May 17, 2006 — After a successful week at the oven-hot Vuelta a El Salvador (four stage wins, multiple podiums and the points jersey), Symmetrics Cycling heads to Ireland for a wee bit of tough racin’, at the famous FBD Insurance Ras (2.2).

The S-Team heads to the week-long race for the first time, led by Andrew Randell — the only Symmetrics rider to have already ridden the event. Randell’s experience at the Ras is underscored by a stage win and a top-10 GC at the 2002 edition, and his knowledge of the stages is a definite asset to the rest of the squad. Joining him in Ol’ Eire will be fellow Ontarian Brandon Crichton, along with BC riders Will Routley, Jeff Sherstobitoff and Brad Fairall. This will be Fairall’s second stint in Europe this spring — he was in France already with the Canadian national team where he scored a few impressive wins.

Assistant Director Sportif Kevin Field will direct the team for the event, and looks forward to the challenges of the race. “This race definitely comes with a long history — there’s been a ton of really accomplished riders, both past and present, who have raced here. It’s notorious for some really tough steep climbs, and some fairly atrocious weather. But our guys are looking forward to it — we revel in the hard days.”

The race begins this Sunday, May 21, with a 121km stage from Dublin to Enniscorthy. The Ras ends the following Sunday, May 28, with a 155km stage from Clara to Skerries. Be sure to check the Symmetrics site for daily reports and photos when available.