 |
| Double Rás Winner Chris Newton |
Double FBD RÁS winner Chris Newton (2003and 2005), 2009 champion Simon Richardson 2008 victor Stephen Gallagher and Andy Roche 1997 have all be confirmed for this year’s race, with the four riders leading British-registered squads in the event.
Race organizer Dermot Dignam has confirmed that the Rapha – Condor Sharp, Sigma Sport - Specialized, Planet X, Motor point Marshalls’ Pasta and Isle of Man teams will all travel prior to the May 23rd start in Dunboyne, and should have a major influence on the race.
Newton showed fine form this year when he finished fourth in the points race at the world track championship in Denmark. The former world champion and Olympic silver medalist have competed in the prestigious Irish tour on several occasions and have both the experience and the strength needed to shine once again.
His knowledge of the race means he can also provide crucial advice to his four team-mates, Dan Craven, Ben Greenwood, Jonathan Tiernan Locke and Matt Cronshaw.
“The team lineup reflects the slightly hillier route than in the past, along with the fact that we will also be riding the Tour of Japan [with other riders] the week before,” said John Herety, who has directed several of his riders to FBD RÁS honours.
“The initial goal will be stage wins and, if things go well in the first few days, the general classification.”
The Sigma Sport team of defending champion Simon Richardson has its target set fully on the final yellow jersey. The squad also includes Irishman Stephen Gallagher, who won the race with the An Post Grant Thornton M. Donnelly Sean Kelly team in 2008.
 |
| 2008 Mountains Winner Kit Gilham |
“We are coming to the RAS with the clear objective of aiming to win,” said the manager Matthew Stephens. “We have the two most recent winners on our squad who are both in very good form. They will be ably backed up by Kit Gilham, who was the 2008 King of the Mountains, Wouter Sybrandy and James Williamson, who are all extremely talented riders in their own right.”
The team currently tops the British rankings and has been invited to compete in next September’s Tour of Britain.
“The RÁS course this year looks particularly challenging which will hopefully play to our strengths,” he continued. “Everyone involved with the team is looking forward to the challenge once more. I'm sure that whatever the result we will have added a great deal to what looks likely to be a tremendous event.”
The British-registered Planet X team has a very strong Irish representation, with four of the five riders being from this side of the Irish sea. Former stage winner Roger Aiken, Martyn Irvine, Stephen Barrett and Gary Crory will join up with Mark Lovatt, who competed in the race on many occasions and wore the yellow jersey.
Former Ireland manager Frank Campbell will direct the riders. He managed the victorious 2004 squad, which won the FBD RÁS with David McCann.
Also travelling are the Motorpoint Marshalls’ Pasta team and the Isle of Man line-up, but Andy Roche in expected to line out with the former. both teams will send strong squads which will have a real influence on the final outcome.
 |
| Andrew Roche Motorpoint Marshalls Winner In1997 |
Race organiser Dermot Dignam feels certain that these teams will further boost the quality of the field for the 2.2-ranked event. “With three former winners amongst the latest line-ups to be announced, it’s clear that some real heavy hitters have signed up for this year’s race,” he said yesterday. “Apart from having the strength to aim for the final yellow jersey, these riders have the advantage of being aware of the extremely tactical nature of the racing at the FBD RÁS. This year’s contest is going to be something special.”
Thus far teams have been confirmed from Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the USA and Wales. More international teams will be announced in the weeks ahead.
This year’s FBD RÁS will begin on Sunday May 23rd and runs for eight days. It will be 1219 kilometres in length, crosses 24 tough categorised climbs, and features stage finishes in Dundalk, Carrick on Shannon, Oughterard, Tipperary, Seskin Hill/Carrick on Suir, Gorey, Kilcullen and Skerries.
It will be once again sponsored by FBD Insurances and supported by the Irish Sports Council.
