Tony Martin in the Rás Tailteann yellow jersey in 2007. He'd win the worlds four times but says winning the Rás as a young rider gave him confidence and made him hungry for more (Photo: Stephen McMahon)
By Luke Maguire
With the news of the cancellation of the Rás Tailteann for 2019, tributes to the race have come from far and wide.
Tony Martin won the Rás in 2007 while riding for the Thuringer Energie team from Germany.
Since then Martin has gone on to have a highly successful career, winning multiple World Championships and Tour de France stages.
Speaking to stickybottle about the race's demise for now, Martin reflected on his memories of winning the historic race.
“It was a super nice race, with a really unique atmosphere.” said Martin before news of the race’s cancellation was confirmed though it was unfortunately anticipated.
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“The fans were amazing. After stages people were telling me that I was a ‘man of the Rás'. I was wondering ‘What are they talking about?’
“After some reading on the history I found the meaning of the phrase and how important the race is for Irish riders.”
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Top, Brian Kenneally winning the final stage into Skerries the year Tony Martin won overall. The Irish amateur won two stages, summing up one of the unique characteristics of the Rás – Irish riders competing against, and sometimes beating, cyclists that go on to be dominant on the world stage. Middle, John Degenkolb taking his second win of Rás 2010. He'd go on to win two stages in the Tour de l'Avenir that year and was a WorldTour rider with HTC Highroad the follow season. He's since taken 11 Grand Tour stage wins. Bottom, Tony Martin in Tour de France yellow eight years after being crowned Rás champion.
Martin was still an under 23 rider when he won the race. And he believes it was a step on the ladder to the top of the sport.
“I was 21 when I won the Rás and so far in my career I still hold it as one of my biggest victories,” he said.
“It gave me huge motivation for the following years in my career. I remember it as a victory that me huge confidence.
“I still remember the school kids coming out on the side of the roads cheering, it was a special week.
“It was a lovely stage race and was a huge success for me and my career. I’m very disappointed to hear of its troubles.”
The race has been kind to German cyclists in the past; John Degenkolb won two stages in 2011 and Team Sky’s Christian Knees won a stage in 2001 and was 3rd overall.
“It has been not only an important race for me, but for many young German cyclists. For sure the Rás will be missed,” said Martin.
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