Last stage of ras through navan
The An Post Ras passed through Navan a few minutes ago watched by enthusiastic spectators as it made its way from the start in Drogheda on the eighth stage to a finish in Skerries taking in areas in Kilmessan, Dunsany, Dunshaughlin and Ratoath.
Austrian rider Andreas Mueller (Hrinkow Advarics Cycleangteam) won yesterday’s seventh stage into Drogheda when he held off Mullingar man Damien Shaw (Louth Team ASEA).
That duo jumped the lead breakaway of eight riders with only one kilometre to go, going head-to-head up the final ascent to the line where Mueller took the chequered flag.
Today’s stage is the shortest but could bring about a last gasp change in the overall standings.
After the drop of the flag in Drogheda the bunch raced through Donore and Navan heading for the Post Office Prime in Kilmessan (35km).
The first of five category three climbs followed at Newtown (60.9km) and Ardgillan Castle (83km).
At the finish in Skerries the cyclists will cross the finish line for the first time, 91.4km after the start flag.
They will then begin three, 13.7km laps of Skerries town, each bringing them across the Black Hills category three climb and giving a last chance to strong riders who are chasing overall victory or the stage win.