A race where legends have often begun, including the story of monument winner Dan Martin, the Junior Tour of Wales kicks off today. There are plenty of Irish hopefuls who can go into the British blue ribbon event full of expectations.
Though there is no Irish national team in the race to compete over the next five stages, Leinster and Munster have stood up - not for the first time - to fill the gap and provide opportunities for the teenagers. And, as Irish riders have gone over the last decade, this is a strong group.
Martin, who went on to glory in the pro ranks, went toe-to-toe with Geraint Thomas for overall victory in Wales in 2004 and emerged the victor. And six years ago it was Archie Ryan, now a World Tour pro with EF Education-EasyPost, who made his name with a trademark win on Tumble Mountain; best when the racing was at its hardest.
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This year we have Munster and Leinster team riders who have taken the kind of results that mark them out as contenders for stages and the overall over the next four days. And just below that level, some of the other Irish riders are due to make a big burst through. If not now, when?
The Junior Tour of Wales gets underway today, Friday, with an opening 9km TT from Brynmawr to Tumble. And before the race finishes on Tumble Mountain on Monday afternoon there is a 114km uphill finish stage to Crai and two stages on Sunday; a 44.6km circuit race in Pembrey and a 96km motor racing circuit, also in Pembrey in the afternoon.
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On the E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Munster are junior international Cal Tutty, Junior Tour of Ireland stage winner Michael Collins and Rory Condon, Eoghan Lattimore, Philip O’Connor and Willem O’Connor.
On the Cycling Leinster team are internationals Conor Prendergast and Josh Callaly as well as Patrick O'Sullivan, David Harrington and track international Matthew Walls.
Lattimore and O'Sullivan are due for a breakthrough win abroad and this week would be a great time to take it. O'Sullivan, a junior overlooked for national team selection, last week won at Mondello while Lattirmore posted some fine performances in the Junior Tour of Ireland, taking 2nd on stage 4.
Callaly has won several times on the home scene this year and gained invaluable international experience at UCI Nations Cup Hungary while Tutty can also strike in the days ahead. The one rider of the bunch who could pull a huge performance out of the bag is Prendergast.
He was very unlucky earlier this year with a training ride crash. As a result, he has not shown much of what he is capable of this year but this weekend would be a fantastic opportunity to throw it down.
