O'Neills Sprint Team Returns To Rás Tailteann 2026
Jun 2, 2024, 13:35
The 71 st edition of Ras Tailteann will take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2026.
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| Archie Peet in action during Rás Mumhan 2026. Photographer: Caroline Kerley. |
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce that O'Neills Spirit will return to the start line of the 2026 Rás Tailteann, marking a welcome comeback for one of the race's familiar teams after an absence last season.
The team has been a regular feature of Rás Tailteann in recent years but sat out the 2025 edition due to sponsorship challenges. Their return has been made possible through the arrival of O'Neills as title sponsor, allowing the team to once again take its place in Ireland's premier stage race. The 2026 squad is built predominantly around Under 23 riders, reflecting O'Neills Spirit's continued focus on rider development and progressive racing. While several members of the lineup will be making their Rás debut, the team is expected to adopt an aggressive and attacking style throughout the week.
O'Neills Spirit has built a strong reputation at Rás Tailteann over recent years, with riders such as George Kimber, Will Perrett and Dan Gardner all making a major impact in previous editions, while several former riders also earned the distinction of "Man of the Rs." This year's squad includes Max Duckworth, Archie Peet and Felix Earth, all recognised for their climbing ability and expected to feature strongly on the more selective stages of this year's route.
The team continues under the guidance of Josh Parkin, who remains as team manager while also stepping into a part-owner role alongside recently retired former owner Russell Rowles. Parkin brings continuity and ambition to the setup while maintaining the team's long-standing ethos of direct and committed racing.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: "It is great to see O'Neills Spirit returning to Rás Tailteann for 2026.
They are a team that has always animated the race in previous years and they have built a strong reputation for aggressive racing and developing young riders. We are delighted to welcome them back and look forward to seeing them on Irish roads again this May."
With a young lineup and renewed backing, O'Neills Spirit arrives at the 2026 Rás Tailteann aiming to animate the race and play an active role throughout the week.
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