Some of the biggest races in Ireland are in financial difficulty while An Post-Chainreaction has also lost its sponsor and is not around for 2018. Now Rás Dhun na nGall is in serious trouble.
Rás Dhun na nGall cancelled as problems mount for Irish cycling scene
At a time when some of the most established races in Ireland are without sponsors, Rás Dhun na nGall is now in serious trouble.
The race will not take place this year. And its long-term future is also in doubt.
It has become a great race down the years; with four stages over three days in early June.
The summit finish atop Glengesh Pass has proven very testing. And the race has always produced intense competition among our best emerging riders.
But sadly promoting club Four Masters CC has cited funding and the need for more help on the race as two reasons at the centre of its current difficulties.
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News the race is cancelled for this year comes as a blow to the home scene, which is already under pressure.
Rás Tailteann, Rás na mBan and the Junior Tour are all currently looking for sponsors.
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And the Irish Continental level team An Post-Chainreaction has also lost its sponsors and is not operating this year.
It has said it will work to return to the 2019 peloton. But its absence from the racing scene, coupled with the sponsorship problems at home, is of deep concern to Irish cycling.
“After many years of running a successful and popular race, the Four Masters Cycling Club has taken the decision not to run the Rás Dhun na nGall this year,” the club said in a statement.
“There are several reasons for the decision. But it is mainly to do with rising costs and the need for more support personnel than the club can raise.
“The club realises that people will be disappointed with the decision. But we are not happy to put on an event that is not up to standard. And so the decision has been taken to cancel the race.
Thanks for those who helped out
“At this stage we are not sure what the future holds for the race. So we would like to say thanks to everyone who supported us.”
It thanked the Nesbitt Arms Hotel and the Ardara Town Traders. It was also thankful to the people of Ardara.
“Also included in our thanks are the race officials and support team. And the Irish Red Cross, the Gardaí, Donegal County Council, the local and cycling press.”
The club also paid tribute to the “riders and teams for great racing over the years”.
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