Sean McKenna drives an escape off the front of Rás Mumhan last year, closely marked by yellow jersey Conor Hennebry who would go on to capture the 2018 title (Photo with thanks to Brendan Slattery)
With a number of major races on the home scene struggling for sponsorship, in a welcome development Rás Mumhan has secured the backing of Kerry Group once more for the 2019 edition.
The racing takes place as usual on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend; Good Friday, April 19th, to Easter Monday, April 22nd.
The race is open to teams and individuals with entry details available on the race’s site. However, the entry process does not open until March 11th.
The system will remain open for two weeks, though of the field fills up before that period expires the entry will close before the fortnight has passed.
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The team structure is same as last year; with five riders per team. Entry priority will be given to teams with the highest number of A1 riders.
Teams may not contain more than two A3 riders and a maximum of 40 teams will be permitted.
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“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the race for 2019,” said Frank Hayes of his company’s continued backing of the race.
“Kerry Group is proud to partner with the officials, stewards, riders and their back up teams and the general public who pull together to ensure the success of the event year after year.
“It is through their hard work and commitment that the reputation of the race at home and abroad continues to grow.”
The format of the race remains the same, with four road stages covering over 500km. Stage details will be released shortly.
Rás Mumhan added significance
The race was won by Conor Hennebry (Viner-Caremark-Pactimo) last year. He took a stage victory on the way to the final yellow jersey,
Sean McKenna (Holdsworth) pushed him close by attacking off the front on the final stage but was recaptured.
With Rás Tailteann still looking for a sponsor in late January, the future of that race - at least for this year - remains unclear.
And if the eight-day event is missing from the Irish scene in May, Kerry Group Rás Mumhan will take on an even bigger significance.
While also a coveted victory, without the Rás for top Irish riders to aim for, Kerry Group Rás Mumhan would become the biggest stage race goal of the season for many.
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