Final Stage of the 70th Rás Tailteann to Start in Kildare Town

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce that the final stage of the 70th edition will start in Kildare Town on Sunday, May 25th, 2025, departing at 12:00?PM from the Market Square. This marks the race’s return to Kildare following last year’s stage finish in the town.

Tom Martin of UK: Wheelbase / Cabtech / Castelli wins stage four of the 2024 Rás Tailteann into Kildare (Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan)

The 140?km route rolls out of Kildare Town and passes through Milltown at 12:05?PM, Kilmeague at 12:13?PM, Allenwood at 12:18?PM, Derrinturn at 12:30?PM, Kilshanroe at 12:42?PM, Johnstown Bridge at 12:47?PM, Longwood at 1:00?PM, Trim at 1:25?PM, and Dunsany at 1:45?PM, before arriving on circuit in Bective for the anticipated finale at 2:00?PM.

With four demanding days behind them, the peloton will need every cheer they can get—so locals are encouraged to line the streets and send the riders on their way.

Ger Campbell, Race Director, said: “Kildare Town holds a special place in the Rás calendar, and it’s fantastic to be back here to kick off our final 140?km. After four tough stages, the riders will need every bit of local support to power them toward that finish in Bective.”

Joe Doolin, Stage Start Organiser, said: “We’re honoured to host the Rás once again. The Market Square will be buzzing at noon on Sunday—there’s no better way to send these athletes on their way than with a roar from the people of Kildare.”

Paddy Flangan in his racing days (Photographer: Unknown)

Start Dedicated to Paddy Flanagan

The award in memory of Paddy Flanagan (Graphics: Alan Bingham)

The start of this final stage is dedicated to Paddy Flanagan, the first rider ever to win the Rás Tailteann three times (1960, 1964 & 1975). A native of nearby Kildangan, Flanagan notched 11 stage victories between 1960 and 1976 and was renowned for his bold attacking style and tenacious spirit—earning him a place among the legendary “Men of the Rás”. His career remains an inspiration to generations of Irish cyclists, and this dedication honours both his achievements and his deep connection to County Kildare.

Ger Campbell added: “Paddy Flanagan’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Rás Tailteann. His fearless attacks and relentless determination set a benchmark that still inspires riders today. Dedicating our final stage start to him in his home county is a small token of our gratitude for his immense contributions to Irish cycling.”

Bective Stud to Host the Climax of the 70th Rás Tailteann

Back Row: Cllr Edward Fennessy (Mayor of Navan), Gearóid Campbell (Cairde Rás Tailteann), Kieran Kehoe (CEO, Meath County Council), Ger Campbell (Race Director, Rás Tailteann), Cllr Paul O’Rourke, Cllr Wayne Harding. Front Row: Chris Reilly (Bohermeen Cycling Club), Cllr Sharon Tolan (Cathaoirleach, Meath County Council). (Photo: Meath County Council)

On Sunday, May 25th, 2025, the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann will reach its thrilling conclusion at Bective Stud, Co. Meath, returning for a second year as the host for the final finish. After five punishing days and over 760?km of racing—from Drogheda to Boyle, Clifden, Miltown Malbay and Mountrath—the peloton is expected to roll into Bective at approximately 2:00?PM, where they will complete four laps of a 12?km circuit around the local area.

Kieran Kehoe (CEO, Meath County Council) and Cllr Sharon Tolan (Cathaoirleach, Meath County Council) with Chris Reilly of Bohermeen Cycling Club at the launch of Meath County Council’s support of the finish in Bective. (Photo: Meath County Council)

Once in Bective, each circuit offers fresh opportunities for local crowds to cheer the sprinters, support breakaways, or witness the decisive move that settles the overall general classification. As the sun-dappled roads fill with excitement, Bective Stud will host a family fun day while a grandstand overlooking the finish line provides seating. A giant screen, sponsored by Bective Stud, Meath County Council and Discover Boyne Valley, will broadcast every sprint and attack in real time, bringing the drama to life for fans of all ages.

Ger Campbell, Race Director, said: “Bringing our 70th edition to Bective for a proper finale means so much—not just for the riders but for the countless communities who’ve supported us since 1953. From 2:00?PM, those four laps will transform Bective into a party of pedals, screams and cheers. A huge thanks has to go to Bective Stud, Meath County Council and Discover Boyne Valley for making this happen”.

Kieran Kehoe, CEO of Meath County Council, added: “Meath is proud of its cycling heritage. Hosting the Rás finale here showcases our villages and countryside to an international field, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors young and old to experience our hospitality.”

Emma Gill, Marketing Manager at Discover Boyne Valley, commented: “The Boyne Valley is built on stories—mythical, historical and sporting. The Rás weaves them all together, and Bective embodies that spirit. Visitors will leave with memories as vivid as our landscapes.”

Ger Campbell and Noel Clarke being inducted into the Cycling Ireland Hall of Fame. (Photo: Cycling Ireland)

Finish Dedicated to Noel Clarke

Ger Campbell and Noel Clarke being inducted into the Cycling Ireland Hall of Fame. (Photo: Cycling Ireland)

This year’s finale is dedicated to Noel Clarke, whose life is truly entwined with the Rás Tailteann. A native of Bective, Noel first burst onto the scene as a competitor in the late 1960s, going on to claim multiple stage victories—including three in the unforgettable 1975 edition—and etching his name alongside legends of Irish cycling.

Yet it is his unwavering service off the bike that cements his legacy. Since hanging up his race wheels, Noel has volunteered continuously for over five decades, guiding riders safely through each finish and standing at those same Bective circuit corners as a route marker, rain or shine. His encyclopaedic knowledge of every hedge, corner and cobbled shoulder has helped generations of organisers and riders navigate the Rás with confidence.

Ger Campbell, a longtime friend of Noel’s, added: “Noel Clarke is more than a Rás official—he’s a pillar of this event. We’ve shared route debates and laughter for years. His stage wins were legendary, but it’s his decades of friendship and dedication that truly define him. To dedicate our final finish to him in his hometown is our way of saying thank you.”

As the 70th Rás Tailteann crosses its final line here, it does so in honour of Bective’s community spirit—and of Noel Clarke’s decades of living, breathing and loving this race.

STAGE ROUTE


The last stage rolls out of Kildare Town and passes through Milltown, Kilmeague, Allenwood, Derrinturn, Kilshanroe, Johnstown Bridge, Longwood, Trim, and Dunsany, before arriving on circuit in Bective for the anticipated finale at around 2:00PM.