Louise Moriarty (Look Mum No Hands) takes stage honours into Sneem last year
By Caroline Martinez
The organisers of Ireland’s only international women’s stage race, the An Post Rás na mBan, have announced date changes for the five-day, with the race now starting on a Sunday with an unusual weekday concluding stage.
The decision to target a weekend start this year is aimed at trying to maximise the crowds turning out for the race’s opening stage. Those behind the race hope the public interest will then be maintained until the race ends the following Thursday.
Race director Valerie Considine also believes the Sunday start will make it easier for international teams to get to Ireland with the least amount of difficulty.
“The five-day format was very well received last year and there was great enthusiasm for the challenge presented by stages over hills such as Healy Pass. So rest assured we’ll have similar fare for the riders this year.”
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“Plans are well advanced for this year’s race and, I have to say, we’re better prepared at this time than any previous year.”
The race is backed by An Post, with financial support also from the four-star Sneem Hotel, owned by the Dublin-Kerry cyclist and businessman Louis Moriarty.
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A quality field is expected for this year’s race; the seventh running of the event. The race was increased in length last year from a three-day to a five-day, a factor that has made it more attractive to strong international teams
Considine said she was delighted with the growth of the race last for its first staging as a five-day.
“What was particularly heart-warming last year was the strength in depth from the Irish riders coupled with increased interest from teams and riders in the UK and France to go with the usual support from the Netherlands and Germany.”
Best county rider in the race for the past three years, Melanie Spath welcomed the fact the event is now extended.
“It reflects the fact that women's cycling in Ireland is growing and the depth of Irish talent is increasing.”
“The Irish riders were better prepared. Maybe the new five-day format was an incentive for the riders to train that little bit more. I also think that the increase in days meant that you had to be quite confident that you would last through the five days and might have discouraged those that have not put in an appropriate amount of training. “
The reigning champion, California-based pro rider Olivia Dillon will definitely be looking for a third win this year. Dublin-based Spath will also be among the favourites to win the event.
Kerry’s very own elite rider, Michelle Geoghegan had to miss the race last year due to injury but is due to return in 2012. She now rides for Belgian pro team Steeds-Vooraan and should go well on the climbs in Kerry.
This year’s race will start on Sunday, September 9th, and finish on Thursday, September 13th. It will be based in and around Sneem once again.
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