassy and immigration officials we immediately cancelled arrangements for the team’s participation in the FBD RÁS”.

Meanwhile, teams from the USA, Germany, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Britain, Australia and the Netherlands are due in today and early tomorrow.

The FBD Insurance Rás will get underway on Sunday with a 157 kilometre stage from Naas to Templemore. The riders will cover almost 1200 kilometres of highly competitive racing as they travel clockwise around the country, taking in additional stage finishes at Loughrea, Sligo, Dungloe, Buncrana, Derry, Newcastle and Skerries.

The race is sponsored once again by FBD Insurances and also receives important backing from the Irish Sports Council.