Rás na mBan title sponsor An Post has announced plans for the second annual #Hero and #Hotspot competition in conjunction with this year’s race.

Once again, the national postal carrier is offering a special prize to the rider or team member offering the best use of social media to describe their experience in Ireland’s top women’s stage race.

As well as €150 in One 4 All vouchers, the winner will receive the highly coveted #Hero jersey, second only in prestige to the overall race winners jersey in the eyes of some.

In addition, and as last year, the best photo or video clip from a rider of team associated with the race will win #Hotspot and with it a €50 One 4 All voucher.

To be eligible, ALL entries (be they photographic or written, blog or tweet or Facebook entry) must be “published” via Twitter using the ‘Ras na mBan’ hashtag (#rasnamban)

Use of multiple social media Facebook, Twitter etc. will be taken into account when deciding the final prize.

All good clean fun, nothing rude, lewd or offensive! Both prizes will be judged during the course of 2013 Rás na mBan and the winners announced at race end.

Last year’s #Hero was Fiona Cooke, whose truly inspiring ‘False Flat’ blog led to offers to produce articles for leading cycling magazines. Fiona is now part of the organising committee for the race and will be involved in selecting the winning entry.

The #Hotspot winner last year was the Orica Green Edge inspired ‘Call me Maybe’ YouTube meme produced by Orwell Wheelers.