Those who intend to ride, let alone compete in, the 2012 edition of the AN POST RÁS are well aware. For those who have already completed Ireland’s premier stage race, the “Men”, an appreciation of its’ rigours and requirements means a refocusing of effort, increased discipline, more hours on the bike, a review of last years’ training plan – the list goes on.
It was the RÁS long before the UCI
As our only UCI Road Race, it is without question a target for many domestic riders, but it is the RÁS. It was the RÁS long before the UCI classification arrived on the scene, 2001 if I am correct. Christian Knees and Stefan Schumacher rode with the Deutsche Telekom Team that year, only 2 of the many RÁS riders who went on to the Professional Ranks in cycling. Many more riders have lined out in the RÁS, including current World Road Race Champion (Mark Cavendish) and World Time Trial Champion (Tony Martin). Over the next few months, we’ll be talking to both, and getting their memories of the RÁS, furthermore finding out what part the RÁS plays in the aspiring professionals’ career.
The Rás experience changed my cycling life forever
For my part, I started in 7 and finished 5. Indeed if the truth be known, I finished my racing years down the side of some climb outside Clifden, just after the start of Stage 3. What memories the RÁS conjures up as I write this piece. The absolute innocence on the start line in 1996 for my first start, which was outside the Kylemore Cafe on O’Connell Street. 30pmh along the quays and out along the Naas Road for a quick stop, before a 90 mile stage to Kilkenny. It finished in a bunch sprint, and yours truly at the rear, but in the bunch – happy out, thinking that this was going to be great craic. Incidentally, I finished 4th last on G.C. overall. That position and RÁS experience changed my cycling life forever.
The highs and lows, the planning and preparation, logistics during the week and racing during it. The pain we witnessed, some bad injuries and great moments. The 8 days in May. Managing teams, reporting on the race, even visiting the race when not directly involved. Perhaps it is coming full circle.
The RÁS is so much more than the riders
The RÁS is, of course, so much more than the riders. It is a festival of racing, a moving, breathing celebration of what is good and great about Irish Cycling. It is a reason for young and old to gather in a town square and gaze in awe at this years’ batch of RÁS riders. Shaking hands with the 2012 field at a stage start or finish, take heed of the former RÁS riders known as the “Men of the RÁS”, for they truly know what she holds. They have started fast, lined out in the gutter on infinitely straight and windblown roads, struggled up Irelands climbs, punctured on her pre-Tiger roads, blasted into stage finishes and been heralded by many. They know and respect her secrets. I expect to talk to many of them, and share their stories with you.
2012 marks 60 years of the RÁS
Most importantly, 2012 marks 60 years of the RÁS. The route shall be disclosed early in the New Year, and will give our virgin RÁS riders something to digest. The many international teams that line up to race the RÁS are already attending training camps in sunnier climbs, as our domestic riders compete with dropping temperatures and shorter days. It remains to be seen if an Irish rider can once again claim a stage win, as did Martyn Irvine and David McCann do so brilliantly on Stages 7 and 8 respectively last year, with young Sam Bennett going so close on Stage 1 into Portumna.
Always one for a witty comment, it is said that when a reporter put it to Stephen Roche that on completion of his glorious Triple in ’87, he now shared a record with the great Eddy Merckx, he replied quite correctly, “Yeah, but he never won the RÁS, did he?”. Now that’s a fact.
Cian Lynch