Distance: 128.1km | Winner & New Race Leader: George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man)
Kimber climbs into yellow with commanding Wolftrap victory
Stage 4 of Rás Tailteann 2025 brought fireworks and ferocious racing across 128.1km from Ennis to Mountrath, with attacks from the very start and relentless pace all the way to the final climb. In the end, it was George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man) who conquered the decisive Wolftrap ascent and soloed to victory — taking both the stage and the overall lead in this 70th edition of the race.
How it happened:
The flag dropped under blue skies and high speeds, with 24km covered in just 28 minutes — an average of 51.4km/h. The bunch stayed together through Bodyke and Whitegate, with riders like Clay Davies (21) repeatedly testing the waters.
After numerous failed attack attempts from many riders, a break of six finally stuck near the 90km mark: Dom Jackson (1) – Foran CT, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Kim Satchel (60) – Good Guys Racing NYC, Cian Keogh (64) – Team Skyline, Gareth O’Neill (95) – Cycling Ulster and Evan Keane (117) – Pinergy–Orwell Wheelers.
With support from Banbridge CC Specsavers and Team Ireland behind, the peloton kept them within striking distance. The group entered Riverstown, and the lead hovered around 30–34 seconds, with Team Ireland driving the chase. After 2 hours of racing, the average speed remained a searing 50.4 km/h.
The Wolftrap Decider
The race hit the Category 1 Wolftrap with 3km of climbing ahead — and that’s where the fireworks truly began. From the yellow jersey group, George Kimber, Dean Harvey, Jamie Meehan, and Adam Lewis surged clear.
The decisive breakaway group leads the race on the Wolftrap climb
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At the summit, the KOH points were taken by: Dean Harvey (66) – Team Ireland, Jamie Meehan (67) – Team Ireland, George Kimber (41) – Cycling Club Isle of Man, Adam Lewis (61) – Team Skyline, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Maxime Richard (57) – Good Guys Racing NYC and Danylo Riwnyj (5) – Foran CT.
The chasing bunch
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On the descent, Kimber, Meehan, and Harvey formed a lead trio. With the bunch splintering behind, Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) attacked in defence of yellow but was unable to bridge across.
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Kimber rode away solo in the closing kilometres to take a brilliant win in Mountrath, with Meehan and Harvey completing the podium.
Stage 4 Top 5
1. George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man)
2. Jamie Meehan (Team Ireland)
3. Dean Harvey (Team Ireland)
4. Sebastian Brenes – Canel’s Java
5. Matthew Teggart – Banbridge CC Specsavers
General Classification
1. George Kimber – Cycling Club Isle of Man
2. Jamie Meehan – Team Ireland
3. Odhrán Doogan – Cycling Ulster
Jersey Leaders:
• Bective Stud, Tea Rooms and Apartments Yellow Jersey: George Kimber – Cycling Club Isle of Man
• City Break Apartments Green Jersey: Sebastian Brenes – Canel’s Java
• Irish Independent King of the Mountains Jersey: Adam Lewis – Team Skyline
• Spin 11 U23 Jersey: Jamie Meehan – Team Ireland
• Sport Ireland County Jersey: Odhrán Doogan – Cycling Ulster
• FBD Stage Winner Jersey: George Kimber – Cycling Club Isle of Man
Most Aggressive Rider (Stage 4): Tom Martin (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli), awarded the €250 prize sponsored by Mick Twomey, the Rás’s longest-serving official.
Stage 4 was dedicated to Mick Twomey, the longest-serving Rás official. Mick’s first involvement with the race began as a competitor before he turned his energy toward supporting the event as a volunteer. Since 1961, Mick served continuously in various official roles, becoming one of the most respected and enduring figures in Irish cycling - Mick is pictured here with his family after the finish in Mountrath
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Rás Tailteann 2025 – Stage 5 Preview
Sunday, 25 May 2025 – Kildare Town to Bective (142.8km)
The final stage of the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann promises a thrilling conclusion as riders embark on a 142.8km journey from Kildare Town to Bective. This predominantly flat stage offers opportunities for both sprinters and general classification contenders to make their mark.
Route Overview:
• Start: Kildare Town
• Key Towns: Milltown, Kilmeague, Allenwood, Derrinturn, Kilshanroe, Johnstown Bridge, Longwood, Dunsany
• Finish: Bective
The stage features a single Category 3 climb at Quarry Hill, shortly after Dunsany, before entering the final circuit. Riders will complete four laps of a 12km loop around Bective, culminating in a fast-paced finish.
What to Expect:
With the general classification still in contention, teams will be strategizing to protect or challenge the yellow jersey. The flat terrain and circuit finish are conducive to high-speed chases and potential breakaways. Spectators can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere as the peloton races towards the finish line.
Spectator Information:
Bective Stud, the stage finish and yellow jersey sponsor, will host the concluding festivities. Fans are encouraged to line the circuit to cheer on the riders during the final laps. The event offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the culmination of a week-long cycling spectacle.
Join us in Bective to celebrate the finale of Rás Tailteann 2025 and witness the crowning of this year's champion.
Download the full results link