APS Pro Cycling (USA) Announced For Rás Tailteann 2026
By Ras Admin
Jun 2, 2024, 13:02
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| APS Pro Cycling at a team photo shoot ahead of the new season. (Photographer: Ron Short). |
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event: APS Pro Cycling from the USA, who make their debut in this year’s race.
Ahead of the race, the team is coming off a strong block of racing in the USA, including the Redlands Cycling Classic and the Tour of the Gila. While this will be the team’s first appearance at Rás Tailteann, APS Pro Cycling is expected to arrive with a number of experienced riders looking to make their mark on the race.
Among those expected to feature is Adam Lewis, who enjoyed an excellent Rás Tailteann in 2025, winning the KOM jersey and finishing in the top ten overall. Conn McDunphy, a Rás stage winner and second overall in 2025, is also likely to be part of the APS team. The squad is expected to have a strong Irish influence for this race, with the Junior Tour of Ireland champion, Matthew Walls, also likely to feature in the line-up.
The 2026 route will make for tough racing but APS Pro Cycling should be well prepared for the challenge ahead. Several of the riders have spent countless hours on the roads of Wicklow and will know the road to Baltinglass very well.
Welcoming APS Pro Cycling to the event, Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted to welcome APS Pro Cycling to Rás Tailteann for the first time in 2026. They bring plenty of strength and experience with them, and with riders who know Irish roads well, they will be a very interesting addition to this year’s race.”
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| Route Map 2026 |
Stage 1: Portlaoise, Co Laois to Kilmallock, Co Limerick
(Distance: 161.6) Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Ballacolla Rathdowney, Errill, Clonmore, Templemore Borrisoleigh, Dolla, Doon, Pallasgreen, Herbertstown, Hospital, Bruff, Kilmallock
Following a transfer to County Kerry, Stage 2 will start in Rathmore,
Stage 2: Rathmore, Co Kerry to Banteer, Co Cork
(Distance: 182.9 KM) Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Rathmore, Barraduff , Kilgarvan, Kenmare, Bonane, Glengarriff , Ballylickey, Pearson’s Bridge, Kealkill, Coppeen, Béal na Bláth. Crookstown, Coachford Dripsey, Nad, Lyre, Banteer,
Stage 3: Mitchelstown, Co Cork to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
(Distance: 155.6 KM) Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Mitchelstown, Kilbeheny, Skeheenarinky, New Inn,Fethard, Cloneen, Mullinahone, Dunnamaggan, Knocktopher, Jerpoint Abbey,Thomastown, Graigunamanagh. Ballymurphy, Kiltealy, Jamestown, Enniscorthy.
Following a transfer to Carlow Town, for stage 4 start
Stage 4: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Baltinglass, Co Wicklow
(Distance: 141.6 KM) Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Carlow, Tullow, Coolkenna, Shillelagh ,Coolatin,Coolboy, Coolafancy, Ballyfad, Coolgreaney, Arklow, Woodenbridge, Ballinaclash. Greenan , Laragh, Hollywood, Baltinglass,
Following a transfer to Carlow Town, for stage 5 start
Stage 5: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Dunboyne, Co Meath
(Distance: 142.4 KM) Sunday, May 24th, 2026
(Including three laps of finishing circuit)
Carlow, Castledermot, Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Newbridge, Milltown, Kilmeague, Prosperous ,Dunboyne
After crossing the finish line for the first time, the riders will tackle three laps of a demanding and technical 15KM circuit, where the final stage winner and overall champion of Rás Tailteann 2026 will be crowned.
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