DERMOT DIGNAM, organiser of the FBD Milk Ras, which will take place from May 17th to 25th, has another good, varied route mapped out to provide a severe test of stamina and speed. The outcome could be in the balance right up to the last day as there is a testing morning time trial before the final stage.
A total of 782 miles will be covered in to stages with 21 mountain climb check points. It starts off with 77 miles from Dublin to Roscommon and, after other overnight stops at Clifden, Lisdoonvarna, Tralee, Killorglin, Bandon, Tramore and Carlow finishes on a new circuit in Swords.
The time trial is over 11 miles from Carlow to Leighlinbridge and finish at the top of the climb at The Butts on the Kilkenny border. This stiff test usually sorts out the men from the boys in the Des Hanlon Circuit of Carlow race and is not something to look forward to after eight days of hard racing.
The opening stage includes bonus sprints at Kinnegad, Mullingar and Ballymahon. Stage two 103 miles from Roscommon to Clifden, takes in Tuam, Cong and Letterfrack, with climbs at Claggan, Maam and Derrycleigh.
On the Monday, the 99 mile stage to Lisdoonvarna is through Galway and then Kinvara and Ballyvaughan, before the hilly coastal road around Black Head with a third category hill at Ballynalacken.
Stage four to Tralee is the longest - 107 miles - but there is only the second category climb at Glanruddery, after Abbeyfeale.
There will be a transfer on the Wednesday morning for the start in Killarney for 89 miles around the Ring of Kerry to Killorglin over Ladies View and Moll's Gap with Coomakista Pass to be negotiated at 72 miles.
After the time trial on the last day, there will be a transfer to Swords and the finale there will be over a new circuit of less than a mile. The narrow twists and turns should have the survivors well strung out and the usual bonus sprints at the finish line on Main Street should ensure an interesting final 22 miles.
Dignam expects to have at least five teams taking on Ireland in the international classification with eight or 10 English regional combinations and up to 18 county selections. All the teams will have five members this time.
