I made the original suggestion that the race had gone from a 5 day to a 3 day because of the participation of LA – however at the time it was just an educated guess.
However since then I have done some digging and it appears to confirm my view - but I will publish it here so you can make up your own minds.
1st May 2007:
Tour of Ireland (ToI) launched - 16 teams will participate, full route details given. Promoted by
Events Groupin conjuction with
Shadetree Sports.
The race is sponsored by Failte Ireland who confirm "the backing is a
multi-year deal, making it likely that the race will develop and grow as time passes. Funding is made available through Failte Irelands
‘Sports Tourism Initiative’.
2nd June 2008:
Darach McQuaid (yes- Pat's brother) of Shadetree Sports said; “We and our title sponsor Fáilte Ireland are extremely pleased to welcome
An Post to a three year Partner Sponsorship with the Tour of Ireland.
June 26th 2008:
Launch of ToI with full routes - 16 team to participate.
"A number of additional sponsors have also been announced. An Post has expanded its involvement to become Official Partner of the race and repeat their sponsorship of the An Post Green Sprinters Jersey.
Official vehicles supplied by Fiat Automotive Ireland.
Official Timing will be provided by Festina Watches.
Official Trophies are being created by Waterford Crystal.
De Marchi Sport of Italy supply all of the race leaders jerseys.
Thule Racks are supplied for all team vehicles.
Vittel is the Official Water used throughout the race"
December 5th 2008.
Darach McQuaid Project Director of the Tour of Ireland said that he had been talking to Lance and his colleagues at the Lance Armstrong Foundation, who run all of his Livestrong initiatives, regarding his possible participation in the 2009 Tour of Ireland.
23rd February 2009:
LIVESTRONG™ Global Cancer Summit to be held in Dublin, Ireland in August.
24th February 2009:
LA’s start confirmed by Darach McQuaid who was at The Tour of California and say’s “We have a unique race course designed with him in mind and we will be announcing the race route in the coming weeks”.
8th July 2008:
Launch of ToI 2009: It is revealed as a 3 day event due to the “very tough economic climate”.
"We have had to be realistic with the race budget in view of the recession” said Alan Ruston.
However at the end of the article it says “it is planned that it will
return to a five-day contest next year”.
18th July 2009– finally some stage detail are announced naming the start and finishing towns. “We will be issuing more details of the route next week”
27th September 2009: Confirmation of the races slot for 2010: It is intended that the event now entering its fourth year would
revert to a five day.