Rás director Tony Campbell says to be competitive in the event the domestic riders will need to get into the shape of their lives.
By Brian Canty
An Post Rás race director Tony Campbell said there are more climbs on this year's just announced race route, it was not out of the reach of domestic riders if they approached their preperation properly.
Following a recent ruling by Cycling Ireland that stated no riders can upgrade to A2 to be eligible to ride the country’s biggest stage race, some suspected the route for this year's race might be stepped up a gear.
The route announcement revealed 25 climbs; three of which are cat 1 ascents.
It’s a much harder race on paper than 12 months ago when there were 21 categorised climbs, 19 of which were cat 3.
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Of the 25 categorised climbs for this year’s edition, from May 22nd to 29th; as well as 19 cat 3 ascents there are two cat 2 and two cat 1s.
It means while it is more undulating this time around and it will a very tough challenge, it is by no means packed with climbing.
“Boys talked about it being a flat circuit last year, it’s not a flat circuit this year,” said Campbell.
“But it’s not really hilly, it’s more undulating and it’s more competitive. I think it gives something to everyone.
“A flat route last year gave people an incentive to race and I think it’ll be the same this year.
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“It doesn’t do any harm to throw in a pretty flat circuit every so often,” he added.
Campbell believes the race is within the grasp of the home-based men, provided they train properly.
“Our boys have to learn to race,” said Campbell, who assumed control of the race after long time director Dermot Dignam stepped away from the post.
“The home races are too short for our lads but someone like Bryan McCrystal showed how you can compete in the Rás.
“You can’t be going out riding 72-kilometre races on a Sunday and thinking that’s enough if you want to be competitive.
“I think clubs will have to start doing longer races and our boys will have to start riding to and from those races.
“Bryan McCrystal coming into the sport late is an example to all. A lot of boys wouldn’t live with him today yet he’s a relative newcomer.”
Asked why the route bears such a resemblance to 2014, with half of the stages finishing in the same towns, Campbell said the success of two years ago was a factor.
“Certain people wanted the stages and it worked out perfectly, we’re using different roads but you go back to the stage ends where people want the race.
“This year it’s worked out brilliant. Dungarvan asked for the stage a few years ago and we were happy to give them one this year.
“Baltinglass wanted it again, we’re going back to Dingle because it’s 60 years since Paudie Fitzgerald won the Rás and Kerry is a place with a long history with the Ras. We can’t forget that.”
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