80 top Junior cyclists from Ireland, the UK and US begin a 532 kilometre test on some of Clare's toughest roads today.
This year's International Junior Tour of Ireland, the world's longest stage event for Under-18s, begins with a 6 kilometre time trial between Ennis and Drumquin this evening.
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Racing continues until Sunday, taking in areas like the Burren, Black Head, Corkscrew Hill, Castle Hill and Gallows Hill, before concluding on Sunday with a circuit race around the Ennis area.
Meanwhile, it's been confirmed Alberto Contador will need surgery after breaking his leg in a crash at the Tour de France.
The former winner joined Chris Froome in retiring from the event.