| |
|
|
Baltinglass Co. WicklowWill Host The Stage Four Finish Of The 2026 Ras Tailteann
By Rás Admin
Jun 2, 2024, 13:32
The 71 st edition of Rás Tailteann will take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2026.
 |
| Ronan O'Connor, then riding for Skyline USA, wins the 2025 Shay Elliott at the top Glenmalure. Photographer: Sean R\\\owe |
Cairde Ras Tailteann is delighted to confirm that stage four of the 2026 Rás Tailteann will finish in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow on Saturday, May 23rd, as the race returns to the Wicklow Mountains for the first time in eight years.
Bringing one of the race's most important days to a close in the town, the stage is set to be a major moment in the final weekend of the 71st edition of Ireland's most historic and prestigious stage race.
Having started in Carlow earlier in the day, the riders will take on a 141.6 kilometre route before arriving into Baltinglass for what promises to be one of the most important finishes of the week. The stage will bring the race through Carlow and Wicklow, with a demanding route that could have a major impact on the overall standings. Stage four is set to be one of the toughest days of the 2026 Ras Tailteann, with a series of categorised climbs before the race reaches Baltinglass. Major ascents including Glenmalure and the Wicklow Gap will provide a serious test for the riders, while the final kilometres into Baltinglass are expected to set up a hard-fought finish.
Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Wicklow County Council, local councillors, Edward Timmins TD, Liam Cullen and all members of Wicklow County Council for their support and assistance in bringing the stage finish to Baltinglass. Thanks are also extended to An Garda Siochána, local volunteers, community groups and everyone assisting with stewarding, traffic management and preparations for the event.
The riders are expected into Baltinglass between approximately 2:00pm and 3:00pm. depending on race speed. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out, line the streets and give the riders a strong welcome as they complete one of the most challenging stages of the race.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: "Baltinglass is a fantastic setting for such an important stage finish in this year's Ras Tailteann. This is a major day in the race, with some of the toughest climbing of the week before the riders arrive into the town. The climbs through Wicklow will provide a serious test, and we expect a great atmosphere in Baltinglass as we reach a crucial point in this year's race.
Tommy Doyle, stage end organiser, added: "It is a huge honour for Baltinglass to host the finish of such an important stage of Rás Tailteann. There is great excitement locally ahead of the race r eturning to Wicklow, and we are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town. We would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day for Baltinglass and the wider area.
With the Wicklow Mountains expected to play a major role in shaping the final general classification, stage four promises to be one of the defining days of the 2026 Rás Tailteann before the race reaches its conclusion in Dunboyne the following day.
|
|
| |
