Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, has officially started the 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann in Drogheda, Co. Louth.
The 5-day, 760-kilometre bike race features teams from around the World including the USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Isle of Man, and Mexico, along with the Irish National Team and home-based county teams.
Speaking at the official start today, Minister McConalogue said:
“As Sports Minister, I want to see participation levels in sport and physical activity maximised to the greatest extent possible and cycling is prioritised in our National Sports Policy as one of the sports that has the greatest potential for generating higher levels of active participation, across all age groups. Ireland has a rich and long-standing tradition of road cycle racing, dating back to the 19th century. Inspirational trailblazers such as Shay Elliot, Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly, inspired so many to take up the sport. The Rás Tailteann is one of Ireland’s top sporting events and has consistently brought world class sporting action and a significant economic boost to towns and villages nationwide. It has been a major event on the national and international calendar for many years, renowned for its role developing both Ireland’s top domestic riders and some of the world’s top names. I want to acknowledge the huge work of all the organisers, especially the volunteers, that continue to make this event the success story that it is. I congratulate the Rás on its 70th birthday and I wish all the competing cyclists, the very best of luck.”