Midlands route details confirmed as Rás Tailteann cycle race returns

After a four-year absence, the Rás Tailteann national cycle race will return in June and will include a stage finish in Kilbeggan.

The route for the 67th edition of the race was confirmed last week.

Competitors will cycle 765km in total between June 15 and June 19, with the fourth stage on June 18 beginning in Lisdoonvarna and heading for the Midlands.

This 154km stage will pass through Athlone before finishing in Kilbeggan. Cyclists will then transfer to Kinnegad for the final stage, on June 19, which will set off from the East Westmeath town and finish in Blackrock, Co. Louth.

Race Director Ger Campbell said: "On behalf of myself and Cáirde Rás Tailteann we are thrilled to be in a position to announce details of our event for 2022.

"After a difficult four-year absence, it is fantastic to look forward to this magnificent race returning to the highways and byways of Ireland.

"We look forward to welcoming our visiting teams and most importantly, our own Irish-based county riders back onto the prestigious and internationally unique platform that is the Rás.

"This year is all about getting the show back on the road and giving centre stage back to the county teams together with a balanced mix of overseas competitors.

"We are grateful to our funding partners and sponsors, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks, along with details of our visiting teams.

"On a personal level it is a huge honour for me to be race director this year, given the respect I have for those who have held the position previously. We look forward to seeing you all on the roads of our beautiful country this coming June," he concluded.