Where to watch the 2025 Rás Tailteann in Kildare
Stage one of the race will begin on Wednesday, May 21 in the cycling stronghold of Drogheda in Co Louth, heading westwards to finish in Boyle, Co Roscommon.
For stage two of the race, the cyclists will be transferred to Charlestown where the riders will take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages.
Stage three of the race will start in Co Mayo where Cong will welcome the Rás Tailteann cyclists. After setting off from Cong, the riders will take in breath-taking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before the stage ends in Miltown Malbay in Co Clare.
The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and take on two category three climbs before crossing the category one Wolftrap climb with less than 15kms remaining. Stage four will end in Mountrath in Co Laois.
Stage five of the 2025 Rás Tailteann: Kildare Town to Bective
The fifth and final stage on Sunday, May 25 is when the Rás will finally arrive in Co Kildare.
This stage will see competitors cycle a distance of 142.8km from Kildare Town to Bective in Co Meath.
Stage five will begin with the ceremonial start at 11.57am at the Kildare Heritage Centre in Kildare Town on the R415.
Once the race begins, competitors will travel through Kildare Town, arriving in Miltown at about 12.05pm. From there, the cyclists will ride over the hump back bridge at the Hanged Man's Pub before turning left at David's Shop.
It's expected the competitors will hit Kilmeague approximately between 12.12pm and 12.16pm. From there, they will turn left at Eleson Pub, head over the hump back bridge at Travellers Rest before eventually arriving in Allenwood between 12.18pm and 12.24pm.
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At Allenwood, they will turn left at Allenwood Stars, before hitting Derrinturn approximately between 12.29pm and 12.39pm.
In Derrinturn, the cyclists will take the second exit at the roundabout travelling in the direction of the Enfield R402.
Kilshanroe will be the last place in Co Kildare to catch a glimpse of the elite cyclists before they enter Co Meath and head towards the finish line.
The cyclists are expected to travel through Kilshanroe approximately between 12.39pm and 12.52pm.
From there, they will enter Co Meath, racing through Johnstown Bridge, Longwood and Dunsany.
There is just one category three climb during this final day of racing and that's at Quarry Hill as the race leaves Dunsany.
The riders will then enter the finishing circuit where it could well be a day for the sprinters.
With a slightly changed circuit for 2025, four laps of the 12km loop will bring the curtain down on Rás Tailteann 2025 with a new champion of the George Plant Trophy to be crowned.
The last hour of racing around the confines of Bective Stud promises to be a special spectacle for spectators and riders alike.
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The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Irish cycling community ‘devastated' at the death of champion ‘stalwart of road scene' aged 52
THE Irish cycling community is mourning the sudden death of a cycling star, 52, who made eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann and also competed internationally having made his debut in Japan in 2002. Craig Sweetman late of Mornington, Co Meath and Skerries in Dublin attended the 'Peter Bidwell' race in Donore last Saturday evening. Advertisement 1 Craig Sweetman has sadly passed away Credit: He was not racing due to an injury. He took ill and died at his home on Sunday. 'Craig was such a likeable guy and a superb rider, he was still racing and a regular at events. "His son Toby has followed in dad's footsteps and is very successful in the junior ranks. This is devastating news for the cycling.' Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport 'He was a stalwart of the Irish road scene, with a racing career marked by a rare longterm committment that included eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann. "He was also an international rider, making his debut at the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan in 2002. Craig was also 2nd in the Classic League in 2002 and won a large number of races at the height of his career, including being crowned men's senior Leinster road race champion. Advertisement Most Read in The Irish Sun He was still placing in races this year and two years ago won the Masters 50 title at Masters National Road Race Championships in Clonard, Co Meath. He had remained very committed to cycling down the years, and passed on much of his vast knowledge to younger riders and those in the early stages of their racing careers.' Bizarre moment Tour de France rider snatches cardboard sign off stunned fan... but had brilliant reason for doing it Mr Sweetman worked for the Dublin Airport Police and Fire Authority. He is survived by his wife Gill, their sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, siblings Jeff, Dale and Kadie, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends. Advertisement He will lie in repose at his home tomorrow (Wed) evening from 5 – 8pm. His removal will take place on Thursday morning to St Patrick's Church, Skerries arriving for 10am mass. Mourners will then gather at Dardistown Crematorium.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shock and sadness following sudden death of champion cyclist as tributes pour in
The Irish cycling community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a champion road racer who was "loved by all in the cycling world." Craig Sweetman, 52, originally from Skerries in Co Dublin but late of Mornington in Co Meath, passed away suddenly at his home after taking ill on Sunday. A death notice shared on states that he will be "sadly missed by his loving wife Gill, sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, brothers Jeff and Dale, sister Kadie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends especially those in the Irish Cycling Community." Mr Sweetman, who worked as an airport policeman, was a leading and influential figure in the Irish cycling community and had been a member of Stamullen Road Club in Meath since he was 14 years old. The father-of-two competed in cycling events in Ireland and abroad for over three decades and made more than 11 appearances in Rás Tailteann, an annual international cycling stage race held in Ireland. Mr Sweetman passed away on Sunday at the age of 52 Mr Sweetman was an extremely gifted cyclist who won a number of races at the height of his career, including the 2006 Leinster Road Race Championships, the Brendan Carroll Memorial and the Ballivor Grand Prix, while he also represented his country on many occasions. The 52-year-old was still racing at a highly competitive level and was recently crowned a national masters champion. Mr Sweetman's son Toby has followed in his father's footsteps and has developed into one of the leading lights in the Irish cycling scene, with the family celebrating just last week when the 18-year-old claimed a stunning stage win at the Junior Tour of Ireland while riding for the Irish Team. Mr Sweetman's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Irish cycling community, with heart-breaking tributes pouring in for the hugely popular figure. In a message shared on social media, Lucan Cycling Road Club said: "We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Sweetman family. It was an absolute shock when we heard of Craig's passing. He was a gentleman and a fierce competitor on the bike. "Some of our members have been racing against Craig for 30 years and they can all confess, he has cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages he did it all. Age didn't keep him back and he kept racing hard always chasing that win, and man, he knew how to win races. He was an inspiration to young and old in the cycling community. Life is all about moments & It's been great to see his son Toby following in his footsteps with his very recent success in the Irish jersey. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. "We will miss Craig. May he Rest in peace." Mr Sweetman represented Ireland on a number of occasions Bear Cycling Club also paid an emotional tribute to the champion road racer in a message which read: "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Sweetman family on the devastating loss of Craig. His passing has come as an absolute shock to us all, and we are profoundly saddened by this news. "Craig was more than just a cyclist; he was a true gentleman and a formidable competitor whose passion for the sport was undeniable. He had cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages, he did it all. "Age was never a barrier for Craig; he continued to race with fierce determination, always chasing that win with an incredible drive and an innate understanding of how to cross the finish line first. He was, without a doubt, an inspiration to both young and seasoned cyclists within our community. "Life is indeed about moments, and it has been a true joy to witness his son, Toby, follow in his footsteps, recently achieving success in the Irish jersey. It's clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Craig's legacy will undoubtedly live on through Toby's achievements. "We will dearly miss Craig—his presence, his competitive spirit, and his enduring love for cycling. May he rest in peace." Mr Sweetman had been a member of the Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service for over 25 years, with his colleagues paying an emotional tribute to the popular father-of-two in a heart-breaking statement shared online. "It's with deep sadness, we share the funeral details of our dear friend and colleague, Craig Sweetman," they said. "Since joining our force in September 1998, Craig was a shining example of professionalism, dedication, and kindness. His thoughtful nature and attention to detail set a high standard for everyone he worked alongside. "This dedication was also mirrored in his love for cycling over the years he worked with us both nationally and internationally. "Craig was more than a colleague—he was a devoted husband, a loving father and son, and a loyal friend. His absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Mourners have also left tributes to the champion cyclist, with a close pal saying: "Sad to hear of Craig passing. My sincere sympathy to Gill, the boys and the family. Worked with Craig for many years and he was a true professional and a true gent. I never saw him in bad form and he always had a kind word for anyone he met. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm." Another person added: "Sincere condolences to the Sweetman family on Craigs untimely passing. It was a privilege to work with him , he was not only a champion cyclist but a champion bloke too." While a third mourner said: "Shocked and saddened on the sudden passing of Craig, I have known Craig over 30 years through cycling and then working in DAA over the years, he was an absolute gentleman and his enthusiasm for cycling was unmatched. I was delighted to see Toby getting his stage win 2 weeks ago in the Junior Tour and I know how proud Craig was training with and following Tobys progress over the last few years." Mr Sweetman will lie in repose at his home on from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday evening, with removal on Thursday morning to St. Patrick's Church in Skerries arriving for 10am Mass followed by funeral to Dardistown Crematorium. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Drogheda's warmest of welcomes to iconic Rás Tailteann cycle race
The event's base on the morning of the race was St Nicholas GAA Club on Rathmullen Road and members of the public met some of the riders and teams and soaked up the pre-race buzz. The peloton then left the GAA grounds and travelled to the official ceremonial start on West Street, and from there, the riders headed out the Donore Road, turned right at Frank's Country Cottage and then left along the canal and over the Obelisk Bridge, before racing proper got under way on the main Slane road. It was an explosive start to this historic 70th edition of the event, with attacking racing from the flag. An early eight-man breakaway animated much of the day and featured Peter Cocker (DAS Richardsons), Aaron King (Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli), Odhran Doogan (Team Ulster), Owen Wright (Canel's Java), Robin Fischer (Team Storck-Metropol Cycling), Danylo Riwnyi (Foran CT) and the Team Skyline due of Conn McDunphy and Ronan O'Connor. However, with 20km to go the breakaway's advantage began to crumble as teams such as Great Britain CT, Connacht, and Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli ramped up the pace and in the closing metres it was Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli) who showed his power and positioning to perfection, storming to victory ahead of Irish sensation Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling) and Will Tidball (Great Britain CT) in a dramatic bunch sprint. As part of the 70th edition celebrations, Stage 1 was proudly dedicated to the thousands of volunteers - from marshals to mechanics and community hosts to convoy drivers - who have supported the Rás Tailteann over the decades and without whom the Rás simply wouldn't exist. This year's race was also particularly special for Drogheda, with four of the six members of the Rás promotions group hailing from the town, making it a true homecoming for one of Ireland's most iconic races. Drogheda's sole competitor, Kevin Leech, a proud member of Drogheda Wheelers but representing the Connacht Cycling team in the race, managed to finish the race in a respectable 127th place. Leech also finished the Rás in 2022 but had to withdraw in 2023 after he was injured in a crash. In all, 145 riders from 29 teams took part in the race over five days, and there was a thrilling climax on Sunday as the final stage took the competitors 142.8km from Kildare Town to the finish in Bective, Co Meath. George Kimber of Cycling Club Isle of Man emerged victorious in the general classification, claiming the Bective Stud Yellow Jersey and the title of Rás Tailteann champion by a margin of just five seconds, with Ireland's Jamie Meehan and Odhrán Doogan in second and third places overall.
