Mayo prepares to host renowned Rás Tailteann
The second stage of the 70th Rás Tailteann will commence in the east Mayo town of Charlestown, where the peloton will depart at 11.15 am on Thursday, May 22, embarking on the race's longest and most challenging stage to Clifden.
Taking in Bohola, Castlebar, Ballyheane, Partry, Tourmakeady and Maum along the way, this 170.9-kilometre route features five categorized climbs, including the formidable Windy Gap and Maumtrasna ascents.
Stage Three will see the race transfer to the picturesque border village of Cong. This stage will commence outside the famous Pat Cohan's bar, which featured prominently in 'The Quiet Man', the popular John Wayne film that has been synonymous with Cong for decades.
At 11am on Friday, May 23, the riders will travel 163.8 kilometres south to Miltown Malby in County Clare, taking in Headford, Corofin, Kinvara, Bell Harbour, Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna, Liscannor and Lahinch along the way.
Brendan Quigley, Stage Start Organiser for Charlestown and Cong, said Charlestown is 'honoured' to host the start of Stage Two.
'The community is buzzing with excitement, and we're ready to showcase our town's hospitality and passion for cycling,' he said.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: 'In this milestone year, it's fitting to start stages in towns rich in culture and history. Charlestown and Cong exemplify the spirit of the Rás, and we're delighted to bring the race to these vibrant communities.'
The Rás Tailteann has travelled through Mayo on a number of occasions, most recently in 2023.
The county is represented by west Mayo-based Team Portwest, featuring father and son Noel and Keith Mulroy, Ben Walsh, James Hanrahan and Cameron Orr. Two Mayo men, Niall McLoughlin and Charlie Kelly, feature on the Connacht Cycling team.
The 2025 Rás Tailteann, running from May 21-25, spans over 760 kilometers across five stages, featuring 13 categorized climbs.
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