The organisers of Rás Tailteann last week carried out an intensive review of the 2022 race route and have announced some changes to the course. However, the Cáirde Rás Tailteann promoting group remains on course to bring the race back onto Irish roads for the first time since 2018.
Confirmation that the race goes ahead comes after an uncertain period for road racing in Ireland. Recent turmoil within Cycling Ireland, and an audit of the federation by Sport Ireland, raised concerns in some quarters about the availability of funding for Rás Tailteann.
Thankfully those concerns have proven unfounded and Cáirde Rás Tailteann has today officially launched the 2022 edition of the race. It has also confirmed the race route, most of which was chosen for the 2020 edition which did not take place.
Advertisement
The only significant change being made is to stage 3, which had been due to start in Castleisland, Co Kerry. The stage will now begin in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, after a transfer, and the riders will race to Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, as had always been planned.
Related News
The changes mean the race route will avoid crossing Limerick City, with the stage now set for roads to the east and north of the city. The five stages that make up this year’s race, some 756.8km from June 15th to 19th, are:
- Stage 1, Wednesday June 15: Dublin to Horse and Jockey (140.2km)
- Stage 2, Thursday June 16: Horse and Jockey to Castleisland (154.8km)
- Stage 3, Friday June 17: Newcastlewest to Lisdoonvarna (172.1km)
- Stage 4, Saturday June 18: Lisdoonvarna to Kilbeggan (154.1km)
- Stage 5, Sunday June 19: Kinnegad to Blackrock (135.3km)
Race director Ger Campbell said he and the Cáirde Rás Tailteann organising group were “thrilled” to confirm the final details of this year's race after a four-year absence. The cancellation of the race in recent years was initially due to lack of sponsorship, before the pandemic ensured no event could take place last year or in 2020.
“After a difficult four-year absence, it
is fantastic to look forward to this magnificent race returning to the highways
and byways of Ireland,” Campbell said. “We look forward to welcoming our
visiting teams and most importantly, our own Irish based county riders back
onto the prestigious and internationally unique platform that is the Rás.
“This year is all about getting the show
back on the road and giving centre stage back to the county teams together with
a balanced mix of overseas competitors. We are grateful to our funding partners
and sponsors, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks, along
with details of our visiting teams.”
