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Iran For FBD Insurance Rás
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| Amir Zargari |
Following an elaborate scam last year to use the FBD Insurance RÁS as a means of illegal entry into the country by a group purporting to be an Iranian cycling team, it has been announced that Iran will definitely be represented in this year’s race when it gets underway from Navan on Sunday 18th May.
Race Organiser Dermot Dignam confirmed that, following contacts with the Iranian Embassy in Dublin and the Iranian Cycling Federation, the very strong UCI Continental (pro) Azad University cycling team will make the long journey to Ireland to take part in the UCI ranked 8 day international FBD Insurance RÁS.
Amir Zargari, Abbas Saeiditanha, Mehdi Sohrabi, Hassan Maleki Mizan and Mehdi Faridi will line out for the Continental-level Iran – Azad University team, and have enough individual and collective strength to make a big impression on the race. More>>>
Tough Route Announced For 2008 FBD Insurance RÁS
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| Chris Newton double Rás winner wins stage 3 into Lisdoonvarna 2005 |
Aiming for a perfect balance between suspense and spectacle, a tough route for the 2008 FBD Insurance RÁS has been unveiled by the race organisers and should result in another epic clash.
Eight days, twenty King of the Mountain climbs and a total of 1224 difficult kilometres await the estimated 160 riders from at least eight countries who will line out in the world-ranked event. A tough finale is guaranteed, with the longest stage of 180 kilometres being followed by a gruelling climbing leg in the Wicklow mountains and then the concluding stage to Skerries, which always results in flat-out racing to the line.
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of FBD Insurance sponsorship of the race, making it one of the longest running sports sponsorship in the country.
The 2.2-ranked event begins in Navan on Sunday May 18th with a 142 kilometre stage to Ballinamore. Two category three climbs await at Kells and Slieve an gCallaigh and with these also doubling as hot spot sprints, valuable time bonuses will be up for grabs and could well determine who wears the first yellow jersey. More>>>
FBD Insurance RÁS 08 Promises To Be A Closely Fought Race.
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| Dermot Dignam Race Organiser |
This year’ FBD Insurance RÁS 8 Day International Cycle Race, which will take place from 18th to 25th May, will see a reduction in the number of UCI Continental (pro) Teams in the line-up. Although a similar number of countries to last year, at least 10, is expected to be represented the emphasis will be on national, regional and top level sponsored amateur teams.
Announcing the change Race Organiser, Dermot Dignam, said “the FBD Insurance RÁS has a world-wide reputation as a highly competitive and unpredictable race, this is due mostly to the unique mix of international and county riders. As it is important we maintain that status the concern would be that pro teams may gain too much of a controlling effect on the racing and reduce the potential winners to the leaders of the strongest pro teams. For 2008 there will be a greater spread of teams, including pro teams, so we are looking forward to a great race with the winner as likely to come from a county team as from a pro team”.
Dignam also disclosed that the route for the eight days of racing is almost finalised and will be announced shortly. More>>>
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