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Enniscorthy Co. Wexford Will Host The Stage Three Finish Of The 2026 Rás Tailteann
By Rás Admin
Jun 2, 2024, 13:30
The 71 st edition of Rás Tailteann will take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2026.
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| Riders leaving Enniscorthy during Stage 2 of the 2006 Rás Tailteann - the last time the race visited the town. Photographer: Lorraine O'Sullivan. Picture courtesy of www.rastailteann.com. |
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford will host the stage three finish of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Friday, May 22nd, as Ireland's most historic and prestigious stage race continues its 71st edition.
Having started in Mitchelstown earlier in the day, the riders will take on a 155.6 kilometre route through Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford before arriving into Enniscorthy for what promises to be a fast, technical and hard-fought finale. The stage features mostly flat roads on a twisting course, with two Category 3 climbs along the way. The final challenge comes in the closing kilometre, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy that could create a dramatic conclusion to the day and prove important in the battle for the general classification.
Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford County Council, District Manager Claire Lawless, local councillor John O'Rourke, Enniscorthy Rugby Club, the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee, Enniscorthy Gardai and the many cycling clubs from across Wexford who are supporting the event. Their combined efforts and cooperation are playing a major role in bringing the race to the town. Special thanks are also extended to Enniscorthy Rugby Club and the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee for the use of their facilities, while local councillor John O'Rourke, who lives close to the finish line, has also been heavily involved in supporting preparations for the stage finish.
Enniscorthy has hosted many dramatic Rás stage finishes over the years, with 2026 marking the first time the race has finished in the town since 2006. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out, line the streets and give the riders a strong welcome as they race into Enniscorthy.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: "We are delighted to bring the stage three finish of the 2026 Rás Tailteann to Enniscorthy. This is a fast and technical stage, and the uphill finish into the town should make for a very exciting finale. Enniscorthy has a proud history with the Rás, and we are looking forward to seeing another great atmosphere as the riders arrive."
Liam Ruth, stage end organiser, said: "It is a great honour for Enniscorthy to host a stage finish of Rás Tailteann. The race has a special place in Irish sport, and it will be fantastic to welcome the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town."
John Butler, Chairperson of Slaney CC and stage end organiser added: "We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create a memorable finish in Enniscorthy."
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