Laois town to host international cycling race stage finish
A Laois town "won't be found wanting" after being announced as the host of a stage finish for an international cycle race.
Rás na mBan, which has over 100 women cyclists from all over Europe and the USA, takes place on September 6 to 10, 2023.
Rás na mBan is the premier women’s cycling event in Ireland, covering over 400km through several counties, hosted by Kilkenny.
While Laois was already a firm part of the five day race, with cyclists setting off from Portlaoise and taking on the Slieve Bloom Mountains, this year the stage will finish in the centre of a nearby Laois town, adding to excitement.
Cllr James Kelly made the announcement that Mountrath will host a stage finish, at the April meeting of Laois County Council.
"We won't be found wanting. There will be crowds there, mark my words," he said.
The Laois stage will be officially announced at a launch later in summer.
Plans for Rás na mBan 2023 are progressing rapidly with Ireland’s international stage cycle race set to run over five days from September 6th to 10th next.
Organisers say that the 2023 Rás na mBan will have a "familiar format with significant route changes likely".
The race was won by Scot Kate Richardson in 2022. The highlights are broadcasted on RTÉ and Eurosports television.