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2005 This year’s FBD Insurance Rás looks considerably different than recent editions of the round-Ireland race, staying as it does away from the mountains of Cork, Kerry and Donegal. Yet organiser Dermot Dignam warns against any presumption that it will be an easier contest. ‘I think it is going to be surprisingly tough,’ he states. ‘I think the fact that it is seen as a centre-of-Ireland course means that some of the riders may underestimate it slightly. But I am confident it will prove to be a very challenging contest.’ At a glance, this year’s route does seem to be a little less arduous than before. Twenty-one categorised climbs feature, less than in 2004 (29), 2002 (25) and 2001 (31). Only 2003 has fewer, with 13. Yet if you consider the massive field of riders plus the fact that many of the overseas competitors are making their first appearance in the Rás, it is clear that this will be an attacking, uncertain, unpredictable eight days of racing. Factor in gusting winds and high speeds and you have all the makings of a superb contest. And so to the specifics. This year’s FBD Insurance Rás will cover 1,100 kilometres and twenty-one categorised climbs as it winds its way anti-clockwise around the country. The race will feature three first-time ever stage finish towns, namely Emyvale, Templemore and Rathdrum, adding another element of unpredictability to the event. The race gets underway outside Dublin’s historic GPO on May 22nd and, after a brief neutralised section, the action will begin. With fresh legs and strong morale there should be numerous attacks along what is a mainly flat route. Riders gunning for yellow will derive additional motivation from the fact that important intermediate time bonus sprints are up for grabs at Balrothery, Tully Esker and Anyalla. There is also a king of the hills prime at Tully Esker and more time bonuses at the finish, so it should be flat out all the way to Emyvale. Day two sees the field cover 165 kilometres between Emyvale and Tubbercurry with again just one category three climb – that of Corraghduff – to be scaled. However, the flat profile doesn’t mean that an easy day is in store; with the yellow jersey up for grabs and many riders feeling fresh and motivated, the pace is again likely to be hectic all the way to the line. A slightly shorter day in the saddle follows when the riders charge south through Charlestown, Tuam, Kinvara and Ballyvaughan to the stage end finish in Lisdoonvarna. The 156 kilometres include the ascents of Lurga (category 3) and Corkscrew Hill (category 2) and, according to Dignam, the latter could break things up if the hammer goes down and the winds are strong. The climbing theme continues on stage four when the riders take in the third cat slopes of Formoyle, Ballybrack, Lackamore and Curreeney Cross, with the finish in Templemore coming after 162 kilometres. Stage five brings with it the first category one climbs of the 2005 FBD Insurance Rás, a 144 kilometre scrap from Templemore to Abbeyleix. The gruelling Crag and The Butts combine with the Grangehill (category 3), Uskerty Hill and Glenmagoo (both category 2) ascents to ensure a very tough day in the saddle, and one which will enable the stronger riders to make a serious challenge for the overall lead. In contract, stage six is a mainly flat 160 kilometre run towards Rathdrum, with the riders passing through Killeshin, Carlow, Bunclody, Gorey, Rathnew and Glenealy before the steep uphill rise to the line. The penultimate stage is the second shortest at just 138 kilometres, but don’t be fooled; this is shaping up to be the hardest of the 2005 FBD Insurance Rás. In total seven climbs await the wearying riders, providing ample opportunity for the yellow jersey contenders to slug it out. Ballygannon Hill (cat. 3), Slieveman (cat. 1), Barnameelia (cat. 3), Lacken (cat. 3) and Ballyward (cat. 2) set the tone before the final category one double-whammy of Sally Gap and Lugalla. Once over the climbs the fragmented bunch will speed on through Roundwood and on to the finish in Wicklow Town. That leaves just the final stage before the presentation of the winner’s yellow jersey. In all likelihood the overall honours will be decided before the Phoenix Park circuit race, but the last 50 kilometres of action always makes for exciting viewing and enthusiastic crowds. And, as Dermot Dignam says, don’t rule out a surprise ending if things are tight at the top. That would certainly be a fitting end for what should be a fascinating edition of the Irish tour. The assessment of Dermot Dignam, FBD Insurance Rás race organiser: Stage 1, Dublin – Emyvale (136 kilometres): With three intermediate sprints, a king of the hills prime and more time bonuses available at the finish, there should be countless attacks on the first day. The most likely outcome is a regrouping before the finish, resulting in a big bunch finish into Emyvale. That said, from experience, the first day of the Rás can often be a surprise and valuable time can be won and lost here. Stage 2, Emyvale – Tubbercurry (165 kilometres): The stage is mostly on narrow, very undulating roads that will be very energy sapping. There are two categorised climbs on this, the longest stage of the race. After just five kilometres the riders tackle a category 3 KOM, Corraghaduff, and then later on they have a category 2 KOM climb over the beautiful Bellavalley Gap in the Cuilcagh Mountains. You could see a breakaway getting clear and finishing a couple of minutes ahead of the pack into Tubbercurry. It is a stage that the contenders would want to watch, one where a group could go up the road and never be seen again until after the finish. Stage 3, Tubbercurry – Lisdoonvarna (156 kilometres): A crosswind on this 156 kilometres stage could quite conceivably blow the race apart. The open roads through Charlestown, Tuam and Clarinbridge, followed by the rugged, rising and falling roads through scenic Kinvara and Ballyvaughan are severe enough, but especially so if there is a tormenting crosswind. Two King of the Mountain climbs, category 3 at Lurga, close to Knock Airport and especially the category 2 Corkscrew Hill up from Ballyvaughan will give the climbers their first real opportunity to put some distance between them and the other favourites. The most likely scenario is a bunch sprint into Lisdoonvarna. But equally, the Corkscrew could split things it up, coming close to the finish. If there is a strong westerly wind and the guys are riding right in the gutter all the way down, you may see massive splits at the end. Stage 4, Lisdoonvarna – Templemore (162 kilometres): The next day to Templemore has the riders doing four third-category climbs during the 162 kilometre stage. It will be a tough day. There will be pulling and dragging all day long. This could prove to be a very crucial stage in the race, as the mountains, miles and unrelenting attacks will be starting to take their toll on the riders. There could be many fragmented groups by the finish. The course for this stage is deliberately planned to bring the race close to the birthplace in Clonlara of Kieran McMahon, a member of the victorious Kerry team last year. He was tragically killed in a road traffic accident a month later. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a H-anam. Stage 5, Templemore – Abbeyleix (144 kilometres): This is an exceptionally tough stage. You can talk about Wicklow and the mountains of Kerry, but the Crag and the Butt are equal to any of the major climbs in the country. Both are Category 1 KOMs. The Butt is tried and tested from previous Rásanna while the Crag is unknown. Both are really steep climbs and will have the riders struggling. The other KOM climbs of the stage, Grangehill, which comes between the two big ones and Uskerty and Glenmagoo in the final run-in to the finish will also contribute to an expected shake-up of the leader board. This should be a very decisive day, and it will certainly sort out the men from the boys. Stage 6, Abbeyleix – Rathdrum (160 kilometres): This is pretty flat, pretty straightforward and there will probably be a bunch finish today. That said, this will be the final opportunity for the non-climbers to put sufficient time gaps between them and the specialists in preparation for the penultimate stage. So it could be very active. There is an interesting conclusion to the stage because, in the last couple of hundred metres, there is a very steep uphill rise up onto Main Street. As a result, there could be a surprise winner. Stage 7, Rathdrum – Wicklow Town (138 kilometres): I would say that stage five to Abbeyleix will prove to be every bit as tough as this penultimate day of racing. But that is not taking from the stage to Wicklow Town. There is a lot of climbing and a lot of dragging. It is interesting that usually in stage races, and in the Rás itself, we tend to put the mountains towards the end of the stage. In this instance, there is a first category climb in the first few of miles, a lot of pulling and dragging, and then at 30 mile gap between those mountains and the next session of climbs. Things may come together in that time and then, it will be all about what will happen in the last 20 or 30 miles. The second half of the stage is very hard. A category 3 at Lacken, a 2 at Ballyward, followed by premier climbs to Sally Gap and Luggala will see the race spread over many miles. The final 22 kilometres to Wicklow Town will see the leading riders working fiercely to consolidate time gained on the mountains, while others will be trying to claw back lost time. Many will be riding their hearts out on damage-limitation hopes. There is a big crowd expected in Wicklow; it should be a great day’s racing. Stage 8, Phoenix Park Circuit (50 kilometres): The final day in Dublin’s Phoenix Park will once again be a spectacular, exciting stage. The riders will race around a 2.7 kilometres circuit taking in the Main Road, Ordinance Survey Road and Furze Road. If there were just seconds separating it overall, you couldn't rule out a surprise in the last few laps there. With tired legs, anything could happen. All the leading contenders will be acutely aware that any break in concentration could see a breakaway group gaining sufficient time for the race to be lost and won in the final kilometres. Holding the finish in the Phoenix Park has worked out well. I think that people have become more aware that this big international event is finishing there and, since we moved back a few years ago, the crowds have been increasing. I would expect a big number of spectators to be present and for there to be a really good atmosphere. We will also have some racing beforehand with the underage riders, the future Men of the Rás, so it will be a great day's free entertainment in a really beautiful setting. FBD INSURANCE RÁS 2005 Stage 1, Sunday 22nd May, Dublin – Emyvale, 136 Kms. Dublin Swords By-Pass, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Tully Esker Category 3 KOM, Dunleer, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Ardee, Clontibret, Tyholland, Emyvale. Stage 2, Monday 23rd May, Emyvale – Tubbercurry, 165 Kms. Emyvale, Corraghduff Category 3 KOM, Tydavent, Scotstown, Smithborough, Clones, Belturbet, Ballyconnell, Bawnboy, Bellavalley Gap Category 3 KOM, Glangevlin, Drumkeera, Dromahair, Ballintogher, Ballinacarrow, Tubbercurry. Stage 3, Tuesday 24th May, Tubbercurry – Lisdoonvarna, 156 Kms. Tubbercurry, Charlestown, Lurga Category 3 KOM, Kilkelly, Ballindine, Milltown, Tuam, Claregalway, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill Category 2 KOM, Lisdoonvarna. Stage 4, Wednesday 25th May, Lisdoonvarna – Templemore, 162 Kms. Lisdoonvarna, Kilshanny, Inagh, Kilnamona, Ennis, Cross of Spancihill, Broadford, Formoyle Category 3 KOM, Ballybrack Category 3 KOM, Clonlara Bridge, O’Briensbridge, Montpelier, Birdhill, Newport, Lackamore Category 3 KOM, Curreeney Cross Category 3 KOM, Templederry, Borrisleigh, Templemore. Stage 5, Thursday 26th May, Templemore – Abbeyleix, 144 Kms. Templemore, Templetouhy, Johnston, Urlingford, The Crag Category 1 KOM, Grangehill Category 3 KOM, The Commons, Ballingarry, Ballymac, Cuffesgrange, Kilkenny By-Pass, Paulstown, Old Leighlin, The Butt Category 1 KOM, Coan, Uskerty Hill Category 2 KOM, Castlecomer, Glenmagoo Category 2 KOM, Ballyraggett, Attanagh, Abbeyleix. Stage 6, Friday 27th May, Abbeyleix – Rathdrum, 160 Kms. Abbeyleix, The Swan, Newtown, Killeshin, Carlow, Ballon, Bunclody, N80/N11, Ferns, Camolin, Gorey, Inch, Arklow By-Pass, Rathnew, Glenealy, Rathdrum. Stage 7, Saturday 28th May, Rathdrum – Wicklow Town 138 Kms. Rathdrum, Ballygannon Hill Category 3 KOM, Glenmalure, Slieveman Category 1 KOM, Aughavannagh, Barnameelia Category 3 KOM, Rathangan, Kiltegan, Baltinglass, Poulaphouca, Valleymount, Ballyknockan, Lacken Category 3 KOM, Oldcourt, Ballyward Category 2 KOM, Ballysmutton Bridge, Sally Gap Category 1 KOM, Lugalla Category 1 KOM, Sraghmore, Roundwood, Wicklow. Stage 8, Sunday 29th May, Phoenix Park Circuit, 50 Kms |
