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Rás Tailteann Returns To Kilmallock For Stage One Finish!
By Rás Admin
Jun 2, 2024, 13:22
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| Alex Pritchard of the UK Richardsons Trek DAS team wins Stage 1 of the 2024 Rás Tailteann into Kilmallock (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan). |
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce that Kilmallock, Co. Limerick will host the stage one finish of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 20th as Ireland’s most historic and prestigious stage race opens its 71st edition in thrilling fashion.
Having started in Portlaoise earlier in the day, the race will travel south through Laois and Tipperary before reaching County Limerick, where the first stage winner of the 2026 Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Kilmallock.
Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Limerick County Council and the local community in Kilmallock for their support in hosting the stage finish. Their backing and enthusiasm play a key role in bringing the race to the town and ensuring a memorable occasion for riders and spectators alike.
The first half of the stage will take place on mostly flat roads but the action is expected to build as the race tackles its first climbs of Rás Tailteann 2026 in the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is sure to shake things up, while a fast final 20 kilometres could allow the race to come back together or provide the opportunity for a decisive late move.
Kilmallock also hosted the stage one finish in 2024 and produced a fantastic turnout of spectators, creating a brilliant atmosphere in the town. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out once again, line the streets and help give the riders a memorable welcome as they arrive to conclude the opening day of this year’s event.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted to bring the stage one finish back to Kilmallock for the 2026 Rás Tailteann. It proved a fantastic host town in 2024, with tremendous support from the local community, and we are looking forward to seeing that atmosphere again. I would also like to thank Limerick County Council and Southside Wheely Wheelers for their continued support in helping to bring the race back to Kilmallock. The closing part of the stage should make for an exciting finish, with the climb at Old Pallas and the fast final 20 kilometres giving riders the chance to make a decisive move.”
Paul Gammell, stage end organiser said: “It is a great honour for Kilmallock to host the stage one finish once again. The town really embraced the race when it came here in 2024, and there is great excitement locally at the prospect of welcoming the riders, teams, officials and supporters back again. We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create another special Rás atmosphere in Kilmallock.”
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