A look back at the Ras Tailteann in 1997 when the race started in O'Connell Street, Dublin. Stephen Roche was there to see it on it's way.

FBD Milk Rás - 9 Day Cycle Race - 17th to 25th May 1997

Stages and winners

Stage 1: Dublin To Roscommon - 124 Kms. J. Wright England (NE Hardisty)
Stage 2: Roscommon To Clifden - 166 Kms. J. Slagter (Holland Tegeltoko)
Stage 3: Clifden To Lisdoonvarna - 159 Kms. G. Gwiazdowski (France ACBB)
Stage 4: Lisdoonvarna To Tralee - 170 Kms. M. McKay (Stoke Clarke Ambrosia)
Stage 5: Killarney To Kilorglin - 142 Kms. M. Fitzgerald, (Tipperary Premier)
Stage 6: Killorglin To Bandon - 136 Kms. I. Gilkes, (Great Britain)
Stage 7: Bandon To Tramore - 152 Kms. S. Calvez (France ACBB)
Stage 8: Tramore To Carlow - 151 Kms. M. Smith (Antrim UCF)
Stage 9: Time Trial - 18 Kms. M. McKay (Stoke Clarke Ambrosia)
Stage 10: Criterium Swords Co. Dublin - 35 Kms. M. Fitzgerald (Tipperary Premier)

Final Overall GC
1 A. Roche (Kerry Baltic Trading) in 30hrs 09mins 11secs
2 M. McKay (Stoke Clarke Ambrosia) @ 5secs
3 K. Dawson (Great Britain) @ 29secs
4 C. Power (Ireland Supermilk) @ 1'37"
5 K. Donnelly, (Dublin IRC) @ 1'59"
6 T. Evans (Ireland Supermilk) @ 1'59"
7 P. Daly (Ireland Supermilk) @ 2'06"
8 I. Gilkes (Great Britain) @ 2'48"
9 G. Butler (England NE Hardisty Cycles) @ 2'55"
10 L. Davis (Great Britain) @ 3'12"

Points: M. Fitzgerald (Tipperary Premier)

Mountains: B. Smith Stoke (Clarke Ambrosia)

International Winning Team: (Great Britain) K. Dawson, L. Davis, P.West, I. Gilkes, B. Flemming

County Team Winners: (Dublin Hillebrand) D. Peelo, D. Healy, W. Byrne, C. Lynch, K. O'Sullivan

Ben McKenna Trophy Best Young Rider Under 23: C. Power (Ireland Supermilk)

Race Director: Dermot Dignam

Race Sponsor: FBD Insurance & the National Dairy Council

Video by Peter Purfield


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