PRESS RELEASE.
RATHDRUM MAY BE CRUCIAL IN FBD Insurance RÁS
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| David O'Loughlin's great win on Seskin Hill in 2004 |
After racing 160,000 metres from Abbeyleix the top class field of international cyclists from many parts of the world in this year’s FBD Insurance RÁS may find the final 700 metres to the finish line on Rathdrum’s Main Street the most challenging of all. On what is a comparatively flat stage through Carlow, Bunclody, Ferns and Glenealy the sting in the tail comes as the riders hit Hill Street Lower in Rathdrum and an 8% gradient up Lower Hill Street, pass the old Ardavan House and a sharp swing left on to Main Street and the finish line 200 metres away.
The uphill finish is an opportunity for one of the eighty county riders in the race to snatch a stage win as the length and gradient falls a little short of suiting the climbing specialist and yet too severe for the natural sprinter. Valuable seconds in the General Classification could also be gained, and lost, in the picturesque village, which could have a major impact on the destination of final honours. The following day, Saturday 28th, the riders tackle the mountainous penultimate stage to Wicklow Town and seconds could prove crucial.
The final stage will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 29th May, preceded by a full programme of underage races for the FBD Insurance RÁS riders of the future.
