Stage Three of Rás Tailteann to finish in popular Clare town for the first time since 1971
Rás Tailteann, an iconic Irish cycling race, will take place from May 21 to May 25 and stretches for over 760km across Ireland, featuring 13 categorised climbs.
Miltown Malbay is to host the Stage Three finish of this year's race on May 23, the first time it has served as a finishing point for the race in over five decades, last doing so in 1971. Beginning in Cong, Co Mayo, riders will journey down the Wild Atlantic Way before a fast finish in Miltown Malbay.
The following morning, May 24, will see Ennis take centre stage as the starting point for Stage Four of the race. Starting at 11.45am outside the Clare County Council offices, riders will proceed to take on a category one climb in the Slieve Blooms before a 14km race to the finish in Mountrath, Co Laois.
The 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann runs across five stages and begins in Drogheda, Co Louth on May 21 and will eventually finish in Bective, Co Meath on May 25 with further key points in the race in counties set for Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Kildare.
Stage Three of this year's race is especially significant due to its dedication to Sé O'Hanlon on the 60th anniversary of his second overall race victory in 1965, which included five stage wins.
Lauded as one of the most iconic figures in the history of Rás Tailteann, O'Hanlon was known for his aggressive riding style, immense stamina and tactical brilliance. The iconic rider remains one of the most successful figures in the history of the race, with four overall wins to his name between 1962 and 1967.
Race Director Ger Campbell paid tribute, saying: 'Sé O'Hanlon represents everything the Rás has always stood for — courage, commitment, and a fighting spirit that captured the imagination of the Irish public.
'It's only fitting that we honour him during this 70th edition, and particularly on a day that echoes the era he defined.'
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