Rás na mBan will be returning to Laois on Thursday, September 5 when cyclists from around the globe will go head to head in the 105 km race winding all through Laois, from Stradbally to Mountrath.
The competition was established in 2006 and is Ireland’s only women’s international stage race.
It runs nationwide for five days and six stages with the second stage taking place here in Laois. Top cyclists from Ireland will compete against cyclists from the rest of Europe and beyond.
Cyclists will begin the race in Stradbally, passing through Emo and Clonaslee before climbing ‘The Cut’ in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
They will then cycle through Mountrath to complete a lap of Castletown, towards Larry’s cross before turning towards Ballacolla on to Abbeyleix and returning to Mountrath to cross the finish line.
They are expected to reach Mountrath between 13:59 and 14:28, depending on conditions and bunch speeds.
Details of the Laois stage were announced at the launch chaired by the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Padraig Fleming in the Council Chamber in Portlaoise last Friday, July 19.
Also present at the announcement were members of the Rás na mBan organising committee and former Best Irish Rider winner and Team Ireland international rider Maeve Gallagher.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Padraig Fleming said, “It is an honour for the County to welcome this
international field of women cyclists to Laois and Mountrath.
“There are over 100 riders supported by around 50 team personnel, a volunteer race crew of 60 and over 200 stewards and corner marshals who help make it a spectacular sight on the roads of Leinster throughout the week of the race which will highlight Ireland’s Ancient East.
“I would like to thank the organisers who are all volunteers, the organisers and Cycling Ireland for bringing this race to Laois. I would also like to thank the Gardaí who give great assistance on race day.
“I would like to wish all the very best of luck with this event and have a safe race in
September. I hope to see you all at the finish line!”
Race Director Valerie Considine added, “The 104 km stage of Ireland’s top international stage cycle race for women takes place entirely in County Laois on Thursday 5th of September when a peloton of riders from all over the world will start from Portlaoise and make their via The Cut in the Slieve Bloom mountains to the finish line in Mountrath.
“Last year’s atmosphere in the bustling market town of Mountrath was fantastic as we saw scores of school children line the streets to cheer the riders on both as they passed through and as they prepared to sprint to the finish line.
“We always get a great welcome in Laois and we’re incredibly grateful for the continuing support of Laois County Council and the Gardaí without whom the event would not be possible.
“The riders all love the challenge of the Slieve Blooms and it will be really exciting to bring top international racers to the finish of stage three in Mountrath where we have already been made particularly welcome.”
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