Tipperary Combines Past and Present for 20th and 40th Anniversaries
RÁS NA MBAN 24th August 2026The 20th edition of Rás na mBan will also pay homage to the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial Stage Race as stage 3 takes place in Carrick-on-Suir on Friday, 4th September.
Pictured at the launch of Rás na mBan in Carrick-on-Suir were, from left, Cllr. Kieran Bourke, Cathaoirleach Carrick-on-Suir MD, International cyclist Aoife O'Donovan and Valerie Considine, Race Director Rás na mBan
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Ireland’s premier women’s international stage race, Rás na mBan, combines past and present with a new route in County Tipperary during its landmark 20th edition of the event.
While Rás na mBan celebrates its 20th anniversary, this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial Stage Race, Ireland’s first international multi-day road race for women and an event to which Rás na mBan can trace a direct lineage. The John Hearn Memorial took place in Carrick-on-Suir in 1986, and Stage 3 of the 2026 edition of Rás na mBan will start and finish within metres of the location from which that pioneering race set off.
Riders will leave from Carrick-on-Suir and race towards a short sharp climb on route to Ninemilehouse, before undertaking a short sharp descent as they turn towards Mullinahone. From there the road drags towards Knockabritta as they race towards Killenaule. The road towards the intermediate sprint at Fethard is expected to be fast with plenty of downhill continuing as they race towards Clonmel.
Riders will then face one of the most challenging climbs of this year’s edition of the race as they enter onto the Tickincor QoM, 3km long with an average gradient of 7.9%. Having passed into County Waterford, the following 20km will again feature plenty of downhill before taking on the much shorter, but steeper, Seskin QoM followed by a downhill finish back into Carrick-on-Suir after 102.5km of racing over 1,127m.
Speaking at the stage announcement, Cllr Kieran Bourke, Cathaoirleach Carrick-on-Suir MD said,
“It’s very exciting to see such a high calibre bike race return to Carrick-on-Suir. We’re very proud to have played such a significant role in women’s cycling in Ireland all those years ago with the John Hearn Memorial race attracting such large numbers for its time and of such a strong calibre.
“We’re delighted to be able to showcase County Tipperary through Rás na mBan, from its scenery, landscape and amenities to its place in Irish history. Tipperary has also produced some world class cyclists in the past, and we hope this event may even inspire a few more in years to come!”
Race Director Valerie Considine said, “It’s very fitting that we return to Carrick-on-Suir on the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial stage race. The race has become an integral part of our history and it’s amazing to reflect on how far the sport has come in 40 years.
“Not only does the race have ties to Carrick-on-Suir through the John Hearn Memorial, but also through local rider Claire Moore who still holds the record of most overall Rás na mBan wins. We were delighted to have her join us last year on one of our stages for the podium presentations and now we’re excited to further those ties with Carrick-on-Suir and County Tipperary.
“Designing this route was very pleasant as we got to see some of the best that Tipperary has to offer, from scenic lake views to challenging climbs. We developed a tough stage in Tipperary and are very excited to see how the race develops.”
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Rás na mBan Returns to Gorey in Wexford
RÁS NA MBAN 21st August 2026The 20th edition of Rás na mBan will see a full stage contained in County Wexford, with riders starting and finishing in Gorey town.
Ireland’s premier women’s international stage race, Rás na mBan, returns to County Wexford for a third consecutive year as part of the 20th edition of the event.
Pictured at the launch of Rás na mBan in Wexford, Race Director Valerie Considine, Linda Kelly, Cllr. Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach (Gorey-Kilmuckridge MD).
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Stage two of the 2026 race on Thursday, September 3rd will see riders undertake a new twist on an existing route as they leave from Gorey to traverse a mix of challenging climbs, fast racing, and stunning scenery as they loop around the roads of the Model County before a fast finish again in Gorey.
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The 97km route will set off from Gorey District Park with a neutralised start at 11:00 before the flag is dropped on the R772 and the true racing begins. Riders will race towards Arklow before turning towards the first test of the day, the Intermediate Sprint in Woodenbridge at the WWI memorial. From there, they’ll ride towards Aughrim and the first Queen of the Mountains opportunity of the day, the Cat 3 Rednagh.
The road undulates as riders prepare for their next big test at Sliabh Buí, the first Cat 2 climb of this year's edition of Rás na mBan. The 3.3km long climb will average 4.4% gradient, peaking at 18.6%. More undulating terrain faces the riders after they descend Sliabh Buí until they reach Ballycanew for a fast finish into Gorey town once again, with the lead riders estimated to arrive at 13:16.
Riders will also be treated to a true festival of cycling as Wexford County Council is set to host a range of bike focused activities in the Town Park in Gorey to coincide with the day’s racing.
Included in the day’s festivities are:
- Bike Buddies will host a range of fun cycling games and activities for primary school children
- Bike maintenance advice will be provided by Biking.ie – find out how to keep your bike in tip-top condition
- Sports Active Wexford will showcase their ranges of activities and programmes, with an emphasis on women in sport. Budding cyclists can try out balance bikes.
- Find out about the activities of Gorey Pedestrian & Cycling Association
- Cycling Ireland will hold a BMX demo in the skatepark
- The Road Safety Authority will be on hand with safety advice and some goodies to help keep you safe on the road.
Speaking at the stage announcement, Cllr. Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach (Gorey-Kilmuckridge MD) welcomed the return of the race to Wexford, saying, “It is a great honour for Gorey to play host to this prestigious international women’s cycling event. Having both the start and finish stage in Gorey gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our town and the very best of Wexford hospitality. I commend the Rás na mBan organisers and Wexford County Council for working together to bring world-class women’s sport to our roads, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.”
Race Director Valerie Considine expressed her excitement at revisiting the county, “We’re excited to return to Wexford for Stage 2 of this year’s Rás na mBan. Our previous visits have been incredibly memorable and rewarding. We’re particularly excited with the changes to this year’s route, with the full stage contained with County Wexford adding to the challenge and impressive landscapes our riders and spectators get to encounter each year.
“The heritage, landscapes, and warm welcome in Wexford make it a perfect host for top-level racing and I'd like to pay tribute to Wexford County Council and the Garda Síochána for their wonderful support in making this stage happen"
Carlow to Showcase World-Class Women's Cycling This September
RÁS NA MBAN 19th August 2026
Pictured at the launch of Rás na mBan in Carlow were, from left, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development Carlow County Council; Gerard Bonner, Programme Manager Active Carlow; Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive Carlow County Council; International cyclist Aoife O'Donovan; Cllr. Paul Doogue, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council; Valerie Considine, Race Director Rás na mBan and Declan
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The 20th edition of Rás na mBan will bring international competition, breathtaking scenery and the race's toughest climbing challenge to County Carlow.
Carlow is getting set to host Ireland’s premier international bike race for women, Rás na mBan, in September.
It’s the 20th anniversary of the event and the organisers have designed a particularly demanding route entirely within County Carlow for the fourth day of the race which is sure to provide an epic test for the riders.
With over 1000 metres of elevation on the way to a summit finish on Corrabut Gap, this has been dubbed the ‘Queen Stage’ of the five-day event as the one which provides the sternest test of the riders’ climbing talents.
The rugged landscape of the concluding climb and seductive beauty of the rolling hills on the approach to the final test will also form a striking backdrop to what will be one of the most important appointments on the 2026 Irish cycling calendar.
Indeed, the riders will race up Corrabut Gap on Mount Leinster not once, but twice in what is sure to be one of the most significant stages of the week.
Riders from all over the world will set off from Carlow County Council offices at 10am on September 5th for a 88.5km race after which the candidates for the final magenta winners jersey of the race will be reduced to no more than a handful.
A largely flat opening 55km gives little hint of what is to come. Following intermediate sprint opportunities at Bagnelstown and Garyhill, the riders will be tasked with the first ascent of Corrabut Gap QoM after 60km. While it may not be the longest climb in the week’s racing it is definitely the steepest with an average gradient of 11.5% over the 1.5km.
From there, riders will enjoy the welcome descent to Bunclody following which the riders will turn east again at Kildavin towards Myshall, and rejoin the previous route to complete a second summit of the Corrabut Gap for a hilltop finish after 88.5km of racing and 1,074m of elevation.
Announcing Carlow’s hosting of the stage, Cllr. Thomas Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said:
"Carlow County Council is delighted to support the return of Rás na mBan to County Carlow. Events such as this play an important role in showcasing all that our county has to offer, bringing visitors into our towns and villages and supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and tourism attractions.
“Rás na mBan is about much more than competitive cycling. It creates a real sense of community, with local volunteers, clubs and residents coming together to welcome riders and supporters from across Ireland and beyond. It is a fantastic opportunity to encourage people to get active, celebrate our vibrant communities and highlight Carlow as a welcoming destination for sporting and outdoor events."
Rás na mBan Race Director Valerie Considine said:
“Our wonderful memories of racing up Mount Leinster in 2016, ’17 and ‘18 are still fresh in the minds of all involved in Rás na mBan so when we decided that the route of the 20th anniversary edition of the race needed something special, our attention quickly turned to Carlow.
“For our return we wanted to do something special so a route entirely in Carlow, showcasing the particular beauty and unique charms of the county while providing a memorable sporting challenge for the racers was the objective and I think we have achieved that.
“We are particularly grateful for the welcome we have received from Carlow County Council, An Garda Síochána and I know I speak for all the riders from across the globe who will be here in September that we’re looking forward to bringing a world class international sports event to this beautiful location.”
For full route details:- click here
The official digital Road Book is now available
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Featuring the six stage routes, race schedules, features, rider information and spectator guides for this landmark 20th edition.
Download your copy and get ready for five thrilling days of international women’s racing - Click here to download