Kilkenny gearing up for international Rás na mBan which rolls out locally from today (Wednesday)

The Rás na mBan is set to roll out in Kilkenny.

It’s the 17th edition of the bike race for women and this year boasts two all-new stages across its five-day spread which begins to roll out today (Wednesday, 6th Sept).

Over 100 cyclists will mark the occasion with a ceremonial parade through the local city, leaving at 4:15pm approx from the Hoban Hotel heading for Kilkenny Castle via the Waterford Road, Nuncio Road, Castle Road, Patrick Street. During this, there will be some traffic disruption resulting in minor delays which will be managed by An Garda Síochána.

They’ll then move onto the Kilkenny Rugby Club for the first Stage which starts at 4:45pm – a new one takes place each day, two on Sundays, the actoin mainly in Kilkenny but also in Laois and Waterford – see the daily routes and expected start/finish times below.

A major international offering, entries include from USA, Oceania, Africa and Asia. but the Irish are well represented and there’s some local interest too hoping to build on last year’s Team Ireland’s Lara Gillespie’s sprint to victory in the opening stage leading home a large bunch into Callan, the win marking the first for an Irish rider since Olivia Dillon’s success in 2014.

This year, Marine Lenehan will be in the starting line-up in her Rás debut. A Wicklow native, she moved to France when she was five years old and now that she’s back living in Wicklow, she is riding with Team Dan Morrissey Pactimo squad, a Carlow-based team. A very talented young athlete, previously a hurdler and a triathlete, she’s just won a silver medal in the World Championships and is the current GranFondo European Champion.

Also the 2023 event includes participation from Thomastown’s Yvonne Doran. Such competition’s not new to her however with three top five finishes to her name in the National Series.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle, says; “We are thrilled to welcome Rás na mBan back to Kilkenny for its 17th edition this September. It’s an honour to have such an event on our home turf, and we are particularly proud to see Irish and local riders making their mark in the lineup. The participation of Marine Lenehan and Yvonne Doran showcases the incredible talent that the region has to offer. Their dedication to balancing their professional lives with their passion for cycling is truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt support to all the riders as they take on the challenging stages ahead. Kilkenny is ready to cheer them on every pedal of the way.”

While Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr. Joe Malone commented; “As the Mayor of Kilkenny City, I am delighted to see Rás na mBan returning to our vibrant city once again. This event not only brings excitement and energy to our streets but also celebrates the dedication of women cyclists from Ireland and around the world. I encourage everyone to come out and support these remarkable athletes as they race towards victory in this prestigious competition particularly our local athletes, Marine Lenehan and Yvonne Doran.”