By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
Julian Winn, the FBD Milk Ras Millennium winner in 2000, is back again on Irish soil. He will lead a strong Wales Stena Line team in this year's FBD Insurance RÁS, which takes place next month. Following his decisive victory in 2000, Winn joined the professional ranks with Italian team Fakta, winning the Grand Prix Villers-Cotterêts and notching up an impressive performance in the Giro d'Italia. He also won the British national Road Race Championship in 2002.
In trying to repeat his 2000 victory Winn has the backing of a blend of youthful enthusiasm in Robert Partridge and Lewys Hobbs, while the experienced Jamie Norfolk and Paul Sheppard will not be found wanting when the vital splits occur.
Julian's sponsor, Stena Line, has a long association with the RÁS and is the official maritime carrier for the eight day race, being responsible each year for the massive task of bringing teams from Scandinavia, Britain and continental Europe. Mr. Eamonn Hewitt, Communications & PR Manager for Stena Line's Irish Sea Organisation, said, "Stena Line is delighted to support the FBD Insurance RÁS again this year...We are particularly delighted to have the Welsh National Team on board as three of our routes operate between Ireland and Wales so the synergy is obvious."
