FBD Insurance, the former long-term title sponsor of Rás Tailteann, is returning to the race this year as one of a number of co-sponsors. The insurance company is backing a new daily stage winner’s jersey in the race next month.
The company is synonymous with the event and last sponsored it in 2010, after which An Post assumed the title sponsorship. Since the national postal service ceased its backing, the race has been unable to find a new title sponsor.
Rás Tailteann took place in 2018, using cash reserves, and then did not run in 2019 for lack of funding. The Covid-19 pandemic kept it off the road in 2020 and last year.
While it is back for 2022, it is scaled down a little - from eight to five days - and is also no longer a UCI-ranked race. However, the staging of the race this year ensures continuity and keeps alive the very real hope a title sponsor will be found to secure its future.
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The welcome news that FBD Insurance is back on board has been confirmed today by Cáirde Rás Tailteann, the group running the event this year.
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“Cáirde Rás Tailteann is thrilled that FBD have decided to again support this iconic Irish event,” said 2022 race director Ger Campbell.
“FBD Insurance have played a significant role in the history of this race. FBD’s historical contribution and support in the development of the sporting institution that is An Rás Tailteann, was instrumental in lifting the event into a fully-fledged, world ranked UCI grade 2.2 event, befitting its status”.
FBD Insurance has been providing insurance cover to Irish consumers, businesses and farmers for over 50 years and has a network of 34 local sales offices. It is the largest Irish-owned insurance company and provides car, home, van, business and farm insurance, among others, to clients nationwide.
John Cahalan, chief commercial officer for FBD Insurance, said he was delighted the company was once more a part of Rás Tailteann.
“FBD has a proud tradition of supporting communities through our extensive branch network. As the sport of cycling continues to grow in Ireland, our renewed involvement in such a prestigious event is a further demonstration of our commitment to the communities in which we operate”.
The 67th edition of the race takes place between June 15th and 19th. It will travel clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Horse and Jockey, Castleisland, Lisdoonvarna, Kilbeggan, before starting the final stage in Kinnegad to the finishing circuit in seaside town of Blackrock, Co. Louth.
Riders will cover 756km with eight categorised climbs which will act as a platform for attacking riders to battle it out for the coveted Rás yellow jersey.
