(L-R) Cllr Michelle Hall, Ged Nash TD, Sarah Taaffe of Love Drogheda BIDS, Kevin Leech of Drogheda Wheelers, Cllr Declan Power, Mayor Paddy McQuillan, Cllr James Byrne, Race Director Ger Campbell, Senator Alison Comyn, Gearóid Campbell of Cairde Rás Tailteann, Cllr Debbie McCole, Cllr Anne-Marie Ford and Cllr Eric Donovan at the launch of Drogheda’s start of Rás Tailteann 2025. (Photographer: Colin Bell)
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Drogheda will proudly host the opening stage of the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 21st – a major sporting moment for the town and a chance for locals to be part of Irish cycling history.
The event's base on the morning of the race will be St Nicholas’ GAA Club on Rathmullan Road, with the race build-up starting from 8:30AM. The public is warmly invited to come down, meet riders and teams, and soak in the pre-race buzz. The peloton will leave St Nick’s at 11:20AM, before the official ceremonial start on West Street at 11:30AM.
From there, the riders will head out the Donore Road, turn right at Frank’s Country Cottage, then left along the canal and over the Obelisk Bridge. The racing proper begins on the main Slane Road, where the journey to the first finish line in Boyle begins.
This year is particularly special for Drogheda, with four of the six members of the Rás promotions group hailing from the town. It's a true homecoming for one of Ireland’s most iconic races.
“Bringing the Rás back to our hometown means a huge amount to all of us involved” said Race Director Ger Campbell. “We’re thrilled to have the support of St Nick’s GAA, the community, Louth County Council, Visit Louth, local councillors and Love Drogheda BIDS – and to see such strong local involvement behind the scenes and in the race itself.”
That local pride continues on the road, with Drogheda cyclist Kevin Leech lining up at the start. A respected and powerful rider, Leech’s presence gives locals someone to roar for as the race rolls through familiar streets.
Mayor Paddy McQuillan is also urging schools and the wider community to get out and show their support. “It’s a special thing to welcome an international event of this scale to Drogheda” he said. “Let’s give these cyclists a send-off they’ll never forget.”
With 145 riders from 29 teams representing Ireland, the UK, USA, Germany, the Isle of Man, Mexico, and beyond, Rás Tailteann promises top-level competition and unforgettable atmosphere.
On Wednesday, May 21st, all roads lead to Rathmullan, West Street, and beyond. Let’s line the streets, wave the flags, and make Drogheda proud!
Stage 1 Details: Drogheda to Boyle (155.5KM)
Wednesday, May 21st 2025 - Stage Route and Times (approx.)
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Boyle to Host Thrilling Stage 1 Finish of the 70th Rás Tailteann
Boyle is set to welcome the exhilarating finish of Stage 1 of the 2025 Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 21st, as the world-famous cycling event rolls into town for what promises to be a spectacular afternoon of sport and celebration.
The opening stage of this year’s Rás Tailteann — the historic 70th edition — will see riders travel from Drogheda to Boyle, tackling over 150km of scenic Irish roads. The peloton is expected to arrive in Boyle between 2:30pm and 3:00pm, depending on racing speeds, with the finish line located outside An Craoibhín Bar, right in the heart of the town centre.
Spectators are encouraged to line the streets early to soak up the atmosphere and witness some of the finest Irish and international cyclists sprint for victory. The best viewing points will be along the approach roads into Boyle and, of course, at the finish line at An Craoibhín, where an electric atmosphere is expected.
Boyle has a proud connection to the Rás through Daire Feeley, a local star and one of Ireland’s most talented riders. Feeley famously won the overall title in 2022 and continues to inspire the next generation of cyclists from the region. His ties to the town make Boyle a fitting and emotional place to host a stage finish.
This marks the first time since 1994 that the Rás will finish a stage in Boyle, making it a truly historic occasion for the town. Race Director Ger Campbell said, “We are thrilled to bring the Rás Tailteann to Boyle for the first stage finish of this landmark 70th edition. Boyle has such strong sporting traditions and a real passion for cycling. We can’t wait to showcase the energy and excitement the Rás brings to every town it visits.”
Local Stage End Organiser Noel Feeley added, “It’s a huge privilege to welcome such a prestigious event to Boyle. The whole community has pulled together to prepare a real celebration, and we’re encouraging everyone to come out, enjoy the day, and make it one to remember.”
Co-organiser Carmel Regan said, “This is going to be a very special day for Boyle. We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for the riders and visitors, and we hope everyone will come and experience the magic of a Rás finish in our town.”
Co-organisers of the stage finish in Boyle, Carmel Regan and Noel Feeley meet with local Gardaí in Boyle to launch the finish of stage one in Boyle. (Photo credit: Boyletoday.com)
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The stage end co-ordination team would like to extend their sincere thanks to Louise O'Grady and all the team at Roscommon County Council, whose support has been invaluable in facilitating the stage finish of Rás Tailteann in Boyle. They would also like to thank the CEO of Roscommon Sports Partnership, Noel Feeley, for his immense contribution in coordinating the stage finish in Boyle. Additionally, they are grateful to the Boyle station of An Garda Síochána and all the Gardaí from the local stations who will be assisting on the day. Without their ongoing support, this prestigious event would not have been possible.
Their thanks also go to the local cycling club, Curlieu Wheelers, for their help, and Brian Nerney of www.boyletoday.com for his continued support and weekly communications on the Rás Tailteann and the stage finish in Boyle. Special thanks also go to Ian Cooney, Sports Editor of the Roscommon Herald, whose work has made a significant impact in promoting all sports in the local area and across County Roscommon.
This stage is dedicated to all the volunteers over the last 70 years.
Stage one of Rás Tailteann 2025 is dedicated to all the volunteers on the event, past and present. Particularly those who are no longer with us today.
Without the dedicated work and passion of countless volunteers, the Rás Tailteann would not be the event it is today. Their selfless contributions have helped make the Rás a cornerstone of Irish cycling, bringing joy and excitement to every community it visits. Ger Campbell, Race Director, shared: “The volunteers are the heartbeat of the Rás Tailteann. Their dedication, year after year, has been essential to the success of the event. As we celebrate this historic 70th edition, we want to take a moment to acknowledge their invaluable role in bringing the race to life.”
FINAL VISITING TEAMS CONFIRMED
Visiting Team 12 – Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli – United Kingdom
Tim Shoreman wins stage five of Rás Tailteann 2024 in Bective. (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sulivan)
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Cairde Rás Tailteann is excited to announce our 12th visiting team for the 2025 event: Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli from the United Kingdom. This marks the team’s third appearance at Rás Tailteann, and they return in 2025 with a strong squad, ready to challenge for stage wins and the general classification.
The team has proven their strength in recent editions of Rás Tailteann, securing multiple stage wins and green jersey victories. Building on their success, Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli is once again looking to make a significant impact on the Irish roads.
This year’s squad includes Mitchell McLaughlin, Tom Martin (Winner of Rás Mumhan 2025), Tom Armstrong, Tim Shoreman and Aaron King.
Team Manager Stuart Reid shared his excitement about the upcoming race: “We are thrilled to be coming to the Rás for the third time in 2025. We’re looking to build on our multiple stage wins and green jersey wins over the past two editions of the race and challenge for the overall GC. We are coming with a strong team and can’t wait to get stuck into the 70th edition of this prestigious race.”
Race Director Ger Campbell welcomed Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli back to the event: “Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli has consistently impressed at Rás Tailteann, and we’re excited to have them back for the 70th edition. With a talented squad, including the winner of Rás Mumhan, Tom Martin, they’re certainly one of the teams to watch this year.”
Visiting Team 13 – Primera – TeamJobs – United Kingdom
Primera – TeamJobs at a recent event launch. (Photo credits: Primera – Team Jobs)
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Cairde Rás Tailteann is pleased to announce our 13th and final visiting team for the 2025 event: Primera - TeamJobs from the United Kingdom. This marks the team's debut at Rás Tailteann, and they are eager to make their mark in this prestigious race.
Primera - TeamJobs is an established British cycling team with a strong presence in the UK racing scene. Managed by Jason Gault, the team has been active for several years, participating in various races across the United Kingdom and achieving notable results, including wins in both the 2024 and 2025 Totnes-Vire with Gabe Dellar and Luke Barfoot, respectively.
The 2025 Rás Tailteann squad includes Luke Barfoot, Josh Housley, Gabe Dellar, Matty Beecher and Matt Gilmour.
Team Manager Jason Gault shared his excitement about the team's first appearance at Rás Tailteann: “We are thrilled to be making our debut at Rás Tailteann this year. As a team with a rich history in UK racing, we are excited to bring our experience and passion to Ireland. Our goal is to challenge ourselves against some of the best teams and riders in the world and to represent our sponsors and supporters with pride.”
Race Director Ger Campbell welcomed Primera - TeamJobs to the event: “It's great to see Primera - TeamJobs making their debut at Rás Tailteann. With their experience and dedication to the sport, they are sure to be a competitive addition to this year's race, and we look forward to seeing how they perform.”