The FBD INSURANCE RÁS will once again play an important role in world cycling when it gets underway in a little over five months time, from the 17^th to the 24^th of May. For the ninth year in a row the big Irish 8 day international cycle race will feature on the world controlling body Union Cycliste Internationale’s prestigious Calendar of International Events. This entitles the race to award much sought after qualifying points for the world cycling championships which in 2009 will take place in Mendrisio in Switzerland.

The continued success of this internationally acclaimed event is due in no small measure to the financial backing by FBD Insurance. Now in its 26^th year of sponsorship, one of the longest running sports sponsorship in the country, the race has developed into an important player on the world cycling stage. The FBD Insurance RÁS also receives funding from the Irish Sports Council.

The route for the 2009 event will be announced in January but indications are that there will be huge emphasis on stamina with a number of stages well in excess of 160 kilometres. It’s also likely the mountain challenges will be mid-week in the south west of the country rather than Wicklow on the penultimate stage.

For further details contact: Dermot Dignam 01-8481517 or Sally Ryan 01- 6496416

or log-on to:  www.fbdinsuranceras.com