Riders at the ready as Rás na mBan returns to Kilkenny next week
Racing will get underway with a brand new route for the opening stage
Kilkenny will be the focus of women’s international cycling as the Rás na mBan returns to the county in September.
The 19th edition of Ireland’s international stage race for women returns with a familiar format featuring four road race stages of varying length and difficulty, a time trial and a circuit race which, for an eighth time, centres on the beautiful city of Kilkenny.
The Rás has been a huge hit locally since coming to Kilkenny in 2016, with crowds coming out to cheer on the international peloton. Last year’s event was a particular highlight as local rider Mia Griffin, fresh from representing Ireland at the Paris Olympics, stormed to glory as she won the overall Rás title.
The 2025 running of the event begins on Wednesday, September 3 with six stages taking place over five days in and around the race base in the county.
This year’s race will see a new route for the opening stage. Starting from race headquarters at the Hoban Hotel, the peloton will race through Freshford and past Urlingford, crossing into County Tipperary briefly as they ride towards Ballingarry.
Riders will then travel past Kilmanagh towards the final Queen of the Mountain challenge of the opening day in Rathealy before the first stage winner of the week is crowned in Freshford.
Riders from all over Europe and further afield, as well as the best of Ireland’s international and locally-based racers, will descend on Kilkenny for the event which showcases the beauty and variety of roads and landscape of the Leinster county.
Among the big attractions for Irish cyclists will be the race to take the green jersey, the award for the best national rider - a title won by Mia Griffin last year on her way to the overall crown.
Kilkenny County Council has supported the event since 2016 and will, once again, support the best of Irish talent. The leading Irish rider will be presented on the podium after each stage and will be recognisable in the bunch each day by the wearing of the distinctive green Kilkenny County Council Best Irish Rider jersey.
The final day of racing, Sunday, September 7, will again feature a double helping of top class racing starting with the fifth stage – a 2.5km time trial set against the backdrop of one of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks.
The race will end with the popular hour-long Kilkenny City Circuit Race on the familiar 2.5km circuit starting on The Parade in front of Kilkenny Castle, a spectacular and high octane end to the five days of racing.
While team rosters will also be revealed in due course, Rás na mBan has once again attracted some of the top continental riders to face the best of the local talent.
“I am truly delighted to extend a warm welcome back to all participants, organisers, and supporters of Rás na mBan as the event returns once again to Kilkenny,” said Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, said, welcoming Rás na mBan back to Kilkenny.
“This prestigious race has become a much-loved highlight in our sporting calendar, and it brings great pride to our county to host such a showcase of talent, determination, and community spirit.
“Kilkenny County Council and its dedicated staff are fully committed to offering every possible support and assistance to ensure that this year’s edition is as smooth, safe, and successful as ever.
“I would strongly encourage everyone - locals and visitors alike - to come out, line the streets, and lend their voices in support of the cyclists. Your presence and encouragement help to create the special atmosphere that makes Rás na mBan such a memorable and inspiring annual event for all involved.”
Race Director Valerie Considine is looking forward to returning to Kilkenny, the hub of Rás na mBan since 2016.
“The move to Kilkenny nine years ago has been overwhelmingly positive for Rás na mBan and we have enjoyed taking the race to different locations in and around neighbouring counties in that time,” she said.
“The beautiful countryside in Ireland’s Ancient East and the great support from Kilkenny makes planning the route of Ireland’s top international stage race an absolute pleasure.
“The route we have assembled for this year is once again designed to provide a real challenge for the riders, from the testing hilly stages like the demanding Gorey stage in County Wexford on Thursday to the stage three climb of ‘The Cut’ in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, to the stage five time trial on Sunday where riders will ride solo against the watch on the new Kilkenny Castle course. At the same time the route also offers an opportunity for fans, riders and teams to further sample the epic beauty of Kilkenny City and County.
“Our traditional final day finale in front of Kilkenny Castle is one of the highlights of every riders’ season,” she added. “It’s particularly gratifying for us to be able to bring top class women’s bike racing to the people in such an iconic setting.
“Once again, we’ve had wonderful support from Kilkenny County Council and An Garda Síochána throughout the planning of this event and they have helped smooth the not inconsiderable process of bringing top class bike racing to the county.
“Our major backers continue to make this race possible and it’s gratifying that we have retained the support of so many partners for another year.”
Stage finishes in Freshford, Gorey, Mountrath, The Rower and Kilkenny City feature in the 400km week of bike racing. Full route details are available from rasnamban.com/2025-route