Laois town set to welcome an influx of cyclists for Rás na mBan

The second stage is set to finish in Mountrath

Rás na mBan returns to County Laois for the fifth consecutive year on Thursday, September 5. Ireland’s top road racing cyclists will compete with riders from around the world on the 104km second stage, traversing the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the finish line in Mountrath.

Details of the Laois stage were announced at the launch chaired by the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Padraig Fleming, in the Council Chamber in Portlaoise last Friday, July 19.

Stage 2 will begin with a ceremonial start from Laois County Council Aras An Chontae at 11:10am on Thursday, September 5. The route will take riders through Stradbally, Emo, Mountmellick, and Clonaslee before tackling the iconic climb “The Cut.” Riders will then pass through Mountrath, complete a lap passing through Castletown, head towards Larry Cross, and turn towards Ballacolla and Abbeyleix before racing back to the finish line in Mountrath. Cyclists are expected to finish in Mountrath between 1:59pm and 2:28pm, depending on conditions and speeds. See below the stage map. Read more below picture.

Also present at the announcement were members of the Rás na mBan organising committee and former Best Irish Rider winner and Team Ireland international rider Maeve Gallagher.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Padraig Fleming said, “It is an honour for the County to welcome this international field of women cyclists to Laois and Mountrath. There are over 100 riders supported by around 50 team personnel, a volunteer race crew of 60 and over 200 stewards and corner marshals who help make it a spectacular sight on the roads of Leinster throughout the week of the race which will highlight Ireland's Ancient East.

“I would like to thank the organisers who are all volunteers, the organisers and Cycling Ireland for bringing this race to Laois. I would also like to thank the Gardaí who give great assistance on race day. I would like to wish all the very best of luck with this event and have a safe race in September. I hope to see you all at the finish line!” Read more below picture.

Race Director Valerie Considine added, “The 104km stage of Ireland’s top international stage cycle race for women takes place entirely in County Laois on Thursday 5th of September when a peloton of riders from all over the world will start from Portlaoise and make their via The Cut in the Slieve Bloom mountains to the finish line in Mountrath.

“Last year’s atmosphere in the bustling market town of Mountrath was fantastic as we saw scores of school children line the streets to cheer the riders on both as they passed through and as they prepared to sprint to the finish line. Read more below picture.

“We always get a great welcome in Laois and we’re incredibly grateful for the continuing support of Laois County Council and the Gardaí without whom the event would not be possible.

“The riders all love the challenge of the Slieve Blooms and it will be really exciting to bring top international racers to the finish of stage three in Mountrath where we have already been made particularly welcome.”