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Iran For FBD Insurance Rás
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| Amir Zargari |
Following an elaborate scam last year to use the FBD Insurance RÁS as a means of illegal entry into the country by a group purporting to be an Iranian cycling team, it has been announced that Iran will definitely be represented in this year’s race when it gets underway from Navan on Sunday 18th May.
Race Organiser Dermot Dignam confirmed that, following contacts with the Iranian Embassy in Dublin and the Iranian Cycling Federation, the very strong UCI Continental (pro) Azad University cycling team will make the long journey to Ireland to take part in the UCI ranked 8 day international FBD Insurance RÁS.
Amir Zargari, Abbas Saeiditanha, Mehdi Sohrabi, Hassan Maleki Mizan and Mehdi Faridi will line out for the Continental-level Iran – Azad University team, and have enough individual and collective strength to make a big impression on the race. More>>>
Tough Route Announced For 2008 FBD Insurance RÁS
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| Chris Newton double Rás winner wins stage 3 into Lisdoonvarna 2005 |
Aiming for a perfect balance between suspense and spectacle, a tough route for the 2008 FBD Insurance RÁS has been unveiled by the race organisers and should result in another epic clash.
Eight days, twenty King of the Mountain climbs and a total of 1224 difficult kilometres await the estimated 160 riders from at least eight countries who will line out in the world-ranked event. A tough finale is guaranteed, with the longest stage of 180 kilometres being followed by a gruelling climbing leg in the Wicklow mountains and then the concluding stage to Skerries, which always results in flat-out racing to the line.
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of FBD Insurance sponsorship of the race, making it one of the longest running sports sponsorship in the country.
The 2.2-ranked event begins in Navan on Sunday May 18th with a 142 kilometre stage to Ballinamore. Two category three climbs await at Kells and Slieve an gCallaigh and with these also doubling as hot spot sprints, valuable time bonuses will be up for grabs and could well determine who wears the first yellow jersey. More>>>
Stage 1 Route & Time Schedule
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Stage 1, Sunday 18th May 2008
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| Navan To Ballinamore 142 Kms. |
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Stage 2 Route & Time Schedule
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Stage 2 , Monday 19th May 2008
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| Ballinamore To Claremorris 167 Kms. |
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Stage 3 Route & Time Schedule
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Stage 3 , Tuesday 20th May 2008
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| Claremorris To Lisdoonvarna 133 Kms. |
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Stage 4 Route & Time Schedule
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Stage 4, Wednesday 21st May 2008
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| Corofin To Tralee 156 Kms. |
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