While Dermot Dignam has mapped out the route for the 2000 FBD Milk Ras from May 20th to 28th, he is not revealing all the details yet as he is having difficulty with the location of the Dublin city centre final stage, because O'Connell Street will be undergoing major alterations at the time.

The traditional start from outside the GPO will also have to be changed as the roadworks will prevent even a neutralised run from there to the start proper of the first stage of 89 miles on the Ashbourne Road beyond Finglas.

Dignam has been involved in negotiations with the Garda and Dublin Corporation on the choice of circuit for the last day - in recent years the one used was around Parnell Square and up and down O'Connell Street to Abbey Street junction.

An alternative being considered is Parnell Square, Dorset Street, Dominick Street and Parnell Street but an attractive switch to St Stephen's Green is also being contemplated.

Dignam applied to the UCI to have the Ras on the international calendar and the world controlling body agreed to have it as an elite event but wanted it reduced to seven days.

"While we are pleased the UCI acknowledges the Ras as a top international promotion their suggestion was not acceptable," Dignam said. He intends to continue discussions with the UCI in the hope that it may be possible to reach a compromise and have the Ras as an eight-day elite race from 2001.

Strong international competition is still assured for next year with the Estonians expected to come again and Poland have also requested an invitation.

Richie Beatty's position as national team director is expected to be ratified for another year at the ICF Board meeting at the Dublin headquarters tomorrow. He had a recent meeting with a three-man delegation of the outgoing and incoming presidents, Pat McQuaid and Mick Lawless, along with coaching director Paddy Doran. After two successful seasons in the job, and with four Irish riders qualified for the Sydney Olympics, he looks set to continue