The 70th edition of the iconic Rás Tailteann got underway today in Drogheda, Co. Louth, with Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, officially launching the five-day international cycling race.
Covering over 760 kilometres, this year’s Rás features a world-class field of teams from the USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Isle of Man, and Mexico, along with the Irish National Team and several home-based county squads.
The event is one of the longest established on the Irish sporting calendar and its appeal remains undimmed.
Speaking at the start line, Minister McConalogue paid tribute to the Rás’s enduring legacy and its impact on both Irish sport and local communities:
“As Sports Minister, I want to see participation levels in sport and physical activity maximised to the greatest extent possible, and cycling is prioritised in our National Sports Policy as one of the sports that has the greatest potential for generating higher levels of active participation, across all age groups.
Ireland has a rich and long-standing tradition of road cycle racing, dating back to the 19th century. Inspirational trailblazers such as Shay Elliot, Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly inspired so many to take up the sport. The Rás Tailteann is one of Ireland’s top sporting events and has consistently brought world-class sporting action and a significant economic boost to towns and villages nationwide.
I want to acknowledge the huge work of all the organisers, especially the volunteers, that continue to make this event the success story that it is. I congratulate the Rás on its 70th birthday and I wish all the competing cyclists the very best of luck.”
Stage 2 tomorrow will see the riders take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs as they travel from Charlestown, Co. Mayo to Clifden, Co. Galway.
Stage 3 will start in Cong, Co Mayo on Friday, heading along the Wild Atlantic Way, before finishing in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare.
The penultimate stage will take off from Ennis on Saturday, taking in the category one Wolftrap climb, before the finish in Mountrath, Co Laois.
The final stage, dedicated to Noel Clarke who won the race three times, will start from Kildare Town on Sunday, heading across the plains of Co Kildare before entering Co Meath, where the winner will be crowned in Bective.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
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An historic race that is still relevant today and a key part of the Irish sporting summer.
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Watch out for an interesting social event for Sport for Business members that like to get around on two wheels coming up in the summer…
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