David McCann may not be defending his title

A record number of riders will contest the FBD Insurance RÁS when the big 8 day international cycle race gets underway from the GPO on Sunday 22^nd of next month. Included in the huge field of 200 riders, the maximum number of riders allowed by the world controlling body, UCI, for international races, will be professional teams, national teams, continental regional teams and, of course, a strong contingent of county teams. 

The Irish national team, due to be named shortly, may not have the services of current champion, David McCann, nor last year’s third placed David O’Loughlin both of whom are finding it difficult to obtain release from their pro contracts to take part in this year’s race. However, the selectors have an abundance of talent from which to choose. Tipperary’s John Dempsey staked a major claim with his great win in Rás Mumhan over Easter, while Kerry’s Eugene Moriarty and Paul Griffin are also in great form. Perhaps the new kid on the block, Brian Keane,  may also come in to the reckoning following his performance in Rás Mumhan. Or, alternatively, the Irish selectors could opt for a young, developmental team with the next Olympics in mind.

East Europeans will put this year's bunch under pressure

The route for the race will bring the riders in an anti clockwise course with stage finishes in Emyvale, Tubbercurry, Lisdoonvarna, Templemore, Abbeyleix, Rathdrum and Wicklow Town. The grand finale will once again be in the beautiful setting of the Phoenix Park on Sunday 29^th May.