Image Credit: An PostThe 2013 An Post Rás was launched this week with a new ‘County Rider’ Jersey to be ridden for on each stage among the different county teams that compete in the race.
This year’s race route comprises a demanding eight days of competition over 1180 kilometres of cycling and 33 categorised climbs, including four that are category one.
An Post are sponsoring the race for the third year and maintain their strong commitment to the sport through the participation of the Sean kelly Racing team which they also offer headline support to.
It is seen as an important part of the company’s support of the Gathering as well and with 14 teams expected to compete in the Rás from overseas there will be plenty of external as well as local economic benefit.
“We are looking forward to another year of great racing and fabulous support from communities all along the route,” said An Post Chief Executive Donal O’Connell. “The An Post Rás is a great chance to showcase our racing talent, our countryside and our culture to a world audience.  It will be a great asset to the Gathering’s 2013 calendar.”
The world-ranked race begins in Dunboyne on Sunday 19th May, the fourth consecutive year it has started there. It will then move counter-clockwise around the country, and includes stage finishes in Longford, Nenagh, Listowel, Killarney, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow and Naas, before concluding on Sunday 26th May with the customary finale in Skerries, North County Dublin.

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