Three International Teams Confirmed For 2023 Rás Tailteann
Rás Tailteann organisers have confirmed the first three international teams for this year’s race.
Excitement is building for Ireland’s premier stage race, taking place from May 17th to 21st in what will be the 68th edition of the prestigious race.
And after race director Ger Campbell indicated that interest from international teams could fill the full field, the first three international teams have been confirmed, with more set to be announced in the coming weeks.
The following teams have been confirmed:
England – Richardson Trek
This year, An Rás Tailteann welcomes a team from England, the England – Trek Richardson team.
Ger Campbell 2023 Race Director said:
“We are excited to extend a hearty céad mille fáilte to this team representing England. We are expecting exciting things from this team and look forward to watching how the race unfolds for them in their first participation in An Rás Tailteann”.
Team Principal Andy Lyons said:
“We are so pleased to have been given the opportunity to ride An Rás Tailteann this year. It's a race with a great history and with so many fantastic winners over the years. The team have wanted to ride An Rás for some time but unfortunately for the last few years, it has clashed with the Tour Series so we couldn't make the dates. This year, we’re bringing our strongest squad to Ireland”.
USA – Good Guys Racing
Reaffirming the appeal of An Rás Tailteann to the international cycling community. It is a testament to the stature of the race that again welcomes a team from the USA.
This year the USA – Good Guys Racing Team, based out of the heart of New York City travels over the Atlantic Ocean specially to lay down its challenge for honours in the 2023 event.
Following their participation in An Rás Tailteann 2022 which they described as “the best week of racing and friendship ever!”, Good Guys Racing are delighted to return for 2023.
Cormac Daly, a Kerry native and current NY State Champion will lead a strong team which includes new members Trevor August and Jake Castor. Josh Lipka joins the team this year, a seasoned Category 1 rider who had 9 victories on the American race circuit in 2022. Will Hackman who rode An Rás in 2022 will return again in 2023, and is aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
Ger Campbell siad:
“We are very happy to welcome Good Guys Racing back again from the USA. There is no doubt that this team added to the flavour of the 2022 edition and I look forward to their inclusion again in 2023”.
England – Halesowen Academy
An Rás Tailteann is delighted to welcome the England – Halesowen Academy team in 2023. Based from Halesowen, West Midlands, this young but experienced team are keen to make an impression at this year’s Rás Tailteann.
The team participated in Rás Mumhan earlier in the year and have gained invaluable experience racing on Irish roads.
Team Principal William Fotheringham said:
“The team picked up some great experience racing in Rás Mumhan over Easter. The race featured some tough climbs, and we’re expecting An Rás Tailteann to be no different. The boys rode extremely well earlier in the year so we’re hoping this bodes well for the Rás”