Women's international bike race adds Waterford stage for the first time

Ireland's only women's international bike stage race has introduced a Waterford stage for the first time in its 17 year history. 

Rás na mBan, which is due to take place from September 6 to September 10, will include the new Waterford stage as part of its five-day schedule. 

The 102.7km stage of the race will leave Tramore at 12 noon on Saturday September 9 and travel through Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas, on to Dungarvan, before returning along the Copper Coast to the finish line on the Prom in Tramore at approximately 2.40pm. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the news, stating, "We are delighted that Waterford will feature as a stage for this prestigious international bike race. 

"It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the idyllic, challenging and breath-taking scenery not only to the riders, but to spectators of the world. We are looking forward to welcoming the riders and supporters to Waterford for what is regarded as the premier international women’s stage race." 

He added: "I would particularly like to thank the Rás na mBan committee for including Waterford in the route this year. I’d also like to commend the vision of Waterford City and County Council and its elected representatives in working with the race committee and attracting top class women’s bike racing to the Déise." 

Race Director Valerie Considine said, "It’s our great pleasure and privilege to bring Rás na mBan to Waterford for the first time. It’s a county with an unrivalled heritage in Irish cycle racing and the route we have selected is among the most beautiful and challenging in the history of the race.

"We’re very grateful to everyone in Waterford City and County Council for their help in making this stage possible and we’re sure that our riders and supporters will enjoy a great day of racing on the Copper Coast. We look forward to seeing fans from all over Waterford and beyond out to support these world class athletes on the race route and at the finish in Tramore." 

This year's route offers a variety of challenges, including the stage four climb of ‘The Cut’ in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the demanding Tramore stage in County Waterford on the penultimate day, and the stage five-time trial on Sunday where riders will ride solo against the watch on the new Kilkenny Castle course. 

For more details on the race, click here. 

Image: Noel Browne