County riders may be talking about the Rás being their priority for this year, but some of their teams have missed the registration deadline. Above, county riders battling in last year’s race (Photo: Stephen Kelleghan)
The organisers of the An Post Rás have said a number of county teams missed the deadline for their entry into the race.
The deadline has now been extended to next Tuesday at the very latest. Teams should have registered by last Wednesday.
Team liaison officer Brona O’Sullivan said there had been a very strong take up from county teams already and it was now possible some squads would be left disappointed.
“The official closing date is passed,” O’Sullivan told stickybottle today.
“We have 16 county teams already but there are a number of teams who’ve yet to register.
Advertisement
“I think it’s gas to read the articles on stickybottle where guys say the Rás is their priority but at the moment particular teams haven’t even registered.
“There’s been enough hype. I’ll give them until Monday but we’re under pressure ourselves,” she added.
Related News
Mark Dowling has been one of the very top domestic riders in recent seasons and took three county rider prizes in last year's Rás. He has a stage win in his legs if he got some luck.
While the take up has been very strong already, O’Sullivan doubted if the flatter route for the race this year has influenced that trend.
“We released the route quite late in January but I can’t completely see how the route could be a deciding factor in a quicker uptake because a county rider interested in the Rás starts training in October,” she explained.
“I don’t think it would’ve had a huge influence; it might encourage one or two to give it a go but I really don’t think the route is a factor.
“I think it could be a false sense of security for a county rider, believing the route is easier.”
Typically, there are around 18 to 19 county teams in the race, with the remainder made up of national selections and Continental teams from abroad.
“I know there are teams out there with their riders in full training but they haven’t registered yet,” said O’Sullivan.
All information on registering a team for this year’s race can be found by clicking here.
Topics
