Pictures by Loraine O'Sullivan and edited by Eddie Dawson

Adrian Tahney FBD Insurances and Conor Lenihan T.D. at the start of the 2006 FBD Insurance Rás in Tallaght

Paudi O'Brien Ireland Grant Thornton one of the first riders to break away

The rain came down as we entered Naas

Still raining as we entered Castlederomt

Three man brake entering Bunclody

Sunshine in Enniscorthy for the finish of stage 1of the FBD Insurance Rás 2006

Tommy Evans Dublin Usher IRC looks like taking stage1 from last years winner Chris Newton

This is a close sprint Tommy Evans Dublin Ushers IRC and Chris Newton RcCycling.co.uk

Chris Newton ReCycling.Co.Uk pips Tommy Evans Dublin Usher IRC to win stage 1 of the FBD Insurance Ras 2006 into Enniscorthy

Joe Donnell FRF Couriers Austrailia in the stage jersey

Tommy Evans Dublin Usher IRC in the Green Jersey

Bartlomie Matysiak Team Legia Poland in the Mountains Jersey

Chris Newton ReCycling.co.uk takes the first yellow jersey of the 2006 FBD Insurance Rás

Lukasz Modzelewisk Of Poland in the White Jersey of leading under 23 rider

Tommy Evans Dublin Usher IRC chats with stage winner Chris Newton

Ciaran Power Éireann Dan Morrissey Team (Mountains) Lukasz Modzelewski Poland (U 23 Rider) Chris Newton (Race Leader) Tommy Evans Dublin Usher IRC (Points) Joe McDonnell FRF Couriers Australia ( Stage Jersey)