Poignantstartto 2018cyclingRas

FOR many years, Gay ‘Gaybo’ Howard was the life and soul of the Ras Tailteann and his death, following an accident earlier this year, shocked the sport.

But the ‘cycling fanily’ is a strong and loyal one, so when the start of the 2018 race came about last Sunday morning, Drogheda was ready to honour its own local legend.

Members of the Howard family from Stamullen were invited to drop the flag to start the race and after a minute’s silence to remember Gay, they did exactly that - in many ways, Gaybo accepting the honour too.

Up to 150 riders from Ireland, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and elsewhere packed the Bolton Square area as the race build up began hours before the official race time at 12.30pm.

Pride of place were the Jons/SCME/ Dimplex Louth team, made up of riders from Drogheda Wheelers, Stamullen and a racer from Waterford.

With Andrew Watters making sure all was in order - off the bikes - they certainly looked the part. They were the first Drogheda team to start a Ras in 34 years.

All elements of the organisation came together to make the start a success - even the likes of St Peter’s NS opening to provide toilet facilities for the riders prior to the start.

The family of the Late Gabriel (Gaybo) Howard at the start of the 2018 Rás Taliteann in Drogheda.

Lorcan Slane and Ryan Byrne grandsons of the Late Gabriel (Gaybo) Howard at the start of the 2018 Rás

Drogheda Wheelers Jons SCME Dimplex Louth Rás Tailteann rider Niall Craven with his mam Kay at the race start in Drogheda.