The event will start in the cycling stronghold of Drogheda, Co Louth on Wednesday, May 21st heading westwards to finish in Boyle, Co Roscommon. A transfer to Charlestown for the start of stage two where the riders will take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages. Another transfer to Co Mayo for the start of stage three, where Cong will welcome the Rás Tailteann. After setting off from Cong, the riders will take in breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before they face the fast finish towards Miltown Malbay in County Clare.
The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and take on 2 x category three climbs before crossing the category one Wolftrap climb with less than 15KM remaining – will there be enough time to regroup before the finish in Mountrath, Co Laois? The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2025 will kick off in Kildare Town heading across the plains of ‘The Lilywhite County’ before entering Co Meath where again, the winner of Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Bective. The 2025 edition of the race is again five stages and will take on over 760KM along the roads of The Emerald Isle, including 13 categorised climbs.
Sponsor 6 – FBD Insurance – Stage Winner Jersey
Seán Lundy (UCD Cycling Club), Jack Conroy (Bray Wheelers), Séamus Domegan (Cairde Rás Tailteann), Tomás Ó Midheach (CEO, FBD Insurance), Patricia O'Halloran (Head of Sales, Leinster, FBD Insurance) and Luke Keaney (Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club) pictured launching FBD Insurance’s sponsorship of Rás Tailteann 2025. (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan)
|
Cairde Rás Tailteann is thrilled to announce that FBD Insurance will once again sponsor the stage winner jersey for Rás Tailteann 2025. FBD Insurance has a long-standing association with the Rás Tailteann, and this marks the fourth consecutive year of their sponsorship of the stage winner jersey.
Founded in the 1960s by farmers for farmers, FBD has stayed true to its agricultural roots, growing to become a leading general insurer serving the needs of farmers, small businesses, and consumers across Ireland. With a network of 34 local sales offices, FBD is proud to be Ireland's largest Irish-owned insurer, offering a wide range of protection products including car, home, van, business, and farm insurance.
Speaking about FBD Insurance's support of Rás Tailteann 2025, Race Director Ger Campbell said, "We are deeply grateful to FBD Insurance for their ongoing sponsorship of the stage winner jersey. FBD has been a valued partner for many years, and their continued involvement speaks volumes about their dedication to cycling and the Irish sporting landscape. With 2025 marking the 70th edition of the event, we're particularly thrilled to have FBD onboard again this year."
Luke Keaney (Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club), Tomás Ó Midheach (CEO, FBD Insurance), Jack Conroy (Bray Wheelers), Patricia O'Halloran (Head of Sales, Leinster, FBD Insurance), Colm Rigley (Cairde Rás Tailteann) and Seán Lundy (UCD Cycling Club) pictured launching FBD Insurance’s sponsorship of Rás Tailteann 2025. (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan)
|
CEO of FBD Insurance Tomás Ó Midheach added, "FBD Insurance is proud to once again partner with Rás Tailteann in 2025, especially as we celebrate the 70th edition of this special event. The Rás is such an important part of the Irish sporting calendar, and we are excited to see the energy and enthusiasm it brings to towns and villages across the country. Our ongoing commitment to this event highlights our dedication to supporting local communities and we wish all the participants the very best."
The official stage winner jersey for Rás Tailteann 2025. (Graphics: Spin 11)
|
Visiting Team 9 – Foran CT – United Kingdom
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce our ninth visiting team for the 2025 event: Foran CT from the United Kingdom. This marks the team's fourth consecutive appearance at Rás Tailteann, reflecting their commitment and consistent presence in the race. Foran CT has firmly established itself as one of Britain’s top racing teams, combining strong performances with a real focus on rider development and team spirit. Known for their aggressive and exciting racing style, the team continues to make a significant impact on both the domestic and international scenes.
Dom Jackson wins Rás Tailteann 2024. (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan)
|
In 2024, Foran CT achieved a landmark success at Rás Tailteann, with Dom Jackson securing the overall victory after a thrilling week of racing. Building on that success, the team returned to training in Calpe earlier this year, completing a demanding 9-day camp featuring over 33 hours and 1000km of riding. Their early season form was evident at the 2025 Rás Mumhan, where Ryan Christensen delivered a standout performance, finishing 5th on the queen stage to Portmagee and securing 7th overall in the general classification. Teammate Alexandre Mayer also impressed, finishing 12th overall, underscoring the team's depth and readiness for the season ahead.
Team Manager Tom Quaid shared his excitement about the upcoming Rás: “After an unforgettable experience in 2024, we can’t wait to get back to the Rás. Dom Jackson returns to defend his title, and he’ll be supported by a strong and motivated squad. Alongside Dom, we have Alex Mayer, a powerful all-rounder with a fast finish; Ryan Christensen, a hugely experienced rider with international pedigree; Thomas Springbett, a strong climber and stage racer; and Danylo Riwnyj, an exciting young talent stepping up to the international stage. We’re coming back even stronger, aiming for stages, jerseys, and another tilt at the general classification.”
Quaid continued: “The work the team has put in over the winter has been outstanding — the new riders have really gelled and become part of the Foran family. We can’t wait to return to the amazing roads and atmosphere of the Rás.”
Race Director Ger Campbell welcomed Foran CT back to the event: "Foran CT lit up last year's race and sealed an historic overall victory with Dom Jackson. We're thrilled to welcome them back for 2025, and with the firepower they are bringing, they are sure to be right at the sharp end once again."
Visiting Team 10 – Canel’s Java – Mexico
Cormac McGeough (Canel’s Java) wins stage 3 of Rás Tailteann 2024 into Cahir. (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan)
|
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce our tenth visiting team for the 2025 event: Canel’s Java from Mexico. After making a strong debut in 2024 with a stage win by Cormac McGeough, the team returns this year aiming to build on that success.
Under the management of Juan José Monsiváis Almendárez, Canel’s Java has been active in the 2025 season, participating in several international races. Notably, they are set to compete in the Gran Premio New York City on May 18, 2025, a UCI 1.2 event that will serve as a key preparation for Rás Tailteann.
The 2025 squad includes: Cormac McGeough, Owen Wright, Sebastián Brenes Mata, Ignacio de Jesús Prado and Gil Alexander.
Team Manager Juan José Monsiváis Almendárez shared his thoughts on the upcoming Rás: “We are thrilled to return to Rás Tailteann after our successful debut last year. Winning a stage with Cormac was a huge achievement, and this year we’re aiming to take it further. With a strong and versatile team, we’re hopeful for more stage wins and a solid challenge for the general classification.”
Race Director Ger Campbell welcomed Canel’s Java back to the event: “We were very impressed with Canel’s Java last year in their debut, and it’s fantastic to see them return for 2025. After their success in 2024, they’re certainly a team to watch, and we look forward to seeing how they perform this year.”
Visiting Team 11 – Team PB Performance – United Kingdom
Team PB Performance before the start of stage three of Rás Tailteann 2024. (Photographer: Sean Rowe)
|
Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce our 11th visiting team of the 2025 event: Team PB Performance, who return for their third consecutive edition of the race.
Speaking about the team, Team Manager Paul Bennett said: “Team PB Performance is an elite development team managed by PB Performance Coaching with the support of WACO and private sponsors, #sharingourvision, who share their passion for rider development. Such passion has seen riders progress to UCI Continental level. We are also supported by some fabulous partners/sponsors: Kalas Sportswear, OTE, Palau Cycling, Pura Velo, Rotor UK, QR Massage, Pedal Power (Loughborough), Redchilli Bikes, MI Supplies, and Freeman Energy.”
PB Performance returns to the Rás in 2025 with George Peden, who made a big impression in last year’s edition by finishing 4th overall on general classification and 3rd on the queen stage. He arrives at this year’s race off the back of a bronze medal in the 2024 National Time Trial Championships, where he finished just behind Eddie Dunbar and Ryan Mullen.
Peden is joined by a strong line-up including Welsh champion Sam Llewelyn, a talented rider continuing his development within the team’s elite environment. The full squad also features Nathan Hardy, Jude Taylor, and George Watch — forming a well-balanced mix of experience and U23 potential, all eager to make their mark on this prestigious stage race.
Paul Bennett added: “The team has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season following a superb training camp in Girona in February, sponsored by Palau Cycling. The bond the riders have developed already this year has been exciting to see. So far in 2025, we’ve achieved 13 podium results and six victories.
We are excited to return to this prestigious race in 2025. With some luck on our side, we hope for a strong performance on GC and to pick up some stage results along the way. This is our A race of the year, and both riders and staff are super excited to compete again.”
Ger Campbell, welcoming the team back, said: “Team PB Performance had a super debut in the Rás Tailteann in 2023 with George Peden just a second off a top ten finish. He then came back and was one place off a podium finish overall in 2024. PB Performance are certainly a team to watch!”
|