The organisers of Rás na mBan are pressing ahead with plans for the race and they believe it will be possible to hold the full event on the roads of south Leinster in its usual September date.
The race was one of many scuppered last year due to the
pandemic and while Rás Tailteann should be taking place now but because
Covid-19 restrictions don’t allow racing in the Republic at present, it could
not take place.
However, and finally with some good news for Irish
cycling, because Rás na mBan takes place in September and because the vaccine
programme has really picked up in recent weeks, events are now conspiring in
favour of the women’s international stage race.
The organisers have now confirmed in a statement they are planning for the race to take place from September 8th to 12th based in Kilkenny, with 400km of racing over the roads of south Leinster.
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Race director Valerie Considine said the planning for the
event had continued and while much of it was completed virtually, the stage
routes are set and have been checked out as thoroughly as ever. Considine added
she was looking forward to the event unfolding in September.
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“The last year has certainly been challenging for
everyone and has given us the opportunity to re-evaluate where the race sits in
ours and cycling’s priorities,” she said.
“We’ve never been more committed to the successful
presentation of an event which will, we hope and trust, serve to be part of the
regeneration of the sport this year.
“Among others, our national junior road race champion,
Ella Doherty, has spoken enthusiastically of her plans to ride the race as a
first year senior this year and we are honoured to be able to present a top
class international sports event for our visiting riders and our homegrown
talent alike.
“We’re grateful to all our stakeholders for their
continuing and vital support as we fine tune our systems for the next edition
of the race.
“We’ve got some exciting new plans for the event
and some popular elements which we have retained, all of which will be revealed
in due course. In the meantime, it’s roll on September and the resumption of
hostilities.”
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