CyclingFBD Milk Rás race organiser Dermot Dignam has unveiled a gripping route for this year's race, with 1,000 kilometres, 29 categorised climbs and the first mountain-top finish in 21 years facing those who line out for the start in Dublin on May 23rd.

Situated on the outskirts of Carrick-on-Suir, Seskin Hill will be the setting for the sixth stage, a leg-breaking ascent which was a training ground for Seán Kelly during his pro career and which featured in the Nissan Classic during the 1980s.

In keeping with recent tradition, the first three days of the pro-am event are mainly flat. Stages to Trim, Oranmore and Charleville will see the contenders slug it out for the race leader's jersey, but it may not be until the marathon 181-km leg to Cahirciveen on day four before the first significant gaps begin to open. Nine climbs lie in wait, with the second category Raheen and Cill Urlait ascents plus the first-category Coonanaspig setting the scene for a real battle.

Day five to Millstreet has more climbing, with two first-category ascents posing problems early in the 152-km stage.

Stage seven to Tullow covers nine climbs, including the category-one ascents of The Heights, Corrabutt Gap and Mount Leinster. The final stage returns again to Dublin's Phoenix Park for an hour-long criterium.

MILK RAS 2004: Stage One: May 23rd, Dublin - Trim, 132 kms.

Stage Two: May 24th, Trim - Oranmore, 167 kms.

Stage Three: May 25th, Oranmore - Charleville, 152 kms.

Stage Four: May 26th, Charleville - Cahirciveen, 181 kms.

Stage Five: May 27th, Cahirciveen - Millstreet, 152 kms.

Stage Six: May 28th, Millstreet - Seskin Hill Carrick-on-Suir, 151 kms.

Stage Seven: May 29th, Carrick-on-Suir - Tullow, 149 kms.

Stage Eight: May 30th - Phoenix Park circuit, 40 kms.