Tour of Ireland

Lance Armstrong to race in Ireland in August 21st - 23rd

International top cyclists are heading to Ireland to contest the third edition of the Tour of Ireland professional cycle race, 21st to 23rd August. This year's race in association with Fáilte Ireland, takes place over three gruelling days, covering 576km of challenging roads with breathtaking scenery.

The race line up features the two biggest names in World cycling. Seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong (Astana) arrives in Ireland in his comeback year fresh from this year's French Tour where the former cancer sufferer showed that he can still battle with the best. Ten times Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-HTC) is the young protagonist looking to add to his stage race victories and aiming to win the An Post Green Jersey.

Team tactics will play a big role on deciding the final winner of the race and both teams are expected to bring strong support for their team leaders. Last year's Italian winner, Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia - HTC), returns to defend the overall title he won on the spectacular stage in Cork.

Astana and Columbia-HTC teams will face home challenges from the An Post - Sean Kelly Team as well as the Irish national team. 112 cyclists will make up the teams from across the globe for what promises to be a sensational race.

The three staged race will cross over some of the most scenic counties of Ireland from Dublin through to Kerry, finishing in Cork.

Stage 1

Friday 21st August

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt to Waterford

196 km

Stage 2

Saturday 22nd August

Clonmel to Killarney

196 km

Stage 3

Sunday 23rd August

Bantry to Cork

185 km