The National Dairy Council (NDC) has announced that it will renew its support of Ireland’s premier women’s stage cycle race, Rás na mBan. For the second year in succession the NDC will support the points competition in September’s five-day, six stage event based in County Clare.
Last year’s NDC Points winner Hannah Barnes of Great Britain, won three stages riding with the DID team and has since moved to top US professional team United Healthcare where the speedy Northampton sprinter has continued her winning ways.
This year’s points competition will again reward the most consistent finisher in each of the road race stages where a fast finishing kick is often the best asset.
“The benefits of milk and dairy as part of a balanced diet is an important message promoted by The National Dairy Council, as well as recognising that a balanced diet should go hand-in-hand with an active lifestyle,” said Caroline O’Donovan, Nutritionist, NDC.
“From recreational sport enthusiasts to elite athletes; the ‘milk, yogurt and cheese’ food group can provide a natural source of important nutrients, such as calcium and protein, and these foods are easy to include across many meal times and snacking occasions.”
“Exciting research is also pointing to a positive role that milk may play in a number of aspects of sports nutrition, with research from Loughborough and Northumbria Universities respectively demonstrating the potential effectiveness of skimmed milk as a re-hydration drink after exercise; and the beneficial role milk and milk-based products may play in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage”, added Ms. O’Donovan.
“The NDC is delighted to support such a renowned cycling event that, additionally, celebrates women in sport.”
Preparations for this year’s event are at an advanced stage with four tough road stages, an individual time trial and a flat circuit race set to test the all round abilities of Ireland’s and Europe’s top road racers.
International interest in the event is at an all time high with teams from the US, mainland Europe and the UK already confirmed and getting set to join the cream of Irish racing talent on the challenging roads of Clare’s Atlantic coast.
The race runs from September 10th to 14th and will include 427kms of tough racing including a new 120km Wild Atlantic Way stage tracing the Atlantic coast from Loop Head Lighthouse to Ballyvaughan.
The 2014 event is the ninth running of Rás na mBan in its current format and represents the 28th running of an international stage race for women in Ireland.
Hannah Barnes took three stage victories and the NDC points jersey in An Post Rás na mBan 2013
