Ian Richardson made a superb debut riding for the national development team at the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan over the Easter weekend. And if he holds his form, he should be there or thereabouts for the national team again at the An Post Rás (Photo: Brendan Slattery - TheBigLittleBikeShop)
By Brian Canty
Last Sunday’s winner of the Stamullen GP, Ian Richardson, said it would be an “incredible honour” to wear the green jersey of Ireland at the An Post Rás next month.
The UCD-Fitzcycles man won his first ever road race in round five of the national road series last weekend and believes he is on course to hit peak form for the country’s biggest stage race in four weeks.
He was one of the key men behind Christopher McGlinchey’s victory at the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan and is putting his hand in the air for selection for the national team with how he’s going.
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“It was a great honour to ride for the Irish team in Rás Mumhan and an even greater honour to help such a gentleman and talented rider as Chris to overall victory,” he said.
Richardson's horse power and his experience would make him an ideal man to ride very well in the Rás while also helping mentor other riders on what will mainly - but not exclusively - be an U23 national team (Photo: Brendan Slattery - TheBigLittleBikeShop)
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“I think we (as a team) displayed an incredible show of strength to hold the jersey for the entire weekend.
“David McCann inspired a lot of confidence in us and his tactics were spot on.
“Also, we all gelled very well which showed on the final stage where we had full control of the race,” he added.
Few would have given Richardson much chance of doing what he did at the Rás last year.
But finishing top 10 on general classification has given him the belief to aim even higher this time around.
“Wearing the Irish jersey at the Rás would be an incredible honour and it would be a massive advantage in the race.
“The respect I gained by wearing the blue jersey last year (as top county rider) allowed me to ride in the top 20 for the rest of the week, so with an Irish jersey that'll be automatic from day one,” he reckoned.
“I'm much stronger than I was this time last year and the confidence and ambition to win is even greater.
“My trainer is preparing me to peak for the Rás and is extremely happy with my progress to date.
“I've the utmost confidence my form will only get better here on in.”
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