Get up close and personal with the stars of world cycling at the Tour of Ireland this weekend, with BRIAN O'CONNELL's guide to the best vantage points to watch the peloton

MORE THAN half a million spectators, 112 riders, four of the world’s top- five teams, and 576km of cycling are about to descend on Irish country lanes, hills and roadways over the next three days.

For spectators, cycling races can be a bit of a blur, unless you position yourself in the right place at the right time. “Cycling is like a cross between athletics and Formula One racing,” says tour press officer Gerry McManus. “If you have never gone to see a cycling race, then it’s important to bear in mind that the person at the front is not always leading. Cycle races are as much about being in the right position, and the leader might be conserving energy by riding in someone’s slipstream mid-way down the pack.” But where best to see the likes of Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish?

TODAY: MOUNT LEINSTER to WATERFORD

Early today, riders will take on Mount Leinster and many spectators might opt to attend at that point, yet the route is quite narrow. For a better view, race organisers recommend the Kilkenny village of Inistioge. The category-two climb (category one being the hardest) comes 157km into the first stage, which totals 196km. So, should a break for the line occur, commentators predict this could be where it will happen. Generally, when riders are on a climb, they are moving slower and spectators get to see more action. Parking in the town and surroundings is expected to be somewhat difficult, but if you get there early, the premium viewing point will be close to the bridge, after which the riders take a right-hander up the hill. The organisers expect the riders to pass through here at 1.37pm at the earliest.

As a contrast to a slow-paced climb, the spectacular sprint finish expected in Waterford to end the first stage will be a big draw. The riders will come down Mount Sion Road, to Rockshire Road, turning right into Dock Road and left on to Rice Bridge. From that point, there is 1km to go down Merchant Quay, finishing on the Quays near the Fáilte Ireland office.

Barricades will be erected and organisers expect spectators to be four or five deep, with every available vantage point taken. What you can expect to see are riders jockeying for position over the bridge, with teams lining out and setting the pace to enable their sprinters to be in a position to dash for the line with 200 metres to go. Should Mark Cavendish be in the mix at this point, he will be a favourite to cross the line first. The earliest time riders are expected to finish here is 2.28pm.

SATURDAY: CLONMEL to MILLTOWN

There are a number of options for tomorrow, as the stage starts in Clonmel and makes its way to Killarney. One of the best initial vantage points is the village of Castletownroche, in north Cork, which comes 81.5km into the 195.8km stage. One of several sprint points is located in the village and the best probable vantage point will be anywhere close to the post office. The sprints are important and contribute to the overall winner of the green jersey.

The second vantage point is the village of Millstreet, where another sprint finish is located, again outside the post office. Riders are due here at 1.20pm, but having passed through once, they will do a loop, taking in a category-one climb at Curragh. This is a short, very narrow and steep ascent and not suitable for cars or spectators.

Following this, the race comes back into Millstreet, where spectators will be able to see exactly what happened on the climb and whether there is a change in frontrunners as a result.

The cyclists are back into Millstreet for the second time at 13.38pm.

SUNDAY: BANTRY to CORK CITY

The start of the final stage in Bantry will give spectators an opportunity to see the presentation of jerseys and a chance to see Lance Armstrong called to the front of the race before it starts. The start is scheduled for 10.35am from Wolfe Tone Square.

Leaving here, 70km out, the village of Timoleague should make for a good photo opportunity, just as the riders pass the ruined abbey.

The final vantage point on the last day is the St Patrick’s Hill category-one climb, near the finish in Cork city.

Cyclists go up the hill three times, and it is an opportunity for spectators to see muscle-flexing, lung-burning cycling up close and personal. Riders should be spread out four deep on the climb, and the best vantage point will be close to the top of the hill on the left-hand side, where the whole race could be won or lost.

The finish line is situated on MacCurtain Street several hundred metres away, so spectators could watch the climb twice and then move to the finish line. Riders are expect at the top for the first time at 1.55pm and then again at 2.14pm.

See Sports for coverage of the Tour of Ireland