Ballinamore is in contention to host the elements of two stages in the FBD Insurance Rás 2008.

The south Leitrim town – which last year successfully hosted Leitrim’s inaugural full Triathlon – is bidding to host the finish of stage one on Sunday May 18th and the start of stage two on the following morning.

If Ballinamore is chosen this would be a major boost to the local tourism economy as the FBD Rás brings with it up to 350 personnel to be accomodated and catered for.

This year’s FBD Insurance RÁS 8 Day International Cycle Race, which will take place from 18th to 25th May, and will see a reduction in the number of UCI Continental (pro) Teams in the line-up. Although a similar number of countries to last year, at least 10, is expected to be represented the emphasis will be on national, regional and top level sponsored amateur teams.