CYCLING ROUND-UP:TWO MORE international teams have been confirmed for the 2012 An Post Rás, with the participation of the Germany Bike Aid and Netherlands Koga cycling teams being announced by the race organisers yesterday.
The squads join the previously-confirmed New Zealand and Czech Republic AC Sparta Praha outfits for the UCI-ranked event, which will begin in Dunboyne on Sunday, May 20th, and conclude eight stages and nearly 1,200km later in Skerries.
The German Bike Aid team will be led by the all-rounder Christian Poth and the sprinter Marius Prünte, with climber Timo Schäfer also on the team and pledging a good showing.
“The goal of the team for An Post Rás is to be aggressive, to put our riders in breakaway groups and to take high placings in at least one stage,” said Schäfer.
The Koga cycling team is yet to be finalised. But manager Ton Welling said that former world junior scratch race champion Michael Vingerling is likely to take part prior to competing in at the London Olympics. Dutch track omnium champion Roy Eefting is also tipped to be part of the team.
“Both teams will be riding the race for the first time and we anticipate some ambitious, attacking racing from them,” said race organiser Dermot Dignam.
Meanwhile, this weekend will have stage place at several locations around the country. The Kerry Group Rás Mumhan and the PO Ferries Tour of the North will feature strong entries, with riders for the An Post Rás typically doing these races as preparation.
The An Post Gorey three-day will also be held. The field will include former Irish Olympian and professional rider Ciarán Power, who has decided to take part.
