Tipperary set for thrilling an post rs action
It’s less than three weeks to go until the 2015 An Post Rás gets underway and with a star studded line-up of international teams set to compete, excitement is building up all around the country. Tipperary will play host to the second stage finish on Monday May 18th and will also see the peloton set off on stage three the following morning.
Tipperary locals can expect an action packed couple days of racing with riders certain to go all out to claim that coveted stage two yellow jersey. The race received hugesupport from locals around the country last year with thousands coming out to cheer on the riders as they made their way along the route. An Post Rás organiser Tony Campbell is hoping to see similar crowds once again:
“We’re delighted to see Tipperary host a stage of the Rás for the first time since 2010. We have a very exciting line-up of teams this year so I’ve no doubt it will be a spectacular couple of days racing. The Tipp locals have always shown a great passion for cycling so I know they’ll be cheering on the riders as they make their way to the finish line.”
Following the second stage set off from Carlow that morning, the peloton will embark on a 137 kilometre journey en route to the stage finish on Main Street. It takes the riders through Paulstown, Cuffsgrange and Poulacapple before a two kilometre ascent to the summit of the category three Nile Mile House climb (63 km mark).
“I anticipate great racing as the roads will be very good for that. I think the action will largely stick together, although there will probably be a few riders who go out the back on the last climb. I think that one could also shake up the top riders.”
Campbell is also urging locals to come out and cheer on the riders as they pass through the county.
“We have teams coming from all around the world to compete - Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Canada, Austria, and France to name a few – so the reputation of the Rás and the toughness of the race is renowned worldwide. Not only will it make for great viewing for the fans, but it gives local riders the opportunity to compete against some of the very best cycling talent in the world. I would strongly encourage local communities to get out and support the riders as they pass through their town.”
The eight day International cycling road race takes place from May 17th to 24th and as well as the global feel to the event the emphasis will again be on national, regional and top level sponsored amateur cycling teams.
An Post have partnered up once again with RTÉ for the famous race and cycling fans eager to follow the action can log on to www.rte.ie/anpostras for exclusive rider interviews, highlights from each stage, results and classification standings. Regular updates are also available on www.anpostras.ie