Waterford to support An Post rÁs riders
Wednesday, 27th April 2011
Big crowds expected in Tramore for the sixth stage finish
It's just over a month until teams from all over the world, including as far away as New Zealand and Japan, line up for the start of the 2011 An Post Rás. This year the six stage finishes in Tramore with the penultimate stage of the race starting from there the following morning. A notoriously aggressive sixth day of racing is expected as the battle to hold onto the yellow jersey reaches the latter stages of the gruelling eight day race.
Last year saw huge numbers cheering the riders along the route and at the stage finishes and this year Rás organiser, Dermot Dignam, is hoping to see similar crowds.
"I'm delighted that the sixth and seventh stages of the Rás will be visiting County Waterford this year. I'm certain there will be a big crowd for the stage finish in Tramore, after what promises to be a thrilling day of racing." said Dignam.
Following the sixth stage set off from Blarney, Co Cork at 11am, the peloton will head east in a 172kilometre run to the stage finish and Dignam expects to see plenty of action along the way.
"There are a cluster of climbs heading to Tramore and then three or four hundred meters of an uphill finish to the top of Main Street," says Dignam. "It is a tough uphill finish, especially coming after six King of the Mountain climbs. It is going to be a great stage."
"It makes for a really interesting end to the day, so hopefully there will be huge support in the town. I urge the local community, especially schools, to get out and cheer the riders as they go by. This will be one of the most talented line ups we have ever had on the Rás, so it's a great opportunity to see potential future stars of the Tour de France racing through the roads of Ireland" Dignam added.
The 8 day International cycling road race takes place from May 22nd to 29th and as well as the global feel to the event the emphasis will again be on national, regional and top level sponsored amateur cycling teams.
For regular updates throughout the 2011 An Post Rás visit http://www.anpostras.ie
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