A group of young Irish riders is now eyeing the Tour de Yorkshire as a possible big step forward in their careers. The race takes place at the start of May.
Young Irish riders in frame for Tour de Yorkshire
The Tour de Yorkshire teams have been announced and the news looks good for Irish riders. No fewer than six of the 20 teams confirmed have Irish riders in their rosters.
But the big news from an Irish perspective is the fact new team Holdsworth Pro Cycling has secured an invite.
Of the Continental teams taking part, Holdsworth is very much the home team. It is based in Yorkshire and has five Irish riders on its roster.
They include Sean McKenna, Damien Shaw, Bryan McCrystal, Dermot Trulock and Conn McDunphy.
As its home race, the team will want to pick the strongest team possible in its bid to put on a show. As a result gaining selection will not be easy.
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It would be highly unlikely that all of the Irish would be picked. However, with five Irish in the squad, at least some of them should make the cut.
Aqua Blue Sport is one of the ProContinental teams riding; guaranteed Irish representation in the race.
Furthermore, it counts three Irish riders on its roster; Matt Brammeier, Conor Dunne and Eddie Dunbar.
Tour de Yorkshire selection would be a very significant step forward for emerging Irish cyclists like Ben Walsh, top, and Conn McDunphy (Photos Vitus and Martine Verfaillie)
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JLT-Condor is also in the field and may give Robert Jon McCarthy the nod to see what he can do in the sprints.
Another Continental team to secure an invite, Vitus Pro Cycling has 18-year-old Ben Walsh in its ranks.
Riding in Yorkshire would mean he’d jump from winning junior races to lining out against WorldTour opposition in a matter of months.
Nicolas Roche was 2nd overall when riding with Team Sky two years ago. And now his BMC Racing team will ride in Yorkshire.
Philip Deignan (Team Sky) made the opening stage breakaway in 2015 and ended the race 5th overall.
However, both Roche and Deignan are riding the Giro d’Italia this year. As a result, they cannot ride in the Tour of Yorkshire. The Giro starts the same weekend.
Big show promised this year
Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said the demand for places is was huge.
“Reducing the number of riders per team from eight to seven in the men’s event meant we could invite more squads,” he said.
“Having the best teams in the business coming to Yorkshire is a massive coup. Furthermore, we’re delighted to have a record number of British-based teams pitting themselves against the world’s finest riders.
“Teams want to compete at the Tour de Yorkshire. They know they will be guaranteed massive crowds. (It's) exciting racing and an electric atmosphere.
“Last year 2.2 million spectators lined the route. And the fourth edition promises to be the biggest and best one yet.”
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