O' Connell Street, the principal artery of Dublin, marks the official Start of the Tour 1998, the arrival of the first stage will be judged within the splendid framework of Phoenix Park, in one of the most picturesque districts of the city.

A picturesque and painful 180 kilometres take the Tour through the Wicklow Hills where Mel Gibson filmed Braveheart. The race begins in Dublin's O'Connell Street and finishes in Phoenix Park. Thousands are expected to line the route.

Some information provided by Societe du Tour de France, 1998
Reuters contributed to this report.