Cycling Ireland is set to financially support the 2023 edition of Rás Tailteann, which will unfold on the roads of Ireland next month. The national governing body’s logo will appear on the race’s climbers’ classification jersey this year to mark its backing of the event.
Race director Ger Campbell, of the Cáirde Rás Tailteann race organising group, previously told stickybottle Cycling Ireland had supported the comeback edition of the race last year. He added while he knew the same level of funding would not be repeated this year, any money made available by Cycling Ireland would be very welcome.
Now confirming the federation’s backing for this year’s event, Campbell said Cycling Ireland had been “one of An Rás Tailteann’s most consistent supporters” over the years.
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“They have continued their vital support of this event in 2023, as well as many others in the Irish Cycling calendar,” he said. “Our sincerest thanks to Cycling Ireland for their recognition of how critical this event is, not just for the development of our talented athletes, but also for the role this event plays in bringing the Irish cycling community together.
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“Cáirde Rás Tailteann appreciate the work Cycling Ireland have done to facilitate the smooth transfer of knowledge, skills and experience between the generations of volunteers within the wider national cycling community, which makes this event possible”.
Chris Kitchen, the interim chief executive of Cycling Ireland, said his organisation was delighted to be involved with the Rás again this year. “An Rás Tailteann was a huge success last year, and we are looking forward to the 2023 edition with great excitement,” he said.
“Cycling Ireland is pleased to support the prestigious international stage race, which gives top domestic riders the opportunity to compete on home roads against teams from around the world. With finishes in Birr, Ennis, Castlebar, Monaghan, and Blackrock, Co Louth, there are ample opportunities for fans to catch a glimpse of the riders in action.”
Cycling Ireland will also announce a national team for the race in coming weeks, which will be made up of U23 riders and one elite rider, who will act as captain on the road.
Rás Tailteann will be fought out over five stages from May 17th. It will feature stage finishes in Birr, Ennis, Castlebar and Monaghan before starting the final stage to a finishing circuit in the seaside town of Blackrock, Co Louth. The riders will cover 768km with 14 categorised climbs in the battle for stage and overall honours.
