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Race the Ras 2016

  • 22-02-2016 1:43pm
    #1
    Lancey Howard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 ✭


    Does anyone have any info about this event?

    The route has been published for the main event. I had heard that Race the Ras this year would be the last 3 stages, but haven't seen any confirmation of this.

    The website still has application details for the 2015 event.

    Is it taking place this year?


Comments

  • #2
    stecleary
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭stecleary


    It's only the last 3 stages this year. you have to book it through the CI website. €500 for the 3 stages

    Stage 6, Friday May 27: Clonakilty to Dungarvan (159.1 kilometres):

    Things appear flatter on stage six, with the climbing limited to a trio of category three ascents. The first of these is at Windy Gap (km. 35.6), with the second after the towns of Coachford, Donoghmore and Mallow. The climb of Rathcormack Mountain (km. 94.7) leads the riders on to Aghern, Conna and Curraglas prior to the day’s third ascent, Knockroe (km. 127.8). However, there are many draggy roads too, making things tougher than they seem on paper.

    The finale will see the riders hurtle through Lismore and Cappoquin before the final sprint into Dungarvan.

    An Post Rás Race Director Tony Campbell’s assessment:

    “The race is going over all the back roads around north County Cork. It is a very, very rolling day and while there are only three categorised climbs, it is a very sticky stage. The only time the guys will get a straight run on flat roads is from Lismore to Dungarvan. I don’t expect the bunch to come into Dungarvan together.”

    Stage 7, Saturday May 28: Dungarvan to Baltinglass (155 kilometres):

    Unless the gaps are tight in the general classification, the penultimate day of racing could prove to be the last chance for those trying to take the yellow jersey to make their move. The 155 kilometre leg from Dungarvan to Baltinglass has four climbs, including a category one ascent, and will be hard-fought.

    The first of those rears up at Killinaspick (category 3, km. 46.4) and, after Mullinavat and Inistioge, the second and third occur at Ballygallon Hill (category 3, km. 76.8) and Raheendonore climb (category 3, km. 80.8).

    The peloton will then race through Graiguenamanagh and Borris prior to the day’s biggest mountain, the category one Mount Leinster (km. 106.2).

    The riders will then hurtle down the descent and on through Tullow and Rathvilly prior to the finish in Baltinglass.

    An Post Rás Race Director Tony Campbell’s assessment:

    “Another very rolling stage. There is a tricky little road between Inistioge and Graiguenamanagh and damage could be done there. There could also be big changes going up Mount Leinster.

    “After the summit, there will be a very fast run in from Bunclody to Baltinglass, and so gaps could be closed down again. Although it is possible for a rider to stay clear, as happened two years ago when Liam Holohan won the stage.”

    Stage 8, Sunday May 29: Kildare to Skerries (148.4 kilometres):

    The final day of racing will be familiar to those who have competed in recent editions of the An Post Rás, travelling on many of the same roads which lead to the crowd-thronged finale in Skerries.

    The stage begins in Kildare and passes through Prosperous, Kilcock, Dunsany, Dunshaughlin, Ratoath and Curraha prior to the first of five category three climbs, that of Pluckhimin (km. 78.2). Coming after the village of Naul, the next climb, Cross of the Cage (km. 97.8), brings the riders onto the 13.8 kilometre finishing circuit and begins the final countdown to the crowning of the 2016 An Post Rás champion.

    Following the first passage over the finish line (km. 106.2), the peloton will begin the first of three ascents of the Black Hills climb. These ascents come at kilometre 111, 124.9 and 138.8 and offer a last-gasp chance for attackers to chase the stage win and overall honours.

    An Post Rás Race director Tony Campbell’s assessment:

    “On the final stage we have three laps of the finishing circuit. We introduced that third lap last year and it did some damage in the finale, adding to the suspense, and so we decided to keep it in.

    “We think the people of Skerries deserve that, they come out in their groves every year to support the race and it’s great to see. You never know what could happen the third time up the climb.”


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