CYCLING Irish Sports Council supports FBD Insurance RءS

When the final stage of the FBD Insurance RءS finishes in the Skerries on Sunday 28th May the rider most likely to win a professional contract in the coming months will be the rider to don the Irish Sports Council's white jersey as the most promising young rider of the race.

The coveted jersey will reflect the Sports Council's financial support for the race, which is one of the select group of world races eligible to award qualifying points for World Championships and Olympic Games.

Commenting on the funding, Irish Sports Council Chief Executive, John Treacy, said, "I am pleased the Irish Sports Council is associated with the recognition of young talent in such a tough international event as the FBD Insurance RءS." He also praised FBD Insurance for its continuing support for Irish sport.

The funding will be paid to Cycling Ireland as part of the core grant allocation process.

After 8 days of gruelling racing, with stage finishes in Enniscorthy, Cobh, An Daingean, Listowel, An Cheathru Rua, Westport, Clara and Skerries, the recipient of the Irish Sports Council's best young rider jersey will be looking forward to a bright future in world cycling.

For further details contact: Dermot Dignam 01-8481517 or Sally Ryan 01- 6496400

or log-on to:  www.fbdinsuranceras.com