CYCLING:THIS YEAR'S FBD Insurance Rás will include a rider who will be arguably the most experienced competitor in the race's history, following official confirmation that the Estonia Jaan Kirsipuu will lead the Norway-Giant Veolia team in the event.
The 39-year-old is a four time-Tour de France stage winner and also led the race for six days in 1999. The sprinter clocked up over 130 wins during a 14-year pro career and, although officially retired from professional cycling, he has continued to compete successfully. He is the current national champion.
He will be joined by brothers Rune and Espen Jogert, as well as Irishman Linus Murphy and Joachim Pettersen. The Rás will begin in Kilcullen on May 17th.
In other news, Irish pro David McCann moved up a place to fifth overall in the general classification of the Jelajah Malaysia stage race yesterday, closing to within 23 seconds of the yellow jersey.
Iranian rider Hossein Nateghi of the Azad University Continental Team was first to the line, winning a 34-man sprint. The 2.2-ranked event continues today with a 177.5km stage from Pasir Mas to Kuala Terengganu.
