Dignam promises toughest Ras

CYCLING: FBD Milk Rás race director Dermot Dignam has promised that this year's race, the 50th edition, will feature "one of the toughest ever" routes in the event's history.

Dignam has revealed that the round Ireland stage race will feature seven stages of over 155 kilometres, with two of these over 170 kilometres.

In addition, the estimated 200 riders will face 14 mountain climbs on the two toughest stages of the contest.

Dignam expects riders from at least 10 countries to compete in the eight-day event, which takes place this year from Sunday, May 19th to the following Sunday.

He will unveil full route details next week.

Meanwhile, the Irish Sports Council (ISC) recently announced that they would continue their support of the event, including the sponsoring of the classification for best young rider in the race.

Last week the ISC revealed that they would be giving a total of €304,200 in funding to Cycling Ireland this year, marking a sizeable increase over the €262,508 awarded to its predecessor, the ICF, in 2001 and a full 62 per cent increase on the sum of €188,927 received in 2000.

The increase is seen as a vote

of confidence in the restructuring of the federation and the long-term strategy plan unveiled last year.

The Team Ireland project, which provides backing for Irish riders who wish to race abroad, has also impressed the ISC and €40,000 of this year's funding has been earmarked for use in this area.

The Earl of Desmond/Tralee Bicycle Club racing team has its official launch today in Tralee, with a promising line-up confirmed for this season.

The squad features two national champions - Paul Griffin, who won the hillclimb last year, and the under-23 road race title holder Thomas Hogan.

Kieran McMahon, John Dempsey, Sean Lacey and Brendan Lacey complete the line-up.

Finally, cycling fans who

were relishing the thought of tuning in to the Tour de France

or World Cup events this year

are set for a huge disappointment after NTL announced they are to drop the Eurosport channel.

The broadcaster provides much-appreciated live coverage of many big events, but as of today it is set to be replaced by programmes from CNBC Europe.