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Banter, Co.Cork To Host The Finish Of Stage Two Ras Tailteann 2026
By Rás Admin
Jun 2, 2024, 13:27
Banter, Co.Cork To Host The Finish Of Stage Two Ras Tailteann 2026
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| Back (left to right): Connie Tarrant, Nicholas Corkery, Denis Withers, Dermot McCarthy Front (left to right): Margaret Corkery, Denise 'Keeffe. Mary Cahill, Catherine Cahill |
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Banteer, Co. Cork will host the finish of stage two of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Thursday, May 21st, as Ireland's most historic and prestigious stage race returns for its 71st edition.
Stage two will begin in Rathmore, Co. Kerry and cover 192.7 kilometres before the riders race into Banteer for what promises to be a thrilling and hard-earned finish. Following the start in Kerry, the race will make its way into Cork over one of the most demanding routes of the week.
A long and testing day awaits the riders, with six categorised climbs shaping the stage. A Category 3 climb before Kilgarvan opens the action, followed by a run into Kenmare and onward into West Cork. The race will then take in the Tunnel Road and Caha Pass before descending into Glengarriff.
A further Category 3 climb follows before the long ascent to Gougane Gap, with two additional Category 3 climbs on the approach to Banteer completing a selective and demanding day in the saddle.
Banteer is steeped in Rás tradition, having produced riders who have finished first, second, third and fourth overall in the race - Dillon Corkery (winner in 2023), Paudie 'Brien (second in 2007), Mick Cahill (third in 1973) and Eddie Dunbar (fourth in 2016). It is a remarkable achievement for a village of its size and highlights its special place in Irish cycling. Adding to that connection, stage two will pass the Corkery, Dunbar and Cahill family homes before finishing outside the O'Brien family home, making it a uniquely special route for the local community.
Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Cork County Council along with local councillors and TDs for their support to date in bringing the stage finish to Banteer, including their assistance with funding. Special thanks also to Niall Healy, Director of Services, and Billy O'Sullivan, Executive Engineer, who are working closely with the local community and councillors to ensure the roads in and around the village are in the best possible condition for the event.
Thanks are also extended to the many local clubs and volunteers who are coming forward to assist with stewarding, parking and catering on the day and in particular to Banteer Tidy Towns who are working to ensure the village looks its best for this major occasion.
The local organising committee has been working closely with the Ras Tailteann team over the past number of months, with regular meetings to ensure all plans are in place. The group is also very thankful to the local Gardai, including Inspector Paul Ahere and Garda Katryn Canty, who are assisting in putting in place the traffic management plan for the day.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: "We are absolutely delighted to bring the finish of stage two to Banteer. It is a village with a remarkable cycling tradition and a deep connection to the history of the Ras. With six categorised climbs before the finish, the riders will really have to cam their result here, and we know the welcome in Banteer will be something special.
Nick Corkery, stage end organiser, said: "It is a huge honour for Banteer to host a stage finish of Ras Tailteann. This village has always had a special love for the race, and there is enormous pride locally in the cycling tradition that has come from this area. To have the Ras finish here after Dillon's overall victory in 2023 makes it even more meaningful for our family and for the wider community. We are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams and supporters to Banteer and giving them a very warm reception."
Denis Withers, stage end organiser, added: There is great excitement building in Banteer ahead of this stage finish. Hosting an event of this scale is a proud moment for the village, and people are already looking forward to seeing the race come through the area. We would encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the day and help create a brilliant atmosphere for what promises to be a memorable finish.
With a long and demanding route from Kerry into Cork and six categorised climbs before the finish, stage two is expected to play a major role in shaping the overall race. Banteer now looks forward to welcoming riders, teams, officials and supporters for what promises to be a memorable day in the village.
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