What must be one of the longest sponsorships in Irish sport will continue next season when, for the 24th successive year, FBD Insurances will back the UCI 2.2 ranked Rás in Ireland.
FBD Insurance Rás race director Dermot Dignam confirmed on Friday that the company is happy to go once again, helping to guarantee that the eight day event will attract the same strong international field in 2007.
“This will be the Irish insurance company’s 24th year of sponsorship of this great race and, in that time, it has developed into a much sought-after event by professional, national and amateur teams from many parts of the world,” stated Dignam in a press release.
Adrian Taheny, FBD Insurance Director, Marketing & Sales, said that his company was delighted to continue its association. “The Rás is truly one of Ireland’s great sporting events, and one that captures the hearts and minds of sports fans all over the country and further afield”
The 2007 route is set to be announced over the next few weeks. Dignam says it is expected to be as tough as ever, with a number of new stage finish towns likely to be included.
This year’s edition was the closest in history, with eventual winner Kristian House (Recycling.co.uk) and former world under 23 time trial champion Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF) level on time but separated on countback. Morten Hegreberg (Norway Sparebanken Vest) was third, 12 seconds back.
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