Cycling Ireland has named a very strong Irish team for Rás Tailteann, with the defending champion, Dillon Corkery, returning to the race as road captain of an overwise all-U23 line-up.
The national team will once again target stage wins, and the overall, with team manager Martyn Irvine confident they can take more success the week after next.
“We’re excited to bring an Ireland team full of both youth and experience to the Rás Tailteann this year," said former world track champion Irvine. "We adopted a similar approach last year focusing on rider development and had a very successful race with Dillon (Corkery) taking the general classification.
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"I’m delighted to have Dillon back this year as his experience will be important in helping our developing riders achieve success in the race. I’m looking forward to seeing how we fair in a competitive field like the Rás Tailteann.”
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Last year's yellow jersey at the Junior Tour of Ireland, until a very unfortunate crash on the last day, Liam O'Brien makes his debut for the Irish senior team having been racing very strongly for Lidl - Trek Future Racing, and the Lidl-Trek World Tour team.
Dean Harvey (Trinity Racing) and Odhran Doogan (Caldwell Cycles) return to the national team for Rás Tailteann and both could win a stage, while Harvey should be a general classification contender.
Joining them on the national team, and getting a deserved first call up to the national team, is UCD Cycling Club's Liam Crowley, after a series of very strong performances on home roads this season.
