Ras line-up gets stronger

A host of international teams may already have been confirmed for next month's FBD Milk Ras, but as the weeks go by the field continues to gather strength. Estonia has fielded overall challengers in recent years, with Sigvard Kukk and Erki Putsep finishing sixth and fifth in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and both Kukk and team-mate Alges Maasikmets will return as part of the squad this year. Latvia has also been confirmed to take part in recent days. Led by experienced Elite-rider Armanos Baranovskis, their presence creates a little piece of Ras history in that it marks the first time two countries from the former Soviet Union will appear in the race.

The strong international challenge has been the topic of speculation in recent weeks, with many wondering if this race will be the one to bring an end to the 10-year winning streak by home riders.

The Soviet Union entrant Dainis Ozoles lifted the trophy back in 1989 and, with race-organiser Dermot Dignam chasing UCI points for next year's race, it would arguably benefit the event should a visiting rider emerge best this time.

Last year's winner Philip Cassidy will not share such concerns, focusing his entire season towards becoming only the third rider to successfully defend his crown. The 38-year-old extended his winning tally this year to six victories when he took the Tour of the North last weekend, fending off a number of riders from Britain in the process. Dubliner Paddy Moriarty was also impressive in the Ras Mumhan, and both will be among the favourites for this weekend's Tour of Ulster which starts in Derry tomorrow.

The event should offer further insight as to who will be Ras contenders, with Sunday's stage marked by a number of first-category climbs and a time trial on Monday morning. The race should highlight who is, and who is not, going well.

An alternative to the northern event is Sunday's Ben McKenna Memorial in Balbriggan, taking in a 13.5-mile circuit which includes the testing Nags Head climb. Senior riders face five laps, with juniors, veterans and ladies completing two less.

Looking further afield, after finishing in the bunch in last Saturday's Boucles de Artois, Mark Scanlon is currently riding in the Circuit Des Mines pro-am race which finishes on Monday. Morgan Fox lines out in two big races this weekend; tomorrow's Rund um den Flughafen Koln-Bonn and the semi-classic Rund um den Henninger Turn Frankfurt on Monday.

Tour of Ulster - April 29th - April 31st, stage One starts Derry at 12.50 p.m.

Christy McManus Memorial - April 29th, Bray. Starts at 11 a.m.

Connacht Cycling Federation - Kilconly April 29th. CP Race at 6.30 p.m.

Ben McKenna Memorial - April 30th, Balbriggan. Starts at 10.45 a.m.. Sign-on in the Town Hall. Drumm Memorial Cup - Currow, April 30th. Starts at 12.30pm and 2 p.m..

IVCA 40-MILE - April 30th. Starts at

Clongowes Wood College (on Clane-Kilcock Rd), 10 a.m.

Eagle CC Bank Holiday Leisure Spin - April 30th-May 1st. Contact Alice Sherratt for details, 01-8210286

Leinster Cycling Feredation Superstore Leisure League - April 30th, Navan RC Tour of Meath/Cavan.