May 16/07 4:16 am - Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast Team Heads to FBD RÁS

Posted by Editoress on 05/16/07
 

Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast Team Races First European Race at FBD RÁS
Courtesy Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast

International Squad Leaves for Ireland; Preps for Philly Week

The Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast pro team gears up for its first entry into European racing, as a five man squad, led by Jonas Carney, leaves today for the FBD Insurance Ras, starting May 20 in Naas, Eire. Among the squad, facing off against leading pro teams from all over Europe and the world, will be Dan Bowman, Dominique Perras, replacing the injured Jonny Sundt plus Justin Spinelli, Ryan Roth and Nick Waite.

The 54-year old FBD RÁS is a world-ranked, eight-day, 1,200-kilometre stage race from Naas to Templemore in the Republic of Eire. With an anticiptated field of 150 riders from around the world, the race includes 20 King of the Mountain climbs and a 174-kilometre final stage road race. Stage one, May 20 includes a 20 kilometre category two climb.

"The European style of racing and the terrain throughout the Ras will be good for our guys," says performance director, Jonas Carney. "We're looking to race aggressivgely, attack on the steep climbs and hopefully get some results in what is a very tough field. It will also be perfect preparation and timing for the Commerce Bank Triple Crown and the first of many more UCI races we hope to compete in."

"We have our sights on competing at the international level," says John Kelly, co-title sponsor and president, Kelly Benefit Strategies. "The FBD Insurance Ras will be a perfect opportunity for us to test ourselves against a European field and plan for the future."