Young Skerries Rider to Compete in the 2008 FBD Rás

19 year old Skerries Cyclist Stephen Halpin who has been busy making a name for himself in the world of competitive cycling in Belgium has been invited to compete in the FBD Rás which finishes this year in Skerries on 25th May. This is the third year that the Rás has come to Skerries and is preceded by a street party just before the finish which will be bigger and better than ever before

Stephen missed the Rás last year because he was competing in the gruelling ‘Tour of Turkey’ a race which covers some 900km over 8 days up and down hilly terrain at temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees centigrade. He was placed within the top fifty riders – Not bad out of a field of 150 competitors which included some the world’s top professional teams.

Cycling about 20 hours a week, Steven typically trains about 4-5 hours at a time on the road. After the Rás he will be returning to Belgium where he lives half the time. Although the roads have fewer wheel-breaking potholes than Ireland, cobblestone surfaces test the riders’ skill and endurance. He will be competing in about twenty different races there.

Stephen’s bike is worth as much as a decent second hand car but for that kind of money you get carbon fibre frame and wheels. To compete at the level to which he has risen you need to invest a significant amount in equipment – for the road racing he has two training bikes and a road bike. He also has a bike for time trials. On downhill sections he regularly hits 80km/hr so as well as bikes that go well you need decent brakes too.

The Under 23 Irish Development team with assistance from the Sports Council help riders like Stephen pursue a career in cycling and in return he dedicates most of his life to cycling. South Dublin Cycle Club invited Stephen to ride for them in the Rás although he normally wears the colours of Swords Cycle Club.

Another local man, Craig Sweetman (35), who has been cycling for over 20 years, will also be taking part in what is his 11th Rás. Craig has finished in the top 15 on several occasions and is looking forward to competing again