Irish teams have not been in the An Post Rás for a number of years now but that is set to change this year after Cycling Ireland confirmed a five-man selection will spearhead the home challenge. Above, Urban Monks in national colours in 2009.
It has been confirmed there will be an Irish national team in this year’s An Post Rás (May 22-29).
Though exact details of how the five-man selection will be made for country’s showpiece stage race is yet to be confirmed, it is expected that experience, results and the ability to ride as a team will be three pre-requisites.
Cycling Ireland president Ciarán McKenna confirmed the news to stickybottle yesterday, bringing to an end months of speculation on the topic.
Some have argued that a national team brings nothing to the race and money should be spent on taking teams abroad.
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Others are of the opinion that as the county’s flagship race, it’s only correct the green jersey is present.
The national federation is expected to release details on the selection criteria in the coming week.
McKenna, who is in his first year as president of the federation, said that one of the things he hopes to implement more of this year is a greater focus on developing the road discipline and move away from the emphasis that’s been placed on the track in previous years.
We’ll bring you more on this when we get it but it seems like a good move in that it provides a huge incentive for the home-based men.
