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Rás na mBan returns to Kilkenny in September for its 17th edition.

This year’s race is the seventh edition of the popular international stage race to be based in and around Kilkenny and features two all-new stages, another new finish location, and the return of the double-helping of racing in Kilkenny on the final day.

Kilkenny County Council has supported the event since 2016 and once again, starting on Wednesday, September 6th Ireland’s best riders will fight it out over five days for the coveted Kilkenny County Council green jersey for best rider based in Ireland.

Riders from all over Europe, the USA, Oceania, Africa, and Asia as well as the best of Ireland’s international- and locally-based racers will descend on Kilkenny for the event which showcases the beauty and variety of roads and landscape of the Leinster county.

Sunday 10th September, the final day of racing will again feature a double helping of top class racing starting with the fifth stage 2.5km time trial set against the backdrop of one of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks.

The race will end with the popular hour-long Kilkenny City Circuit Race on the familiar 2.1km circuit starting on The Parade in front of Kilkenny Castle, a spectacular and high octane end to the five days of racing.

While team rosters will also be revealed in due course, Rás na mBan has once again attracted Olympic, World and European Championship riders to face the best of the local talent.

Along with the race for the overall title, the best locally based talent is vying for the highly coveted green jersey awarded to the Kilkenny County Council Best Irish Rider. The leading Irish rider will be presented on the podium after each stage and recognisable in the bunch each day by the distinctive green Kilkenny County Council Best Irish Rider jersey.

Stage finishes in Callan, The Rower, Mountrath, Tramore and Kilkenny City feature in the 400km week of bike racing. For full route details see https://rasnamban.com/2023-route/

Race Director Valerie Considine is looking forward to returning to Kilkenny, the hub of Rás na mBan since 2016, stating, “The move to Kilkenny seven years ago has been overwhelmingly positive for Rás na mBan. The beautiful countryside and wonderful support from Kilkenny makes planning the route of a pillar event for cycling in Ireland an absolute pleasure. The route we have assembled for 2023 will challenge the riders and offer an opportunity to further showcase the beauty of Kilkenny City and County. It’s particularly gratifying for us to be able to bring top class women’s bike racing to the people in such an iconic setting as Kilkenny Castle.

“We’ve had wonderful support from Kilkenny County Council and An Garda Síochána throughout the planning of this event and they have helped smooth the not inconsiderable process of bringing top class bike racing to the county. Our major backers continue to make this race possible and it’s gratifying that we have retained the support of so many partners for another year.”

2023 Rás na mBan Route

• Stage One – September 6th: Kilkenny to Callan (74.2km)
• Stage Two – September 7th: Kilkenny to The Rower (100.9km)
• Stage Three – September 8th: Portlaoise to Mountrath (104.4km)
• Stage Four – September 9th: Tramore to Tramore (102.7km)
• Stage Five (ITT) – September 10th: Kilkenny Castle to Kilkenny Castle (2.5km)
• Stage Six (Criterium) – September 10th: Kilkenny Castle to Kilkenny Castle (1 hour + 5 laps)

Full route details are available here.