Portlaoise takes centre stage for famous cycle race
Launching the 71st Rás Tailteann which starts at County Hall in Portlaoise on 20 May are, from left: Martin Keane, Laois Cycling Club; Michael Rainey, Laois County Council, Chief Executive; Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Ger Campbell, Rás Tailteann Race Director; Seamus Kavanagh, Ossory Cycling Club; Dominic Reddin, Laois Tourism Officer; Elaine Moore, Laois Tourism Administrator and Angela McEvoy, Director of Services, Laois County Council. Photo: Alf Harvey
PORTLAOISE will take centre stage for the nation’s most historic cycle race, as the town hosts the stage one start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann.
Riders will roll up to Laois Co Council headquarters for a ceremonial start on Wednesday 20 May, before setting off on the road to Kilmallock, Co Limerick for an exciting opening day of racing.
Portlaoise will provide the backdrop for the first gathering of riders, teams, officials and supporters for the 71st race, giving locals an opportunity to be part of a special occasion in the Irish sporting calendar.
Cairde Rás Tailteann thanked the county council, particularly tourism administrator Elaine Moore, for their support in hosting the stage start, saying that their backing played a key role in bringing the race to the county and ensuring a successful opening to the 2026 event.
Ms Moore said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town and county and to be part of an event with such a proud tradition in Irish sport. We look forward to welcoming what promises to be a memorable occasion.”
The race is returning to Laois in a new role for 2026 as the county hosts the opening stage start, following a stage finish in Mountrath last year.
The 161.6 kilometre route will see the race travel through Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Rathdowney, Errill, Clonmore, Templemore and Borrisoleigh, before reaching the first climbs in the Silvermines at Dolla.
A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is expected to shape the stage, while a fast final section could see the race come back together or provide the opportunity for a decisive move.
Race director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted that Portlaoise will host the stage one start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann. There is always a special atmosphere around the opening day of the race and Portlaoise is a fitting place to get this year’s event underway.
“While the first half of the stage may look straightforward, the climbs later in the day and the fast run-in to Kilmallock should make for a very competitive opening stage.”
Stage start organiser Séamus Kavanagh added: “It is a real privilege for Portlaoise to host the opening day of the 2026 Rás Tailteann. There is always something unique about the first day of the race and we are looking forward to seeing the town come alive, as the riders set out on the road to Kilmallock. We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the atmosphere and give the race a great send-off.”
With an exciting opening stage in store and the first climbs of the race set to test the field before the finish in Kilmallock, stage one promises to provide an early indication of who is ready to make their mark on the 2026 Rás Tailteann.
