The Rás na mBan route for 2017 has been announced and Kilkenny Castle won't be the only medieval monument showcased on the five-day international women's stage race.
What's new on Rás na mBan route for 2017?
Gowran has become the latest town finish to be added to the An Post Rás na mBan route, as the full schedule for 2017 was announced earlier this week.
Following on from last year's success, Kilkenny remains the base for the five-day international women's stage race, with six stages beginning on Wednesday, September 6 at race headquarters, the Springhill Court Hotel.
That first 70km stage will end in the country village of Gowran, with Saturday evening's criterium taking place in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle, and Sunday's finale finishing with a gallop up the famous Medieval Mile to finish at the castle.
There's an 11km time trial too and the event's Queen Stage again climaxes atop Mount Leinster at the fabled Nine Stones, after a gruelling 112km of racing on Friday's stage 3.
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Race director Valerie Considine said: “The move to Kilkenny last year was a really great development for our race.
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"Last year’s route created by Fiona Cooke and Ger Madden had something for everyone and this year we’ve been keen to ensure that we retain the best aspects of those stages with a few important changes.
“The move to a stage finish in Gowran on day one is something that I believe everyone will enjoy. It’s a beautiful village and a great setting while the final stage up the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny sure to attract a crowd.
“The stage three hilltop finish on Mount Leinster was a superb occasion and I look forward to seeing many bike fans on the Nine Stones to watch the riders do battle again this year.
“The city centre circuit will be a thrilling spectacle once more 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 Síochana in our preparations 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.”
Considine's final words look back on May's news that An Post is to withdraw all its cycling sponsorships from the end of 2017, including Ras na mBan and the Ras.
This year's race then will be crucial to get right to ensure the future backing of Ireland's only international women's stage race. The full route and details are available at rasnamban.com.
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