Fuji Bicycles and Oval Concepts CEO Pat Cunnane and key colleagues visited Ireland this week to deliver the top prizes that the international peloton will be racing for in September’s An Post Rás na mBan.
Cunnane was accompanied by Karen Bliss, Vice President of Marketing and Professional Sponsorship Manager Milay Galvez to present the Fuji Supreme 1.1 bike frame, Oval Concept 981 carbon wheel set and Oval 960 carbon base bar time trial handlebar set.
Pictured to announce details of the 2014 An Post Rás na mBan (l-r) Race Director Valerie Considine, Pat Cunnane (President and CEO of FUJI Bikes and Oval Concepts), cyclist Rachel Kaye Mellor and Karen Bliss (Marketing VP FUJI Bikes and Oval Concepts). Picture: Lorraine O’Sullivan
The prizes will be won by the Overall race winner, the Best Irish Rider and the Best Young Rider respectively in the five-day event which starts on September 10th.
Race Director Valerie Considine received the prizes on behalf of the race from Cunnane who expressed his delight at forging a relationship with Ireland’s top international stage race for women.
“I’m very much looking forward to it,” he said. “I watched the TV highlights from last year and it’s an exciting race and it’s a great way for women to showcase their talents and show the beautiful country of Ireland.
“We have Sam Bennett on a Fuji with the Team Net App Endura and we’re very committed to this market.”
Fuji and Oval Concepts Marketing VP Karen Bliss is also a member of the UCI Women’s Commission charged with developing women’s cycling. Bliss stated that Rás na mBan fulfills a key role in staging top class women’s bike racing.
“I think there’s huge momentum right now all over the globe for women’s cycling. Rás na mBan is great for Ireland to get women’s cycling on the map,” said Bliss.
Following the ceremony, Cunnane and entourage enjoyed a tour of the Dublin’s historical General Post Office courtesy of event title sponsor An Post.
