TODAY one of Ireland's biggest cycling events, the FBD Insurance Ras, takes to the roads but the build-up has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the Iranian team's entry after the discovery of an alleged visa scam.

Following months of negotiating with what appeared to be a legitimate Vice President of the Iranian Cycling Federation, Ras organiser Dermot Dignam was alerted to the possibility of a scam over the past few days when agreed procedures were breached by the Iranians.

Four team members arrived in the country on Tuesday and then absconded.

Dignam confirmed that "following discussions with the Iranian Embassy and immigration officials, we immediately cancelled arrangements for the team's participation in the Ras".

The Ras will take place over the next eight days and the 55th edition breaks with tradition as the ceremonial start will not be outside the GPO in the capital, but in Naas.

Two former winners Chris Newton (2003/5) and David McCann (2004) are in the line up of 150 starters, and the presence of Daniel Becke from Germany, who has had spells with three professional outfits, is a great fillip.

A Tour de France competitor from 2003-2005 and, like Newton, an Olympic Champion from the Sydney games, he is certainly going to be a marked individual.

Becke will also have a good team in Thuringer Energie.

His four teammates have a high pedigree with results that carry a lot of weight in international competition.

The Ras is a UCI 2.2ranked event, with eight days of racing over 1,200-kilometres. The race includes 20 King of the Mountain climbs and a 174-kilometre final stage road race into Skerries.

If there is to be an Irish winner, look no further than Kerry's Paul Griffin, who has the miles in his legs with three recent creditable performances as runner-up in the Shay Elliott, Ras Mumhan and the Tour of Ulster. Along with that he has raced in a number of stage races across the world this season.

FBD INSURANCE RAS STAGE 1, TODAY
Naas . . . Templemore 157km

STAGE 2, TOMORROW
Templemore . . . Loughrea 147km

STAGE 3, TUESDAY
Loughrea . . . Sligo, 171km

STAGE 4, WEDNESDAY
Sligo . . . Dungloe 138km

STAGE 5, THURSDAY
Dungloe . . . Buncrana 131km

STAGE 6, FRIDAY
Buncrana . . . Derry 96km
STAGE 7, SATURDAY
Derry . . . Newcastle 165km
STAGE 8, SUNDAY
Newcastle . . . Skerries 174km