Symmetrics to Ireland

After a successful week at the Vuelta a El Salvador, with four stage wins, multiple podiums and the points jersey, Symmetrics Cycling heads to Ireland for the FBD Insurance Ras this weekend. It's the first time that the Canadian squad has ridden the Ras, and it will be led by former Ras competitor Andrew Randell. Randell's experience will be valuable, as he scored a stage win and a top 10 in the 2002 edition.

Joining Randell will be fellow Ontarian Brandon Crichton, along with BC riders Will Routley, Jeff Sherstobitoff and Brad Fairall. This will be Fairall's second stint in Europe this spring – he was in France already with the Canadian national team where he scored a few wins.

Assistant Director Sportif Kevin Field will direct the team for the event, and looks forward to the challenges of the race. "This race definitely comes with a long history – there's been a ton of really accomplished riders, both past and present, who have raced here. It's notorious for some really tough steep climbs, and some fairly atrocious weather. But our guys are looking forward to it – we revel in the hard days."

The race begins this Sunday with a 121km stage from Dublin to Enniscorthy. The Ras ends the following Sunday with a 155km stage from Clara to Skerries. Be sure to check the Symmetrics site for daily reports and photos when available