Athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan considering riding An Post Rás na mBan in September

At the race launch in Ennis today were (left to right): Co Clare rider Imogen Cotter, Worlds track bronze medallist Caroline Ryan, Worlds Masters gold medallist Orla Hendron, and perhaps Ireland's best ever sports woman Sonia O'Sullivan (Photo: www.blackumbrellaphotography.com)

A former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist from the world of athletics, Sonia O’Sullivan is considering riding the An Post Rás na mBan at the back end of the season.

The Cobh legend has suffered some niggling injuries since retiring from competitive running and has taken to cycling to keep in shape. The former 5,000 metres star has seen herself drawn further into the sport, having started with relatively gentle training rides but recently progressing to organised endurance events as she splits her time between living in Ireland and Australia.

She has become a patron for the An Post Rás na mBan, which takes place in September in its new Co Clare base. And at the official launch in Ennis today she revealed she was curious to see how she might fair riding the race this year.

"Recently I've been getting more interested in cycling to help me keep fit and I was delighted when I was asked to get involved in Rás na mBan this year,” she said.

"I like to keep running but I've had one or two injuries and it's difficult to run every day so I've moved over to do a bit of cycling which allows me to keep fit and is another outlet.

"I rode the London to Paris Challenge bike ride last year. I'd never ridden that far. It was more than 100 miles a day for three days and I very much enjoyed the experience. There was a racing element to each day with sections at the end of each ride designated for full out racing and I progressed through the groups each day.”

"Having said that, Rás na mBan would be a different experience altogether and, really, I've no idea what level cyclist I am. I do know that I've a lot to learn and I'm really looking forward to September.”

"Top cycling coach Paddy Doran has been giving me a bit of advice and I know plenty of bike riders in Cork around Cobh and down in Australia who are helping to keep me properly trained. It would be a very exciting challenge.”

After five years in Kerry, the race will be based in Ennis this year, with six stages in five days. The domestic and international field will face over 400 kilometres of racing and some new features to spice up things this year.

As well as four tough road stages, the riders will face a team time trial on the morning of the third day followed by a short circuit ‘criterium’ stage in Ennis town centre in the afternoon.

With 16 categorised climbs dotted throughout the week’s itinerary on some of the most picturesque as well as demanding roads in Munster, it’s a route that offers something for every type of rider.

“To win An Post Rás na mBan this year you will need to be a true all rounder in the very best traditions of stage cycle racing,” said organiser Valerie Considine.

“We have steep hills for the climbers, tough rolling roads for the rouleurs, a criterium for the power riders and a team time trial to emphasise the support needed to put together a bid for the overall title. We’ve been truly heartened by the increased level of interest from teams from abroad while the Irish challenge looks to be stronger than ever with two new teams announced in recent weeks.”

Details of participating teams will follow in the coming weeks.

Stages Revealed

Stage One

‘MAGHERA’ – ROAD RACE, WEDNESDAY 11^TH SEPTEMBER

Ennis-Tulla-Maghera-Crusheen-Barefield-Ennis

Vital Statistics

Stage Start - Ennis - Stage Finish - Ennis - Distance – 64.8km

1 Category 2 climb; 1 Category 3 climb

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2153061

Stage Two

‘CORKSCREW’ – ROAD RACE, THURSDAY 12^TH SEPTEMBER

Ennis-Corofin-Lisdoonvarna-Blackhead-Ballyvaghan-Bellharbour-Carron