Team Ireland manager for Rás Tailteann, Martyn Irvine, has said his selection of riders will go all-out to try and win the race again, after Dillon Corkery's triumph last year, but added it won't be easy to do so well again.
Just 24 hours out from the 2024 edition getting underway in Tullamore, Co Offaly, organising group Cairde Rás Tailteann, has also announced further sponsors for the five days of racing ahead and outlined details of more challengers coming from abroad to take on the Irish.
Spin 11, the Irish clothing brand with deep roots in domestic cycling, is back again this year; sponsoring the U23 classification and also as jersey partner for the other classifications.
Furthermore, Festina watches is once again back to sponsor the county rider prize, with the brand's time pieces a major hit with those riders who have captured the county stage awards in recent years.
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Maria Connaughton of Spin 11 said she was delighted to continue her association with Ireland's premier stage race this year.
“The Rás Tailteann means a lot to Spin 11 and all involved with the company. We are so proud to be manufacturing the jerseys again for this super event," she said.
Race director, Ger Campbell, said having sponsors of the calibre of Spin 11 and Festina adding their support was a big boost for the Rás.
“The biggest prize in this race is the yellow jersey. That’s what all 145 riders will be lining up on the start line hoping to win. If not successful in obtaining yellow, they have five other opportunities to wear a Rás Tailteann classification jersey," he said.
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"However, these jerseys are only made possible by the very generous support of companies like Spin 11, which manufactures them for Rás Tailteann. Maria and all the crew at Spin 11 have done an incredible job yet again, and we are very thankful to them.
“We are also incredibly appreciative and proud to have a huge brand name such as Festina involved with the race," Campbell added.
"Being the first Irish county rider over the line in any stage of the Rás Tailteann is a very special achievement, and having something like a fabulous Festina watch to remember this momentous time is great for the riders.”
On the racing side of things, Irvine said he was very confident going into the race with an Irish team comprised of defending champion Corkery and U23 riders Dean Harvey, Liam Crowley, Liam O'Brien and Odhran Doogan.
Twelve months on from Corkery's big move on the last stage to take the final yellow jersey, Irvine said the experience of seeing his young team mount such a successful assault on the final day was still very fresh in his mind.
“Last year’s Rás was like a dream – the gamble paid off," he said. "We know it’s not going to be easy to repeat, but we will throw everything we have at it.”
Aside from the national team, UK squad Ribble Rebellion has also been confirmed for this year's race. It is a nine-rider racing team with riders from the UK, Continental Europe and the US on its 2024 roster.
Last year Joe Laverick, who returns to the Rás as road captain, began the last stage of the Irish race 3rd overall, just six seconds off yellow, before securing 6th in the final GC.
“I can’t wait to take on Rás Tailteann 2024 wearing the Ribble Rebellion jersey and see if I can bring back the George Plant Trophy”, said Laverick.
