*While Rás na mBan has taken in The Cut in 2019, above, this time around the riders will race from a different direction and it's uphill all the way to the line (Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan)*

Rás na mBan race director Valerie Considine believes a number of changes to the race route for next week will spice up the action and challenge the strong international and domestic field.

The opening stage - 71km next Wednesday - into Callan is completely new and also includes a finishing circuit, which should add to the value on offer to spectators. And the queen stage next Friday - some 110km with 1,200 metres of climbing - includes a new climb at the finish.

While the climb the women will finish on, The Cut, is not completely new to the race, the riders will tackle it from a different side. And unlike 2019, when the climb featured in the race, this time around it kicks up all the way to the line - in the Slieve Blooms, Co Laois.

Considine has persisted with her plans for the race even during those months when the pandemic looked like the whole season may be wiped out. And now she and her team get their reward as they are just days away from putting on what will be the only international stage race in Ireland this year.

*Valerie Considine, far left, said she was looking forward to getting the race on, especially with some new additions to the 2021 route (Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan)*

Considine said the move to Kilkenny had proven to be very successful over the last five years. She was also grateful for all the work that has been put in behind the scenes, and the support from sponsors, that has made the race possible this year despite a difficult period.

“Our all-new first stage finishing in Callan is a new departure for us with a 13km finishing circuit which will condense the action into a relatively small area and offer fans multiple opportunities to see the race,” she said.

“It’s a new destination for us with unexplored challenges and it’s great to be bringing the race to a new audience. The all new stage from Castlecomer to The Cut on stage three is a welcome second visit for the race to Co Laois and I’m certain the riders and spectators are going to love the race challenge and the beautiful scenery in the Slieve Bloom Mountains on Friday.

“The hilltop finish on The Cut follows the tough ascent of Wolftrap Mountain and with two tough climbs on the day, it’s sure to be a great test. The Rás na mBan summit finish has become established as a wonderful occasion in the cycling calendar and I look forward to seeing many bike fans on The Cut to watch the riders do battle again this year."

*Alice Sharpe in action in Belgium earlier this year. The former national road race champion will be in action next week for the national team*

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Considine continued: “The city centre circuit has been a highlight of the event over the last few years. It’s a thrilling spectacle and 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 as Kilkenny Castle.

“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.”