Stage 1: Kilkenny - Cork, 174kms 

Today is the first stage of the fresh new Tour of Ireland race.  It’s been fifteen years since the last edition of the Nissan Classic race finished and the Tour of Ireland will hope to follow on as the countries biggest stage race.  The 2.1 race gets underway with a 174 kilometre race between Kilkenny and Cork.  A race that will host a three of top ranking pro-tour teams two of which are fresh out of the Tour de France.  T-Mobile, CSC and Unibet will headline the five stage event that coveres the South and West coasts of Ireland taking in some tricky climbs.  One of the big favourites will be 22-year old Andy Schleck who finished second in the latest Tour of Italy.  The race also includes a bunch of Ireland’s top riders.

For a more indepth preview including route guides and stage profiles visit CyclingNews’ coverage of the event.

Category: Pro Road Racing » Tour of Ireland |

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