CYCLING: IRELAND'S RÁS stage race will have a new look next year, following yesterday's surprise announcement that An Post will replace FBD Insurance as the title sponsor.

An Post is taking over from the insurance company after an extraordinarily long partnership of 27 years, and has committed to being involved for a minimum of three years.

The backing will add to other cycling-related sponsorships, such as its support for the An Post Grant Thornton M. Donnelly Seán Kelly team and its holding of five leisure/long distance events around the country, which form part of the An Post Cycle Series.

“I am sure today will prove to be a most significant day in the development of both the Rás and Irish cycling,” race director Dermot Dignam said at a press conference in Dublin. “I am delighted to join in a partnership with An Post and the Rás, and in the overall scheme of Irish cycling. We hope that the race will grow from strength to strength, and An Post’s business will do likewise.”

An Post was previously one of the companies involved with the Tour of Ireland, sponsoring the green jersey for best sprinter. That race was not held last year and it is uncertain if it will be next year. Wishing to continue being involved in an international stage race, An Post has opted to instead join up with Dignam and the internationally-ranked event.

“There is little point in getting involved as a sponsor if you are not going to add value to a sport,” said An Post’s Donal Connell yesterday. “When we took on the backing of the green jersey in the Tour of Ireland, it was the first step in fairly comprehensive sponsorship portfolio. It has been positive for the company, with many people in An Post getting behind it, and has also been beneficial in helping the sport to develop.”

Connell provided some statistics from the An Post Cycle Series to show how interest in cycling has increased. “Last year just over 5,000 took part in those five tours; this year, it was just over 10,000. I hope we can up the numbers again significantly next year.”

FBD Insurance wished the new partnership well. “FBD are delighted that the race has attracted a quality new sponsor in An Post,” said Adrian Taheny, executive director of marketing and sales.

“They are already very involved with cycling at various levels and it is appropriate that an Irish business such as An Post becomes the new sponsor of the Rás. We wish them every success with the race in the years ahead.”

He paid tribute to Dignam and his team of volunteers. “They have given their time, expertise and energy, year in and year out, ensuring this race has grown to the success it is today and is internationally recognised as a premier event on the cycling calendar.”

He revealed that FBD was in discussions with Cycling Ireland about having a different involvement in the sport.

Next year’s An Post Rás will be held between May 22nd and 29th.