Rás na mBan stage race ploughs on despite Covid19 lock-down | Sticky Bottle

*The Rás na mBan organisers say while its event in September is contingent on conditions being safe, it was pressing ahead with its plans despite the Covid19 lock-down (Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan)*

The organisers of the international women’s stage race, Rás na mBan, are pressing on with their plans to hold the race this year despite the uncertainty around Covid19.

The event, which brings together a top field from home
and abroad, is due to take place in its regular September slot.

Cycling Ireland has said it expects a return to group activities, including training and racing, during Phase 5 of the easing of lock-down restrictions.

That phase commences on Monday, August 10^th,
meaning the first weekend of racing could be August 15^th-16^th,
if competition is permitted immediately Phase 5 commences.

Rás na mBan is planned within weeks of that possible
return of racing date, with action set to unfold in Co Kilkenny from September
2^nd to 6^th.

And while the event is dependent on the continued suppression of the Covid19 pandemic in the Republic, the organisers are pressing ahead based on the assumption racing will indeed be possible.

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However, they make it clear conditions must be safe before any race could be held.

“Plans for Rás na mBan 2020 continue apace despite the
current lockdown,” the race organisers said in an update on Tuesday.

“While any chance of the race taking place are entirely contingent on the opening up of sporting activity in Ireland, the organising committee have continued to hold virtual meetings during the current restrictions and are continuing to operate on the basis that the fifteenth edition of the race will take place from September 2nd to 6th.

“Cycling Ireland are currently preparing a strategy for a return to organised outdoor activity in line with the Irish government’s phased easing of lockdown restrictions.

“The committee is also preparing contingency plans should the return to racing be delayed beyond September and we’ll advise of any alterations to the schedule should they be required.

“We recognise that it’s tough to make plans in these
uncertain times and we’ll aim to give at least a month’s notice of the race’s
go/no-go situation.”

It added it was “committed to the continuity” of the
international stage racing in conditions that were safe for competition.