Rás Mumhan will be back on the road this year after a two-year break and will also be back in Co Kerry – and Co Cork – with the support of it’s long-term backer Kerry Group.
News the race will be held in 2022 will be greeted with relief, though the announcement was expected as conditions have begun to normalise in Ireland even though the Covid-19 pandemic continues.
However, the fact the race will once again be based in Co Kerry, and in Co Cork, and will be sponsored again by Kerry Group was much less expected.
Two years ago when the 2020 edition had to be cancelled the organising committee announced it would not run the race again as it felt the time was right to pass the baton on to a new group. And in September of that year it was announced the race had a new home, in Co Tipperary, and signaling the end of a era.
However, the first edition in Tipperary could not take place last year as the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. And now a new organising committee has issued a statement this evening confirming Rás Mumhan will be promoted this year; back in Kerry – and in Cork – and with the backing of Kerry Group. The stages are as follows:
- April 15th, Stage 1: Tralee-Annascaul-Castlemaine-Tralee 90km
- April 16th, Stage 2: Killarney-Killorglin-Ballaghisheen-Sneem 120km
- April 17th, Stage 3: Knocknagree-Rathmore-Kishkeam-Knocknagree 110km
- April 18th, Stage 4: Knocknagashel-Headleys Bridge-O’Leary’s Cross-Knocknagashel 96km
New race director Daithi Creedon said all involved were very thankful to Killorglin CC for the work it had down through the years in promoting and building the event to its current status as one of the most coveted races in Ireland.
“This year’s route will allow the riders to race every day, with undulating roads and deliberately staying away from big category 1 climbs, this will open up the race for aggressive racing. Stage 4 will be a spectator friendly stage and will be a great finale,” he said.
More to come.
