
Stage one finishes in Birr after racing through the Wolf Trap climb and through Kinnitty.
This year's Rás Tailteann gets underway this morning and the Midlands will be well represented.
Shane Quinn and David Casserly of Longford Cycle Club, Colin Clavin of Streamstown, Stuart Cox from Lakeside Wheelers and Graham O'Brien of Shannonside make up a team full comprised of riders from the midlands.
Today's opener starts in Navan, it brings the riders up the category 1 Wolf Trap Mountain climb and will finish with fast run-in to Birr via Kinnity.
Midlands Racing Team's David Casserly says he and his team mates are looking forward to testing themselves against professional international athletes:
The 170 or so riders will roll out from Navan at 11.30 this morning.
Eddie Dunbar is ninth entering the 11th stage of the Giro D'Italia today.
He is just over 2 and a half minutes behind leader Geraint Thomas.