Rás na mBan features stinging new 2km finish climb early in race

Lara Gillespie's two stage wins last year raised the bar for the Irish at Rás na mBan. With so many of our female riders having progressed rapidly in recent seasons, more Irish success is anticipated in Kilkenny in September (Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan)

Ireland's premier stage race for women, Rás na mBan, will return to the roads of Kilkenny City and county in September, with a new uphill finish as early as stage 2, as well as two completely new stages. After the traditional evening stage to open hostilities this year - some 74.2km of racing from Kilkenny to Callan - stage 2 the next day is 100.9km; from Kilkenny to The Rower.

That finish, on the climb of The Rower, involves 2km uphill to the line, which is likely to start putting shape on the final general classification very early in the event.

The climb of ‘The Cut’ in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co Laois, is back again this year, on stage 4, while the final day of action will once again see the riders taken in the morning short TT followed by the concluding criterium later in the day.

The race begins in the west of Kilkenny county on Wednesday, September 6th, and concludes in Callan. The stage 1 finish involves two laps of a 13km finishing circuit; ideal for spectators to get a good look at the riders several times.

It will be the seventh year the event is hosted in Kilkenny and after the double stage success last year for Lara Gillespie (Team Ireland), the top Irish riders will return hunting for more victories and, hopefully, the overall crown. However, they will once again face a stern challenge for top international riders who have come from all over the world in recent years to ride the event.

*Race director Valerie Considine, centre from right, is ready for Rás na mBan, with some new stages and a new uphill finish n The Rower*

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“The move to Kilkenny seven years ago has been overwhelmingly positive for Rás na mBan," said race director Valerie Considine. "The beautiful countryside and wonderful support from Kilkenny makes planning the route of a pillar event for cycling in Ireland an absolute pleasure.

“The route we have assembled for 2023 will challenge the riders and offer an opportunity to further showcase the beauty of Kilkenny City and County. 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.”

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny Council Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, said Rás na mBan had "become a cherished event in our community, showcasing the beauty and variety of our roads and landscapes".

“Kilkenny County Council has been a proud supporter of this race since 2016, and we are excited to witness the new innovations and challenges that the 17th edition will bring," he said.