Stage 1 – Drogheda to Boyle – As it happened
Rás Tailteann 2025 – Stage 1 Report
Wednesday, 21st May 2025
Drogheda → Boyle (155.5km)
The 70th edition of Rás Tailteann roared into life today under clear skies and soaring temperatures as 145 riders lined out in Drogheda for Stage 1, racing westwards to Boyle over 155.5km of fast, animated terrain.
It was an explosive start to this historic edition, with attacking racing from the flag. An early eight-man breakaway animated much of the day and featured Peter Cocker (DAS Richardsons), Aaron King (Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli), Odhran Doogan (Team Ulster), Owen Wright (Canel’s Java), Robin Fischer (Team Storck-Metropol Cycling), Danylo Riwnyi (Foran CT) and the Team Skyline due of Conn McDunphy and Ronan O’Connor.
This powerful group forged a gap that hovered around the minute mark, collecting intermediate sprint and mountain points along the way. Notably, Odhran Doogan was particularly aggressive, winning the Kilnaleck prime as well as hotspot sprints at Crossdoney and Mohill — banking six seconds in time bonuses and underlining his ambition for both stage honours and general classification.
Further back, Matteo Cigala (Dan Morrissey – Pissei) took top honours at the first intermediate sprint in Gibbstown, ahead of John Buller (Banbridge CC) and Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli), who would later have the final say on the day.
The race also featured the first King of the Mountains battle, with the category 3 climb at Oldcastle Legends going to Adam Lewis (Team Skyline), followed by Callum Salisbury (Isle of Man), Gareth O’Neill (Dan Morrissey – Pissei), and Tom Martin (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli).
With 20km to go, the breakaway’s advantage began to crumble as teams such as Great Britain CT, Connacht, and Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli ramped up the pace. By the time the race charged into Boyle, the peloton had regrouped, setting up for a high-speed finale on the streets of Roscommon.
In the closing metres, it was Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli) who showed his power and positioning to perfection, storming to victory ahead of Irish sensation Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling) and Will Tidball (Great Britain CT) in a dramatic bunch sprint.
Stage 1 – Top 3 Finishers
1. Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, UK) – 3h27’47”?
2. Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling, IRL) – same time
3. Will Tidball (Great Britain CT, UK) – same time
Jersey Classifications After Stage 1
• Bective Stud, Tea Rooms and Apartments Yellow Jersey (General Classification): Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli)
• City Break Apartments Green Jersey (Points): Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli)
• Irish Independent KOM Jersey: Adam Lewis (Team Skyline)
• Spin 11 U23 White Jersey: Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling)
• Sport Ireland County Jersey: Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling)
• FBD Stage Winner Jersey: Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli)
• Festina Daily County Rider Award: Niall McLoughlin (Connacht Cycling)
Dedication to Rás Volunteers
As part of the 70th edition celebrations, Stage 1 was proudly dedicated to the thousands of volunteers who have supported the Rás Tailteann over the decades. From marshals to mechanics, community hosts to convoy drivers — their unwavering commitment, generosity, and passion for Irish cycling have been the backbone of this event since its inception. The Rás simply wouldn’t exist without them, and today’s stage was a heartfelt tribute to their contribution across generations.
Stage 2 Preview: Charlestown → Clifden (Thursday, May 22)
Tomorrow’s Stage 2 promises to be one of the most decisive and punishing days of the race. Starting in Charlestown, the route crosses the heart of Connacht and into the rugged roads of Connemara, finishing in Clifden — a town hosting its first Rás stage finish since 2003.
The 2025 edition’s longest stage, this 170km epic includes five categorised climbs, including two icons of the west: Windy Gap and the formidable Maamtrasna.
With constant undulations, exposed crosswinds, and unforgiving gradients, Stage 2 is expected to test even the strongest riders and could see the general classification shaken up early.
Adding further meaning to the day, Stage 2 is dedicated to the memory of Gene Mangan, the youngest-ever winner of Rás Tailteann at just 18 years old in 1955. Gene, who passed away earlier this year, is remembered as a champion on and off the bike, and a lasting symbol of what makes the Rás so special.
