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2012 The country’s national team has split in two with some of those who competed in the event last year focusing completely on the London Olympics. As a result they will be on a different race programme, meaning that New Zealand’s promising under 23 competitors will be those who will travel to Ireland with ambition. “We love the An Post Ras, having had terrific experiences and success at this race. We are privileged to get the invite,” states New Zealand’s Olympic team manager Stephen Connell. “The team did well last year with Aaron Gate in the white jersey and Shane Archbold in the green and a stage win with Myron Simpson. They are part of the Olympic squad this year and will be part of a road programme based in Belgium and France. “With those focusing on the Games, this time round we will be sending some of the New Zealand young guns to the Rás.” The team is still to be finalized but at this point in time, over two months before the May 20th start of the race, the provisional lineup is listed as Taylor Gunman, Dion Smith, Alex Frame, Cameron Karwowski, Scott Creighton. Karwowski rode the race last year and will be able to share that experience with his team-mates, giving them advice about the unique tactical demands of the race. Frame was a double medalist in the world junior track championships in Moscow last year. Others who might yet be part of the team are the 2011 Tour of Southland winner Josh Atkins and the current under 23 national champion, Michael Vink. Because the senior team is focusing on the Olympics, Connell states that the overall classification might not be possible to chase this time round. However he promised that the riders will take a very aggressive approach, leaving their mark on the event. “These young guys all have stage race experience and are aggressive racers, so will be gunning for stage wins each day,” he stated. “It looks a great route and the guys are fired up for it.” Race director Dermot Dignam is looking forward to seeing what the riders can do. “The New Zealand team rode very well in last year’s An Post Rás, with Shane Archbold winning the Post Office points classification, Aaron Gate and Archbold placing first and second in the Irish Sports Council under 23 standings and Myron Simpson winning stage five into Blarney,” he said. “The team will feature some of the country’s best under 23 riders this time round and we believe they’ll play an important part in animating the race.” New Zealand is the first announced out of the many international teams that will take part in this year’s race. More will be named in the weeks ahead. The 2012 An Post Rás will be the sixtieth edition of the country’s toughest cycling race. It will begin on Sunday May 20th with a stage from Dunboyne to Kilkenny, and will continue with finishes in Gort, Westport, Bundoran, Buncrana, Killybegs, Cootehill and Skerries. It will total almost 1200 kilometres and will feature strong international professional and national teams from Europe and further afield. Further details log-on to www.anpostras.com Or contact; Dermot Dignam 087 2459 562 |
