Rás contenders ready to hit ground running as five days of fierce racing begin in Tullamore
Dillon Corkery chases the leaders over the Wolf Trap last year. Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan
The 69th edition of Ireland’s biggest bike race, Rás Tailteann, kicks off today from Tullamore with 145 riders set to roll out at noon for a tough opening 148km to Kilmallock.
A strong Irish team featuring defending champion Dillon Corkery, former King of the Hills Dean Harvey, Lidl Trek Development rider Liam O’Brien, Odhran Doogan and in-form domestic-based Liam Crowley of UCD take on a strong field containing international teams from USA, Mexico, China, Spain and the UK.
The first Hot Spot sprint and time bonuses of the Rás comes in Birr, after just 29km, and with two more featuring at Newport (100km) and Holycross (134km) during the opening day, these mid-stage gallops may well determine the owner of the first yellow jersey of the five day race.
Today's Sports News in 90 Seconds - 22nd May
The first Irish Independent King of the HIlls jersey will also be up for grabs today with the third category climbs of Bikepark, after 42km, and Birdhill, after 93km, offering two chances to snatch an early lead in the prestigious climbers’ classification.
Today’s finish in Kilmallock will be followed by stage ends in Sneem, Cahir and Kildare Town before Sunday’s grand finale in Bective, County Meath where the race will take in three laps of a 14km spectator-friendly finishing circuit.
