CYCLING:DESCRIBING THE 60th edition of the race as "one of the toughest in many years", An Post Rás director Dermot Dignam launched the route in the GPO yesterday.

Starting in Dunboyne on Sunday, May 20th, and concluding one week later in Skerries, the riders will compete over 1,168 kilometres. Three first-category ascents lurk amongst the 28 categorised climbs.

The race will be mainly based in the centre, west and northwest of the country, with the stage-one finish of Kilkenny marking the southern-most point this year. Donegal will be a major battleground with three stage finishes, plus two of the heaviest days of climbing.

“It is a route that is probably leaning more towards the climber than the all-rounder,” said Dignam, speaking to a crowd that included former winners Mick Murphy, Sé O’Hanlon, Colm Christle, Gene Mangan and Philip Cassidy.

“ Stephen O’Sullivan has come up with a very challenging course this year, right from stage one until the end. There is something tough in store every single day.”

Stage one runs 147 kilometres from Dunboyne to Kilkenny and includes the category-two ascent of Glenmagoo. Dignam expects a big bunch sprint, but warns the final kilometres are technically demanding.

Day two to Gort includes five categorised climbs over 158 kilometres plus other undulating roads. He expects the bunch to break up there, and again on the following day’s 145 kilometres to Westport. This includes the second-category Gowlaun and the long, steep category-one ascent of Maumtransa.

In contrast, stage four’s flat, fast 135 kilometres to Bundoran seems destined for a bunch sprint.

The next two days are the hardest; the 149 kilometre stage to Buncrana includes five category-three climbs, the category-two Pinch Mountain and, significantly, the gruelling Mamore Gap. It is regarded by many as the country’s hardest ascent.

Also extremely tough is the following day’s Glengesh Pass, which combines with three category two climbs en route to Killybegs to further reduce the list of contenders.

Stage seven from Donegal to Cootehill has just two climbs, but is the longest of the race at 161 kilometres and includes many narrow roads which will demand concentration and punish any inattention.

The final stage follows a similar pattern to recent years, with five category-three climbs on the way to Skerries, including two ascents of the Black Hills. A huge crowd is once again expected to attend the end of the world-ranked race.

Promising An Post Grant Thornton Seán Kelly team rider Sam Bennett was present at the launch and said the race would be a major goal for him and his team. “We won it last year with Gediminas Bagdonas and want to try to take the overall again,” he stated.

“With our team sponsor also backing the race, it’s a really important target for us.”

An Post Rás 2012:

The Route

Stage 1

(Sunday, May 20th)

Dunboyne to Kilkenny, 147kms

Stage 2

(Monday, May 21st)

Kilkenny to Gort, 158kms

Stage 3

(Tuesday, May 22nd)

Gort to Westport, 145kms

Stage 4

(Wednesday, May 23rd)

Westport to Bundoran, 135kms

Stage 5

(Thursday, May 24th)

Bundoran to Buncrana, 149kms

Stage 6

(Friday, May 25th)

Buncrana to Killybegs, 134kms

Stage 7

(Saturday, May 26th)

Donegal to Cootehill, 161kms

Stage 8

(Sunday, May 27th)

Cootehill to Skerries, 139kms