The organisers of Ireland's premier men's stage race, Rás Tailteann, are currently putting the finishing touches to their plans for this year's edition and have confirmed the first three visiting foreign teams that will take to the start line.
Race director Ger Campbell had already said the level of interest from overseas teams could fill the full field, and with demand from the home scene also very strong, there is significant demand to ride the event.
The first three teams include two British squads and one from the US, with more international teams set to be confirmed in the weeks ahead.
The teams from the UK are Richardson Trek and Halesowen Academy, while the US team confirmed is Good Guys Racing; the latter featuring Irish rider Cormac Daly who recently won the New York State Championship.
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Campbell said the race organising group - Cáirde Rás Tailteann - were delighted to be in a position to start confirming teams for the 2023 edition of the race, which will unfold over five stages from May 17th.
Team Principal of Richardson Trek, Andy Lyons, said he and his riders were really looking forward to their first appearance in the Irish stage race.
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"It's a race with a great history and with so many fantastic winners over the years," Lyons said. "The team have wanted to ride An Rás for some time but unfortunately for the last few years, it has clashed with the Tour Series so we couldn't make the dates. This year, we’re bringing our strongest squad to Ireland.”
Team Principal of Halesowen Academy, William Fotheringham, said his team from the West Midlands was looking forward to the challenge posed the Rás and were all eager to make an impression.
“The team picked up some great experience racing in Rás Mumhan over Easter," he said. "The race featured some tough climbs, and we’re expecting An Rás Tailteann to be no different. The boys rode extremely well earlier in the year so we’re hoping this bodes well for the Rás.”
As well as Kerry native, Daly, in the US Good Guys team is Trevor August and Jake Castor as well as Josh Lipka, who has joined the team this year as a prolific category 1 rider with nine wins one on the American race circuit in 2022.
“We are very happy to welcome Good Guys Racing back again from the USA. There is no doubt that this team added to the flavour of the 2022 edition and I look forward to their inclusion again in 2023,” race director Campbell said of the team.
This year's Rás Tailteann will feature stage finishes in Birr, Ennis, Castlebar and Monaghan before starting the final stage to a finishing circuit in the seaside town of Blackrock, Co Louth. The riders will cover 768km with 14 categorised climbs in the battle for stage and overall honours.
