Ras Clare July 29th 2012 Press Release

harringtonp

Big Time Cycle Racing Back in the Banner

12th June 2012

Competitive cycle racing is making a comeback to the Banner County on July 29th next with the reintroduction of Rás Clár after a long absence.

Promoted by the Dolmen Cycling Club, the race will feature a tough course of 155 kms for A1s and A2s, 108 kms for the A3s and 60Kms for A4s.

With a prize fund of €2000 plus bonuses, the host club are hoping for a big attendance, attacking racing and a great spectacle throughout the circuit. Dolmen CC chairman, Philip Colleran, said

“We have been planning to reintroduce Rás Clár for some time now and are delighted with the support we have got from many quarters. We expect the top stars on the circuit to come to Clare to make a great spectacle.”

Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership, John Sweeney, sees the event as a hugely valuable addition to the cycling calendar in the county,

“The event reflects the huge upsurge in cycling here. The An Post Tour of the Burren is showcasing the county’s fantastic amenities for leisure cycling and now Rás Clár will show what we have to offer the leading lights of the racing community.”

The event is being made possible with the support of many local businesses that have supported the prize fund and general organisation.

Route and general race information is available at www.dolmencc.com Updates available by following @dolcyc on twitter on dolmen-cycling on facebook

A4
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/101101159

A3
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/101432637

A1/A2
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/101437021

harringtonp

The Clare County Championship was run over the exact A4 course on Wednesday evening just gone. Very enjoyable event, its a nice loop which I think anybody participating will enjoy. The climb/drag would seem enough to thin the group but not blow it completely apart.

Stats for Wednesday at:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/198356537

and a short video clip of the finish at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZEPJCy6rPk&feature=plcp

harringtonp

Very enjoyable Ras Clar today and superbly organised. First time in the 7 CI races I've done to date that the A4's have been split as a group.. and it was completely smashed to bits on the climb ! Makes for safe, well behaved and interesting racing. Very little automobile traffic too and one of the few races I've done where you didn't get that "lucky not to be caught in a crash feeling".

Thanks to all involved in the organisation, those of us in Dolmen who rode today got away lightly.

Results and report at

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/lacey-victorious-at-punishing-ras-clar-dan-morrissey-speedy-spokes-rampant/

fondriest

Well done Dolmen cc . Probably the most enjoyable race of the year , great circuit and brilliant organisation . I'll be back next year .

G200

Great day out, good route very well marshalled and organised!

mccutchie

Agree with the comments above, great route and fantastic racing, really enjoyed it. Roll on next year, well done dolmen CC and all the marshals and volunteers today

harringtonp

A3 race video at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sAaeMA51YU

A4 at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACk7NPwjyec

These are really good productions