Some of the riders who took part in Race the Rás last year crossing the finish line in Skerries, north Dublin. The event has raised over €400,000 since it began in 2011.
Registration for the fifth annual Race the Rás event has opened and the organisers are anticipating the biggest number of entrants yet for the week-long sportive.
The brainchild of Eamonn Ó Muircheartaigh, Race the Rás is a unique event that gives leisure cyclists the opportunity to ride the same route as the country’s top riders in the An Post Rás UCI 2.2-ranked stage race in May.
Those riding Race the Rás ride the route of the Rás on the same day as the racers but start a few hours ahead of them.
They cycle to the same town the Rás stage is ending is that day and the name of the week-long cycle comes from the concept that they must get to their destination each day ahead of the racers.
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They must, literally, race the Rás field.
Riders can take in all eight stages, ride just one stage or take in a block of four stages or a block of three stages.
The proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Galway (NBCRI) and since the event’s inauguration in 2011 over €400,000 has been raised.
Paul McCormack won the race twice - in 1987 and 1988 - and will ride the Race the Rás sportive version this year.
“This is the fifth year of it now so we’re used to the organisation,” said Ó Muircheartaigh.
“We started in 2010, the first year I think we only had 22 people who did the whole eight days.
“It was a real eye-opener; the severity of the event blew us away and the weather was terrible.
“The second year we were a lot cuter and we knew what was ahead of us. Word got out among the cycling fraternity that this was a great challenge.
“Last year we had 44 doing the full eight stages and maybe another 100 people doing three or four stages.
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“So it has grown and the word is out that it’s a real test mentally and physically.”
There’s a slight change to the format this year, with riders now being offered five options.
They can ride the full eight days which encompasses the entire 1,200 kilometres of the An Post Rás.
They can also ride the first four stages, or the last three stages. Or they can ride the first stage only, or the last stage only.
Another double winner of the race, Philip Cassidy will also be lining out for Race the Rás.
“Former Rás winners Paul McCormack and Philip Cassidy will be with us for the third year,” said Ó Muircheartaigh.
“McCormack is an ambassador for the event and he’s coming from America with a crew of cyclists so it’s growing all the time.
“We’ve raised over €400,000 in the four years so we’re delighted with that.
“The economic climate made it hard to raise any kind of money, especially for charities
“A lot of work goes into it but it’s worth it. When you have your health you have to appreciate it because there are many people less fortunate and it.”
Accommodation, meals, kit and full backup will be provided during the event. The entrance fee is raised by riders securing sponsorships.
Registration and any other information can be accessed at the event's website.
Participants will be able to choose from the following online options this year.
- Option 1 involves a rider covering all eight stages of the Rás. For this, a deposit of €250 is payable by April 1st with the remaining €1,000 payable by May 1st.
- Option 2 involves riding stages 1 to 4 inclusive. A deposit of €250 is payable by April 1st and a further €400 is due by May 1st.
- Option 3 involves riding stages 5 to 8 inclusive. A deposit of €250 is payable by April 1st and a further €400 is due by May 1st.
- Option 4 will see the rider taking in stage 1 only. For that €100 is payable by May 1st.
- Option 5 will see the rider taking in stage 8 only. For that €100 is payable by May 1st.
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