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Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
First stage of world-renowned Rás Tailteann to finish in County Roscommon town
The 70th edition of the famous cycling race will see competitors begin with a 150-kilometre-plus trek from Drogheda, Co Louth, to Boyle on the first day of the race. The peloton is expected to arrive in Boyle between 2.30pm and 3.00pm, depending on racing speeds, with the finish line located outside An Craoibhín Bar in the heart of the town centre. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets early for the event. The best viewing points will be along the approach roads into Boyle and at the finish line at An Craoibhín. Boyle has a proud connection to the Rás through Daire Feeley, who famously won the overall title in 2022. This marks the first time since 1994 that the Rás will finish a stage in Boyle. Rás Tailteann Race Director Ger Campbell said: 'Boyle has such strong sporting traditions and a real passion for cycling. We can't wait to showcase the energy and excitement the Rás brings to every town it visits.' Local stage end organiser Noel Feeley said it is 'a huge privilege to welcome such a prestigious event to Boyle'. 'The whole community has pulled together to prepare a real celebration, and we're encouraging everyone to come out, enjoy the day, and make it one to remember,' he said. Co-organiser Carmel Regan said the town is 'ready to roll out the red carpet for the riders and visitors'. 'We hope everyone will come and experience the magic of a Rás finish in our town,' she added. The first stage of the 70th Rás Tailteann will arrive in Boyle on Wednesday, May 21. Sunny weather with temperatures of up to 20 degrees have been promised for the town. Stage two of the event will start in Charlestown Co Mayo, before riders take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages. Another transfer to Co Mayo will see the third stage of the race begin in Cong, where the riders will take in breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before they face the fast finish towards Miltown Malbay in Co Clare. The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and finish in Mountrath, Co Laois. The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2025 will begin in Kildare town before entering Co Meath where the winner of Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Bective. The 2025 edition of the race will again involve five stages and stretches over 760 kilometres, including 13 categorised climbs
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Buzz as Drogheda prepares to host start of iconic Ras Tailteann cycling race
The event's base on the morning of the race will be St Nicholas GAA Club on Rathmullen Road, with the race build-up starting from 8:30am. The public is warmly invited to come down, meet riders and teams, and soak in the pre-race buzz. The peloton will leave the GAA grounds at 11:20am, before the official ceremonial start on West Street at 11:30. From there, the riders will head out the Donore Road, turn right at Frank's Country Cottage, and then left along the canal and over the Obelisk Bridge. Racing proper begins on the main Slane Road, where the journey to the first finish line in Boyle in Co Roscommon begins. This year is particularly special for Drogheda, with four of the six members of the Rás promotions group hailing from the town, and that makes it a true homecoming for one of Ireland's most iconic races. 'Bringing the Rás back to our home town means a huge amount to all of us involved,' said Race Director Ger Campbell. 'We're thrilled to have the support of St Nick's GAA, the community, Louth County Council, Visit Louth, local councillors and Love Drogheda BIDS – and to see such strong local involvement behind the scenes and in the race itself.' That local pride continues on the road, with Drogheda race cyclist Kevin Leech lining up at the start. A respected and powerful rider, Leech's presence gives locals someone to roar for as the race rolls through familiar streets. Mayor Paddy McQuillan is also urging schools and the wider community to get out and show their support. 'It's a special thing to welcome an international event of this scale to Drogheda,' he said. 'Let's give these cyclists a send-off they'll never forget.' With 145 riders from 29 teams representing Ireland, the UK, USA, Germany, the Isle of Man, Mexico, and beyond, Rás Tailteann promises top-level competition and an unforgettable atmosphere. Various additional sponsors have been confirmed over the past week and FBD Insurance, which has a long-standing association with the Rás Tailteann, is to sponsor the stage winner jersey for the fourth consecutive year. Continued funding from Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland and the Department of Sport has also been confirmed.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Irish Independent among sponsorsfor Rás Tailteann
Organisers have confirmed Kia Ireland as the sponsor of the rider numbers, the City Break Apartments will again sponsor the points winner jersey and the Mediahuis-owned Irish Independent will again sponsor the King of the Mountains jersey. Race Director, Donore-based cycling stalwart Ger Campbell, is grateful for all the support and on the subject of the KOM sponsorship he said: 'It's been a pleasure to see our partnership with the Irish Independent grow and strengthen. Their support for the King of the Mountains jersey continues to elevate the race, and we're excited to see the impact of their 'Written All Over Ireland' campaign. 'The Irish Independent's involvement is a fantastic addition to the event. We're looking forward to another year of great racing and community engagement.' Arlene Regan, Marketing Manager at Mediahuis Ireland, said: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with Rás Tailteann for the second year in a row. 'Through our 'Written All Over Ireland' campaign, we're more committed than ever to celebrating the communities, the cyclists and the extraordinary stories that define this iconic event. From Drogheda to Miltown Malbay, Clifden to Boyle, we'll be right there with the communities as they write their own chapters in the history of this event. 'As proud supporters of Irish sport and culture, we are delighted to partner with Rás Tailteann 2025, celebrating the spirit, endurance, and community that is written all over Ireland.' In addition to sponsoring the King of the Mountains jersey, the Irish Independent will publish a special Rás Diary each day throughout the event. This feature will follow a rider's journey during the race, offering readers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, triumphs and personal stories of one of the competitors. The Irish Independent will also run competitions for readers to win an Irish Independent KOM jersey. The participation of several more teams from outside of Ireland has also been confirmed, namely Team Skyline from the USA, Storck-Metropol Cycling from Germany and UK-based DAS Richardsons and Team GB. The five-stage race covers a total distance of 760km and finishes on May 25 in Bective in Co Meath.
