Cycling Events 2002 |
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Read Shane Stokes Rás Race Reports Here Press ReleaseIssued by Gerard CromwellFBD MILK RAS HONOURS JOE CHRISTLE In a poignant move the organisers of the FBD MILK RAS 8 Day International Cycle Race, which takes place from 19th to 26th May, have decided to dedicate the race to the memory of the late Joe Christle. A dynamic organiser, Christle was the driving force behind the concept of an Irish multi-stage race. The dream became a reality in 1953 when the first RAS TAILTEANN took to the roads of Ireland with Christle as Race Director, a position he held for many years. He contributed hugely to all aspects of the development of cycle racing in Ireland in the fifties and sixties. A legendary and sometime controversial figure, Christle used his powerful organisational talents to the best effect in promoting Irish cycling and furthering the cause of his republican beliefs. In further tributes, in this the Golden Jubilee of the race, seven of the eight stages will be dedicated to cyclists and officials who were closely involved in the race and, who, sadly, are no longer with us. Stage 1, Dublin – Ballinamore will honour Noel McGuill, a young Dunleer cyclist fatally injured in the 1972 race. Stage 2, Ballinamore – Nenagh and Stage 3, Nenagh – Killorglin will honour Dublin team helpers, Donal Roche and Ando Christle fatally injured in motorbike accidents in 1963 and 1954 respectively. The Stage to Castletownbere honours Jim Killean, for many years President of the National Cycling Association. Stages to Midleton, Arklow and Baltinglass will honour three former great winners of this gruelling cycle race, Joe O’Brien, Ben McKenna and Paddy Flanagan respectively.
TOP UCI OFFICIAL FOR FBD MILK RAS The controlling body for world cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale, has appointed one of its top international commissaires, Barry Broadbent, to preside at this year’s FBD MILK RAS which starts on Sunday 19th May. An international level commissaire for the past eleven years, Broadbent's wealth of experience has already seen him officiate at the world's second most important stage race, the three week Giro D'Italia. The FBD MILK RÁS will be Broadbent's sixth appointment as Commissaire President in a national tour, although he considers the Paralympic Games in both Atlanta and Sydney as the highlights of his career. A frequent visitor to Ireland, Broadbent is looking forward to the task ahead. "I have made many friends and associates through Irish cycling and am very honoured to be chosen as Commissaire President on this 50th edition of such a prestigious event as the FBD MILK RAS." he said. A member of the Manchester Velo cycling team, and a former insurance broker, Broadbent is also due to work on the three week Vuelta D'Espana in September this year. The technical aspect of major cycle races is supervised by the race College of Commissaires, or in other sports, referees. The College is under the direction of the UCI appointed official who acts as President of the College. This year’s FBD MILK RAS will see almost 200 of the world's top cyclists take on Ireland's elite over eight days, beginning on Sunday May 19th. With stage end finishes in towns such as Ballinamore, Nenagh, Killorglin, Castletownbere, Middleton, Arklow, Baltinglass and Dublin the riders from ten different countries will have covered 1,182 kilometres including 25 major mountain climbs in pursuit of the final yellow jersey of 2002. The Rás will finish with a short circuit race in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 26th May. ROUTE 2002
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