Rás na mBan 2019 Ireland’s Premier Women’s Bike Race

5 Day International Cycle Race Kilkenny 4th - 8th September

Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website CONTENTS

Welcome Address 2

Start list Teams and Riders 4

Riders to Watch 6

Roll of Honour 7

Route Details & Time Schedule 8 Stage 1 8 Stage 2 11 Stage 3 14 Stage 4 17 Stage 5 19 Stage 6 21

Epic Stages 25

Race Rules & Regulations 26

Hospitals 28

Prize List 29 ADig LITTLE Race Officials 29 Where to Watch 30 DEEPER Explainer 31 Uncover Kilkenny’s hidden gems and turn your visit into an amazing journey of discovery.

www.visitkilkenny.ie

Did you know?

The first Rás na mBan champion was Stephanie Gronow from Berlin who won the inaugural two-day event in County Dublin in 2006 against 74 other riders representing teams from Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man and Britain, as well as Ireland. Coralie Demay from Brittany won the stage four time trial on her way to overall victory in 2018, the first win for a French rider in Rás na mBan.

1 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website WELCOME ADDRESS

It’s my very great pleasure to welcome We’re grateful to Laois County Council for their riders, officials and all bike racing fans assistance in running stage three. The race benefits from a dedicated committee of to Rás na mBan 2019, the fourteenth skilled and committed personnel performing myriad edition of the race and the fourth to be unseen tasks throughout the year. To this core group based in County Kilkenny. I’m delighted can be added a dedicated band of commissaires, POWERED timekeepers, finish crew, drivers, mechanics, to say that once again we have top motorbike marshals, static marshals and countless international riders from all over the other officials without whom this event would not BY ADRENALINE world making the journey to beautiful occur. To all of them I say thank you and remind all competitors of their sacrifice for the good of women’s Kilkenny City by the River Nore. cycling. THE UBER EFFICIENT Whether you’re a first timer or a regular competitor We are very grateful for the support of some of the I’d like to wish you all a heartfelt ‘céad míle fáilte’ and best backers in Irish sport. CIVIC DIESEL I hope you enjoy your week’s racing. Cycling Ireland has again recognised the importance Last year’s event was popularly judged the best of this race to the development of the sport with an to date so we have focused on retaining the main increased commitment, the Women’s Commission elements of a successful formula, with four road of Cycling Ireland are backing the Young Rider stages, a time trial and a city centre criterium circuit Classification again, while the Irish Veterans Cyclists race making up 400km of racing from Wednesday Association continue their support of the Wicklow through to Sunday. 200 Queen of the Mountains classification that It’s been especially uplifting to experience the stretches back to the very start of the event in 2006. welcome of all in County Kilkenny for the event and Honda Ireland has stepped in once more to provide the help we have been given by all in Kilkenny County official race cavalcade vehicles and support the stage Council, local cycling clubs and the local business four time trial while Europcar Kilkenny have supplied community has helped ease the daunting task of vans to help with transport and logistics. We’re promoting a five-day international bike race. delighted to welcome a new commercial partner with We would also like to acknowledge the great help Pactimo supplying the superb new jerseys to be worn and support from An Garda Síochána in Kilkenny and by classification leaders. surrounding counties for their assistance in running The refreshed look of the event has been aided by the the event assistance of Just-Print.ie in providing event signage We have two all-new stages that I feel confident will and Just-Print.ie have increased their involvement to be a hit with both riders and spectators. The stage support the stage winner’s jersey. Fáilte Ireland have two journey south to Piltown includes a finishing also brought vital support to this landmark event. circuit with a challenging climb while stage three is Our event timing service is provided by Joe Daly our first visit to County Laois and includes the tough Cycles while InForm Sport Media continue to supply climbs of the Wolftrap Mountain and The Cut in the their excellent PR and event marketing support. Slieve Bloom Mountains. A single other individual has also provided significant financial assistance to the event and we’d like to thank them again for their wonderful support this year. They know who they are and we really are very grateful. To all involved, I hope you enjoy the race. 5 Door Petrol * 4 Door Sedan ** 5 Door Diesel ** - 1.0L/1.5L i-VTEC - 1.6 i-DTEC/1.0 i-VTEC - 2.0 i-VTEC - Fuel Economy: Yours in cycling, Turbo Engines Turbo Engines Turbo Engine 3.5L/100K - 127/180 BHP - 120/127 BHP - 320 BHP - 1.6 i-DTEC Engine

*Civic 5 Door Petrol available in Manual and CVT. **Civic 5 Door Diesel and 4 Door Sedan available in Manual, all-new 9-Speed Auto and CVT. Valerie Considine Race Director

Nicola Juniper (TC Racing) taking the win in Kilkenny on stage 5 of Rás na mBan 2018 Find your Civic style at honda.ie 2 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website RIDERS TO WATCH ROLL OF HONOUR

Rás na mBan 2019 is the 14th edition of the event in its current guise and the fourth time the race has been based in County Kilkenny. It marks 33 years since the first women’s international stage race in Ireland.

Year Winner Year Winner 2018 Coralie Demay, France 2002 Esther van der Helm, Netherlands 2017 Elinor Barker, Wales 2001 Esther van der Helm, Netherlands 2016 Rikke Lønne, Denmark 2000 Julie Hooper, England 2015 Stephanie Pohl, Germany 1999 Louise Jones, England 2014 Tayler Wiles, USA 1998 Claire Moore, Ireland 2013 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1997 Susan O’Mara, Ireland 2012 Kamilla Vallin, Denmark 1996 Angela Hunter, England 2011 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1995 Helena Kinsella, Ireland Lara Gillespie (right) collect her bronze medal at the recent 2010 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1994 Marie Purvis, Isle of Man world championships in Poland with the silver medallist and 2009 Emma Trott, England 1993 Claire Moore, Ireland fellow Rás na mBan rider Elynor Bacsktedt (left). 2008 Louise Moriarty, Ireland 1992 Claire Moore, Ireland This year’s entry for An Post Rás na mBan is among the most competitive in the 13-year history of 2007 Marit Huisman, Netherlands 1990 Kim Staff, England the event. Here is a selection of some of the riders likely to feature during the week. 2006 Stephanie Gronow, Germany 1989 Patricia Anderson, Ireland Alice Sharpe (Ireland) - Team Ireland Rhona Callander (Scotland) – Team Great Britain 2005 Elisabeth Braam, Netherlands 1988 Claire Moore, Ireland Ireland’s national road race champion won her title in A stage winner for Team GB in Rás na mBan 12 months 2004 Louise Moriarty, Ireland 1987 Fiona Madden, Ireland emphatic fashion in June to add to a body of racing ago, Scotland’s Rhona Callander is an all-rounder who 2003 Angela Hunter, England 1986 Marie O’Donoghue, Ireland performances across the last 12 months that suggest has a fine sprint in her armoury. The Edinburgh rider is a talent still in blossom. Impressive solo rides in the part of a strong Team GB line up which has animated Rás European Championships in Glasgow and at the world na mBan with big performances over the past two years. championships in Innsbruck last September helped Her Scottish team mate Anna Shackley was best British Sharpe to earn a place on the UCI World Cycling Centre rider in the recent Tour of Scotland emphasising the team this season. Eighth overall in 2017 and twice 15th strength in depth of the GB line-up. WHO WILL CLAIM THIS YEAR’S JERSEYS? either side of that result, Sharpe is on a different level Elynor Backstedt (Wales) – Storey Racing now and ready to contend. Silver medallist in the World Championship Individual Lydia Boylan (Ireland) –Torelli Assure Madison Pursuit last month, Backstedt has won numerous RÁS NA mBAN POINTS IVCA WICKLOW 200 Dubliner Boylan won a world championship silver medal national, European and world medals on track and road OVERALL CLASSIFICATION CLASSIFICATION QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS with her stunning late attack in the Points Race in Poland and won the Ghent Wevelgem Junior race in March.. last March. She is also a European medallist in the Keirin Daughter of former British road race champion Megan and she has an impressive palmares on the road, too. Hughes and Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt, A three-time Irish National road race champion and a Elynor is continuing a grand family tradition stage winner in the past in Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and finished 12th overall in Spain, Boylan was second overall in the 2016 and 2012 in Rás na mBan two years ago. Rás na mBan and will relish an opportunity with the Amalie Lutro (Norway) - Team Torelli Assure Madison team to pitch for a place on Team Region Sør the top step. First year professional Lutro rides week Lara Gillespie (Ireland) – Team Ireland to week with the Norwegian Hitech A world championship bronze medallist in the Individual UCI team and comes to Ireland as Pursuit at the junior world championships last month, guest of her regional squad with a season of tough UCI racing in KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL WOMEN’S CYCLING IRELAND JUST-PRINT.IE Wicklow’s Gillespie continues to deliver at the highest BEST IRISH RIDER BEST YOUNG RIDER STAGE WINNER level after national and European championships success her legs. A national medallist in the past two years. In Mayo’s Maeve Gallagher, in the road race and time Gillespie has an Ireland team-mate who has beaten her trial in the past two years, in the National Road Race Championships and who is the Lutro knows Ras na mBan reigning Kilkenny CoCo Best Irish Rider at Rás na mBan and is another rider who making it a time of exceptional strength among the has benefited from a Ireland juniors. development year.

Lydia Boylan (picture in 2016) is a three-time national road race title winner with two second placed finishes in Rás na mBan to her name.

6 7 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 1 - 70.1KM STAGE 1 - 70.1KM Wednesday, September 4th 2019 KILKENNY – BENNETTSBRIDGE – THOMASTOWN – GRAIGUENAMANAGH – GORESBRIDGE – PAULSTOWN – GOWRAN TIME Wednesday, September 4th 2019 Riders sign-on, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 13.00-14.55 All team and lead cars to be out of car park and in designated positions 15:30 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510931 Riders Assemble, SHC 16:30 Riders roll out from Hotel. Race is neutralised for 2km 16:42 Stage 1 - Route Map Race start 16:45

KM Route Schedule To Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph Neutralised Start - Exit Left 16:42 16:42 16:42 Springhill Court Neutralised - N10 RND 2nd Exit Cavalcade merging FINISH: GOWRAN START: KILKENNY from left, 1st Exit Neutralised - Garage JL Caution Entrance END Neutralised Section 0.0 70.1 N10 - Rugby Club Start 16:45 16:45 16:45 0.1 70.0 N10 - Cemetery JR 16:45 16:45 16:45 4.8 65.3 N10 JL Left Direction 16:54 16:52 16:51 Bennettsbridge 5.0 65.1 Road Bend Right Caution: Sharp Bend, 16:54 16:52 16:52 narrows 8.3 61.8 Road JR Start Steep Descent 17:00 16:58 16:56 8.6 61.5 Annamult Road T Left End descent 17:01 16:58 16:57 Stage 1 - Profile Stage 1 - Finish 8.7 61.4 Annamult Road (R700) T Right Bennettsbridge 17:01 16:58 16:57 8.9 61.2 R700 ][ Caution: narrows 17:01 16:59 16:57 240 9.0 61.1 R700 (Bennettsbridge) JL Right Sharp bend 17:01 16:59 16:57 14.3 55.8 R700 ][ Caution: Narrow 17:11 17:07 17:05 Bridge, followed by

) 180 right hand bend 17.0 53.1 R700 RND 1st Exit Thomastown 17:16 17:11 17:09 120

METRES (M 17.1 53.0 R700 (Dublin Rd) RND 2nd Exit 17:17 17:12 17:09 Team Car Deviation 17.4 52.7 R700 ][ Caution: Narrow 17:17 17:12 17:09 60 Descent 17.5 52.6 R700 (Chapel Lane) JL Caution: Narrow 17:17 17:12 17:10 Descent 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 17.5 52.6 R700 (Station Rd) JR Caution: Narrow, 17:17 17:12 17:10 Keep left KILOMETRES (KM) 17.6 52.5 R700 T Left Caution: Narrow 17:18 17:12 17:10 Stage 1 - Elevation Last 3km 18.2 51.9 R700 (R703) JL Left 17:19 17:13 17:11 20.3 49.8 R703 ][ Caution: Narrows 17:23 17:17 17:14 72 26.5 43.6 R703 QOH QOH Finish 17:34 17:26 17:22 ) 68 Length: 3.4km, Avg: 3%, Max: 10.4% 63 32.9 37.2 R703 (R705) RND 1st Exit Graiguenamanagh 17:46 17:36 17:32 METRES (M 58 -3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km 36.8 33.3 R705 (R4204) JL Left 17:54 17:43 17:37 KILOMETRES (KM) 44.5 25.6 R4202 (Barrack St) X Straight Goresbridge 18:08 17:55 17:48 Through

8 9 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website 51.4 18.8 Royal Oak Rd ][ Caution - Narrow 18:21 18:06 17:58 STAGE 2 - 89.5KM Bridge KILKENNY – STONEYFORD – KNOCKTOPHER – BALLYHALE – MULLINAVAT – PILTOWN 52.9 17.2 Royal Oak Rd (R724) T Left Royal Oak 18:24 18:08 18:00 – 2 LAPS OF CIRCUIT VIA TEMPLEORUM – THE SWEEP – PILTOWN 53.0 17.2 R724 (R448) T Left 18:24 18:08 18:00 Thursday, September 5th 2019 56.3 13.9 R448 ][ Caution - Traffic 18:30 18:13 18:05 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510940 Island 56.4 13.8 R448 ][ Caution - Traffic 18:30 18:13 18:05 Stage 2 - Route Map Island 56.5 13.7 R448 (R712) JL, ][ Double Junction, 18:30 18:14 18:05 Traffic island START: KILKENNY 56.5 13.6 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic 18:30 18:14 18:05 Island 56.6 13.5 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic 18:31 18:14 18:05 Island 57.0 13.1 R712 (An Choill Rua) JR Paulstown 18:31 18:15 18:06 57.1 13.0 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic 18:32 18:15 18:06 Island 57.4 12.7 R712 RND 2nd Exit 18:32 18:15 18:06 65.1 5.0 R712 (R702) JL Left 18:47 18:27 18:17 67.4 2.8 R702 ][ Caution - Level 18:51 18:31 18:21 Crossing 69.0 1.1 R702 (Chapel Rd) JR Deviation. Vehicles 18:54 18:33 18:23 to park on Chapel Rd or R448 FINISH: PILTOWN 69.5 0.6 R702 (Rockfield) RND 2nd Exit Caution 18:55 18:34 18:24 69.7 0.4 R702 (R448/Main St) T Left Gowran 18:55 18:35 18:24 70.1 0.0 Finish 18:56 18:35 18:25 Stage 2 - Profile Stage 2 - Finish

200

150 (M)

100 METRES

50

0 0 7.5 15.0 22.5 30.0 37.5 45.0 52.5 60.0 67.5 75.0 KILOMETRES (KM)

Stage 2 - Elevation Last 3km

24 Did you know? 18 (M) The youngest Rás na mBan winner was Marit Huisman of The Netherlands who was 18 years and nine months when she took victory in 2007. Kamilla Sofie Vallin turned 19 less than a 12

month before her success in 2012 and Britain’s Emma Trott was 19 years and eight months METRES 6 when she claimed victory riding with the Dutch squad Moving Ladies in 2009. Reigning World -3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km Road Race Champion Amalie Dideriksen (above, leading Vallin) won the W200 Queen of the KILOMETRES (KM) Mountains title in 2012.

10 11 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 2 - 89.5KM Thursday, September 5th 2019 50.4 39.1 Main St/Tower Rd RND 2nd Exit Water Tower 13:34 13:19 13:12 50.6 38.9 Tower Rd ][ Caution: Speed Bumps 13:34 13:19 13:12 TIME 51.3 38.2 Tower Rd/R698 T Left Caution: major road 13:36 13:20 13:13 Riders sign-on, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 11:00 51.3 38.2 R698 JR College Entrance 13:36 13:21 13:13 Riders Assemble, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 11:30 55.7 33.8 Road JR Templeorum 13:44 13:28 13:19 Riders roll out from Hotel - neutralised for 2km 11:57 55.9 33.6 Road QOH QOH Finish 13:44 13:28 13:19 Race start 12:00 Length: 2.5km, Avg: 3.9%, Max: 5.7% KM Route Schedule 56.0 33.5 Road JR Keep left 13:45 13:28 13:20 To Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph 58.0 31.5 Road JL Left Caution: Steep Descent 13:48 13:31 13:22 Neutralised Start - Exit Left 11:57 11:57 11:57 58.9 30.6 Road X Keep left 13:50 13:33 13:24 Springhill Court Hotel 62.1 27.4 Road/R698 X Caution: crossing 13:56 13:38 13:28 Neutralised - N10 RND 2nd Exit Cavalcade merging major road from left, 1st Exit 64.1 25.4 Road RND 1st Exit 14:00 13:41 13:31 Neutralised - Garage JL Caution 64.2 25.3 Road/N24 T Left Direction Waterford 14:00 13:41 13:31 Entrance Caution: entering 0.0 89.5 N10 - Rugby Club Start 12:00 12:00 12:00 major road 5.6 83.9 N10 RND 2nd Exit Motorway Slip Road 12:10 12:08 12:08 65.1 24.4 N24 JL Caution: bollards 14:02 13:42 13:32 5.8 83.7 N10 RND 2nd Exit Motorway Slip Road 12:10 12:09 12:08 67.5 22.0 Road/R698 T Left Direction Piltown 14:06 13:46 13:36 Caution 6.4 83.1 R713 ][ Narrows 12:11 12:10 12:09 68.4 21.1 R698 JR Piltown 14:08 13:47 13:37 10.1 79.4 R713 JR Stoneyford 12:18 12:15 12:14 68.7 20.8 R698 JL Keep Right 14:08 13:48 13:38 10.3 79.3 R713 ][ Caution: Crossing 12:19 12:16 12:14 69.5 20.0 Main St JR 14:10 13:49 13:39 10.6 78.9 R713 JL Keep 12:19 12:16 12:15 Right 69.7 19.8 Main St Finish Line: 2nd 14:10 13:50 13:39 Passage 16.4 73.1 R713/R699 JR/RND Keep Left Knocktopher 12:30 12:25 12:23 70.1 19.4 Main St/Tower Rd RND 2nd Exit Water Tower 14:11 13:50 13:40 16.5 73.1 R699 JL/RND Keep Direction: Mullinavat 12:30 12:25 12:23 Right 70.3 19.2 Tower Rd ][ Caution: Speed Bumps 14:11 13:50 13:40 18.4 71.1 R448 JL Ballyhale 12:34 12:29 12:26 71.0 18.5 Tower Rd/R698 T Left Caution 14:13 13:52 13:41 20.9 68.6 R448 ][ Extreme Caution: 12:39 12:33 12:29 71.0 18.5 R698 JR College Entrance 14:13 13:52 13:41 Narrow Bridge/Bend 75.5 14.1 Road JR Templeorum 14:21 13:59 13:47 27.4 62.1 R448 ][ Caution: Narrow 12:51 12:43 12:39 75.6 13.9 Road QOH QOH Finish 14:21 13:59 13:48 Bridge/Bend Length: 2.5km, 30.4 59.1 R448 JL Mullinavat 12:56 12:47 12:43 Avg: 3.9%, Max: 5.7% 30.7 58.8 R448 ][ Caution: Crossing 12:57 12:48 12:43 75.8 13.8 Road JR Keep left 14:22 13:59 13:48 35.1 54.4 R448/Road JR Right Direction Kilmacow 13:05 12:55 12:50 77.7 11.8 Road JL Left Caution: Steep Descent 14:25 14:02 13:51 Caution: Road 78.6 10.9 Road X Keep left 14:27 14:04 13:52 Narrows 81.8 7.7 Road/R698 X Caution: crossing 14:33 14:09 13:56 35.4 54.1 Road Caution: Narrow 13:06 12:55 12:50 major road Bridge 83.9 5.7 Road RND 1st Exit 14:37 14:12 13:59 36.0 53.5 Road JR Right Caution: On bend, 13:07 12:56 12:51 Road Narrows 83.9 5.6 Road/N24 T Left Direction Waterford 14:37 14:12 13:59 Caution: entering 38.0 51.5 Road X Caution: major road 13:11 12:59 12:54 major road 43.4 46.1 Road JL Left Triangle 13:21 13:08 13:02 84.8 4.7 N24 JL Caution: bollards 14:38 14:13 14:01 45.5 44.0 Road X Right Direction Piltown 13:25 13:11 13:05 87.1 2.4 N24/Road JL Left Direction Piltown 14:43 14:17 14:04 48.4 41.1 Road/R698 T Right Direction Piltown 13:30 13:16 13:09 87.2 2.3 Road/R698 T Left Direction Piltown 14:43 14:17 14:04 Caution: major road 88.3 1.2 R698 JR Piltown 14:45 14:19 14:06 48.7 40.8 R698 JR Piltown 13:31 13:16 13:09 88.7 0.8 R698 JL Keep Right 14:46 14:20 14:06 49.0 40.5 R698 JL Keep Right 13:31 13:17 13:10 89.3 0.2 Main St JR 14:47 14:21 14:07 49.8 39.7 Main St JR 13:33 13:18 13:11 89.5 0.0 Finish Finish 14:47 14:21 14:07 50.0 39.5 Main St Finish Line: 1st Passage 13:33 13:18 13:11

12 13 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 3 - 108.8KM STAGE 3 - 108.8KM Friday, September 6th 2019 KILKENNY – FRESHFORD – JOHNSTOWN – RATHDOWNEY – DONAGHMORE – BORRIS-IN-OSSORY – MOUNTRATH – KINNITTY – CLONASLEE – THE CUT TIME Friday, September 6th 2019 Riders sign-on Springhill Court Hotel 11:00 Riders Assemble Springhill Court Hotel 11:30 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510936 Riders roll out from Springhill Court Hotel - Neutralised for 6.5km 11:45 Race start 12:00 Stage 3 - Route Map

KM Route Schedule

FINISH: THE CUT To Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph 0 Neutralised Start - Exit Left Springhill Court Hotel 0.2 Neutralised - N10 RND 3rd Exit Cavalcade merging from left, 1st Exit 0.9 Neutralised - N10 RND 1st Exit 1.3 Neutralised - N76 RND 2nd Exit 2 Neutralised - N76/ RND 2nd Exit Turning right Callan Rd 2.3 Callan Rd RND 2nd Exit 2.3 Callan Rd/Old Callan JL Left Rd 3.4 R695/Dean St RND 2nd Exit 3.7 Butts Gn/Lord Edward RND 2nd Exit

START: KILKENNY St/Granges Rd 4.7 Parkview Dr/R693 RND 1st Exit Turn Left 4.8 R693 JR Hospital Exit Stage 3 - Profile Stage 3 - Finish 5 R693 JR Hospital Entrance 6.1 R693 JR Hospital Entrance 0 108.8 R693 - after 80km Start 12:00 12:00 12:00 500 Speed Limit signs 2.8 106.0 R693 ][ Narrows/Bends 12:05 12:04 12:04 387 11.2 97.6 R693/Clintstown Rd JR Freshford 12:21 12:17 12:16 (M)

11.5 97.3 The Square X Right Direction: 12:21 12:18 12:16 275 Ballyragget

METRES Team Car Deviation 11.7 97.1 Church St/R694 JR Keep Left Direction: Johnstown 12:21 12:18 12:16

162 24.6 84.1 R435/R639 X Straight Johnstown 12:46 12:38 12:35 Caution: Traffic Islands, Crossing 50 Major Rd 0 11.0 22.0 33.0 44.0 55.0 66.0 77.0 88.0 99.0 110.0 24.8 84.0 R435 JR Right Direction: 12:46 12:39 12:35 KILOMETRES (KM) Rathdowney 32.1 76.7 R435/L5800 JL Keep Caution: Sharp Bend 13:00 12:50 12:45 Stage 3 - Elevation Last 3km Right

450 37.4 71.4 R435/L1558 X Rathdowney 13:10 12:59 12:53 37.7 71.1 R435/Ossory St JR Caution: Pedestrian 13:10 12:59 12:53 400 Crossing (M)

350 37.7 71.1 R435 ][ Caution: Speed Bump 13:10 12:59 12:53 37.8 71.0 R435/R433 T Left Direction Borris-On- 13:10 12:59 12:53 METRES 300 -3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km Ossory KILOMETRES (KM) 38.7 70.0 R435/R433 JR Right Direction Borris-On- 13:12 13:01 12:55 Ossory

14 15 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website 40.9 67.9 R435 JR Donaghmore 13:16 13:04 12:58 STAGE 4 - Individual Time Trial - 6.4KM 41.8 67.0 R435 JL Donaghmore Famine 13:18 13:05 12:59 Tullaroan Museum Saturday, September 7th 2019 Caution: Entrance https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510927 44.2 64.5 R435 ][ Caution: Narrow 13:22 13:09 13:03 Bridge Stage 4 - Route Map 46.6 62.2 R435/Road JR Right Direction Borris-On- 13:27 13:13 13:06 Ossory 48.9 59.8 St Patricks Terrace JR Borris-On-Ossory 13:31 13:17 13:09 49.1 59.7 St Patricks Terrace/ T Right Direction: Mountrath 13:32 13:17 13:10 R445 Caution: Entering Major Rd 49.1 59.6 R445 JL Caution: Petrol 13:32 13:17 13:10 Station 49.3 59.5 R445 ][ Caution: Traffic 13:32 13:17 13:10 Islands 61.4 47.4 R445 ][/JL Mountrath 13:55 13:36 13:27 61.5 47.2 R445 ][ Caution: Pedestrian 13:55 13:37 13:27 Crossing 61.9 46.9 R445 ][ Caution: Pedestrian 13:55 13:37 13:28 Crossing FINISH 62.2 46.6 Main St/Shannon St JR Caution: Double 13:56 13:38 13:28 START: TULLAROAN Junction 62.2 46.5 Main St ][ Caution: Pedestrian 13:56 13:38 13:28 Crossing 62.4 46.4 Main St/Church St JL Left Direction 13:57 13:38 13:29 Mountmellick 62.5 46.3 Church St/R440 JL Left Direction Kinnity 13:57 13:38 13:29 Stage 4 - Profile 66.9 41.9 R440 ][ Caution: Narrow 14:05 13:45 13:35 Bridge 67.8 41.0 R440 JR Right Direction Kinnity 14:07 13:47 13:36 410 75.9 32.8 R440 QOH QOH Finish 14:22 13:59 13:48 Length: 5.1km, Avg: 4.8%, Max: 10.1% 78.0 30.7 R440 JR Keep Left Caution: On bend 14:26 14:03 13:51 340 79.9 28.8 R440 JR Caution: Car Park 14:29 14:06 13:54 (M) Entrance

84.9 23.9 R440 JR Kinnity 14:39 14:13 14:01 270 METRES 85.0 23.8 R440/R421 T Right Direction: Clonaslee 14:39 14:14 14:01 Caution: Traffic Islands, Entering Major Rd 200 90.0 18.7 R421 JL Cadamstown 14:48 14:22 14:08 100.3 8.5 R422 JR Clonaslee 15:08 14:38 14:23 100.3 8.4 R422 ][ Caution: Traffic Island 15:08 14:38 14:23 130

100.5 8.3 R422 ][ Caution: Pedestrian 15:08 14:38 14:23 0.0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0 Crossing KILOMETRES (KM) 101.1 7.6 R422/Hillside Pk JR Right Direction: Slieve 15:09 14:39 14:24 Bloom Mountains 108.4 0.4 Road JR Deviation 15:23 14:51 14:34 108.8 0.0 Finish QOH QOH Finish 15:23 14:51 14:35 Length: 7.4km, Avg: 4.5%, Max: 9.8%

16 17 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 4 - Individual Time Trial - 6.4KM Saturday, September 7th 2019 STAGE 5 - Criterium - 45mins & 3 laps Kilkenny TIME Saturday, September 7th 2019 Start in reverse GC rider order https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510907 Riders start at one minute intervals First rider starts 10:00 Neutral service is availalbe on the route Stage 5 - Route Map

KM Route To Go Description Feature Junc Notes 0 6.4 Tullaroan GAA Club Start Start 1.2 5.2 Road JL 1.6 4.8 Road JR START/FINISH 3.7 2.7 Road JR 3.9 2.5 Road JL 4.3 2.1 Road JL 5.9 0.5 Road JL Left 6.4 0.0 Finish. Length: 6.4km, Avg: 9%, Max: 11% Gate on Left Finish

DEVIATION/RETURN ROUTE All Vehicles and riders returning to the start area MUST use this route All Vehicles driving to the finish area MUST use this route in reverse KM Route To Go Description Junc Notes 0 7.5 Finish Area Stage 5 - Profile 0.3 7.2 Turbine Entrance JL Team Car Parking Here Only 2.9 4.6 Road X Left 4.9 2.6 Road T Left 115 5.3 2.2 Road JL 6.7 0.8 Road JR Keep Left Cemetery On Right 7.2 0.3 Road X Right Tullaroan 100 7.5 0.0 Tullaroan GAA Club (M) Stage 4 - Deviation/Return Route

85 METRES

RACE ROUTE

70

FINISH AREA GAA CLUB

55

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0

KILOMETRES (KM)

18 19 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 5 - Criterium - 45mins & 3 laps Saturday, September 7th 2019 STAGE 6 - 88.3KM KILKENNY – KELLS – DUNAMAGGIN – KNOCKTOPHER – THOMASTOWN – INISTIOGE – TIME WOODSTOCK – THOMASTOWN – DUNGARVAN - GOWRAN - PAULSTOWN - KILKENNY Sign on at James Stephen’s GAA Club 16:00 - 17:00 Sunday, September 8th 2019 Riders must stay off the circuit until access time of 18:15 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510915 3 x neutralised laps 18:15 Racing for 45 mins & 3 Laps 18:30 Stage 6 - Route Map TEAM CARS: Not permitted to follow riders but may supply static service

KM Route FINISH: KILKENNY To Go Description Junc Notes START: KILKENNY 0 2.1 Start/Finish Line - The Parade 0.1 2.0 The Parade - Castle Gardens JR 0.3 1.8 The Parade - Castle Gardens JR 0.4 1.7 The Parade - Father Hayden Rd JR 0.4 1.7 The Parade - Archers Ave JR 0.4 1.7 The Parade - Nuncio Rd JR Right 0.5 1.6 Nuncio Rd - Kenealy Ave JL 0.6 1.5 Nuncio Rd - Garden Villas JL 0.6 1.5 Nuncio Rd JL 0.7 1.4 Nuncio Rd - Larchfield JL 0.7 1.4 Nuncio Rd - St Fiachre's Pl JR 0.9 1.2 Nuncio Rd - Larchfield JL 1.0 1.2 Nuncio Rd - Edenvale Cl JL 1.0 1.1 Nuncio Rd - Waterford Rd RND Right Take Roundabout "wrong" way Stage 6 - Profile Stage 6 - Finish 1.1 1.0 Waterford Rd ][ Caution: Traffic Island 1.2 0.9 Waterford Rd - Haltigan Tce JL 200 1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Haltigan Tce JL 1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Deans Ct JR 1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Corcoran Tce JL 150 (M) 1.4 0.7 Waterford Rd - Cootes Ln JL 1.5 0.6 Waterford Rd - Upr New St JL 100 METRES 1.5 0.6 Upper Patrick St - Village Ct JR Caution: Crossing 1.6 0.5 Upper Patrick St - Father Hayden Rd JR 50 1.6 0.5 Upper Patrick St - Jacob St JL

1.7 0.4 Upper Patrick St - Chapel Ave JR 0 1.8 0.3 Upper Patrick St - Ormonde Rd JL 0 8.5 17.0 25.5 34.0 42.5 51.0 59.5 68.0 76.5 85.0 1.9 0.2 Upper Patrick St - Ormonde St JL KILOMETRES (KM) 1.9 0.2 Upper Patrick St - The Parade X Right Stage 6 - Elevation Last 3km 2.1 0.0 Start/Finish Line - The Parade Finish 70

60 (M)

50

METRES 40 -3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km KILOMETRES (KM)

20 21 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website STAGE 6 - 88.3KM Sunday, September 8th 2019 33.0 55.3 Market St (R700) JR Right 12:31 12:22 12:17 33.1 55.2 R700 T Right 12:32 12:22 12:17 TIME 33.2 55.1 R700 T Left Direction Inistioge 12:32 12:22 12:17 Riders sign-on Springhill Court Hotel 10:00 33.4 54.9 R700 JL Car Park 12:32 12:22 12:17 Riders Assemble Springhill Court Hotel 11:00 33.8 54.5 R700 (R703) JL Keep 12:33 12:23 12:18 Riders roll out from Springhill Court Hotel - neutralised for 1km 11:27 Right Race start 11:30 38.4 49.9 R700 ][ Caution: Bridge 12:42 12:30 12:24 38.6 49.7 R700 JR Keep Left 12:42 12:30 12:25 KM Route Schedule 41.4 46.9 Inistioge X Right Inistiioge, Direction 12:47 12:35 12:29 To Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph Woodstock 0 Neutralised Start - Exit Left 11:27 11:27 11:27 42.3 46.0 Road QOH Finish 12:49 12:36 12:30 Springhill Court Hotel Length: 0.9km, 0.2 Neutralised - N10 RND 3rd Exit Cavalcade merging Avg: 9%, Max: 21% from left 42.4 45.9 Road JR Right Direction 12:49 12:36 12:30 0.9 Neutralised - N10 RND 1st Exit Thomastown 1.33 Neutralised - N76 RND 2nd Exit 42.9 45.4 Road JR Right Direction 12:50 12:37 12:31 Thomastown 0.0 88.3 Start White Sign - Kells/ 11:30 11:30 11:30 Kilmoganny 44.6 43.7 Road JR 12:53 12:40 12:33 11.1 77.2 R697 ][ Kells 11:50 11:47 11:45 45.0 43.3 Road X Caution: Sharp 12:54 12:41 12:34 Caution: Narrow Descent Bridge 45.4 42.9 Road ][ Caution: Narrow 12:55 12:41 12:34 11.3 77.0 Kells ][ Caution: Narrow 11:51 11:47 11:46 Bridge Bridge 49.9 38.4 The Mall (Castle Ave) JR Thomastown 13:03 12:48 12:41 11.4 76.9 Kells X Keep 11:51 11:48 11:46 50.2 38.1 The Mall (Mill St) T Right 13:04 12:49 12:41 Right 50.4 37.9 Mill St ][ Caution Bridge 13:04 12:49 12:42 17.0 71.3 R697 (R699) X Left Direction 12:01 11:56 11:54 50.4 37.9 Market St JL Keep 13:04 12:49 12:42 Dunamaggin Right 17.7 70.6 R699 JL Dunamaggin 12:03 11:57 11:55 50.5 37.8 Market St JR Enter One Way 13:04 12:49 12:42 18.4 69.9 R699 JL Keep 12:04 11:59 11:56 System Right 50.6 37.7 Market St (R700) JR Right 13:04 12:49 12:42 22.6 65.7 R699 (R701) T Left Direction 12:12 12:05 12:02 50.7 37.6 R700 JL Left Direction Kilkenny 13:04 12:49 12:42 Thomastown 51.0 37.3 R700 JR Caution: Crossing 13:05 12:50 12:42 23.5 64.8 R699 (M9) RND 2nd Exit Direction 12:14 12:07 12:03 Thomastown 51.1 37.2 R700 JR Petrol Station 13:05 12:50 12:42 23.7 64.6 R699 (M9) RND 2nd Exit Direction 12:14 12:07 12:03 51.2 37.1 R700 (Ladys Well St) RND 3rd Exit Direction Gowran 13:05 12:50 12:43 Thomastown 51.3 37.0 Ladys Well St (R448) RND 1st Exit Direction Gowran 13:06 12:51 12:43 25.2 63.1 Knocktopher RND 2nd Exit Direction 12:17 12:09 12:06 Caution Traffic Thomastown Island 25.3 63.0 Knocktopher RND 1st Exit Direction 12:17 12:09 12:06 51.4 36.9 R448 ][ Caution Traffic 13:06 12:51 12:43 Thomastown Island 26.5 61.8 R699 (R448) X Left Direction 12:19 12:11 12:07 51.5 36.8 R448 JR Supermarket 13:06 12:51 12:43 Thomastown 51.5 36.8 R448 ][ Caution Traffic 13:06 12:51 12:43 25.9 62.4 R448 (R148) T Left 12:18 12:10 12:06 Islands 30.8 57.5 R418 JR Jerpoint Car Park 12:27 12:18 12:13 58.6 29.7 R448 (Dungarvan) JR Keep Left 13:19 13:02 12:53 32.3 56.0 R418 ][ Caution: Traffic 12:30 12:20 12:16 64.1 24.2 R448 (R702) JL Gowran 13:30 13:11 13:01 Island 64.7 23.6 R448 (Abbey Grove) JL Petrol Station 13:31 13:12 13:02 32.6 55.7 Mill St (The Mall) JR Thomastown 12:31 12:21 12:16 70.1 18.2 R448 RND 1st Exit 13:41 13:20 13:10 32.8 55.5 Mill St ][ Caution Bridge 12:31 12:21 12:16 71.0 17.3 R712 RND 1st Exit 13:43 13:22 13:11 32.9 55.4 Market St JL Keep 12:31 12:21 12:16 84.4 3.9 R712 (Lyrath) JR Hotel Entrance 14:08 13:43 13:30 Right 84.9 3.4 R712 RND 1st Exit 14:09 13:44 13:31 32.9 55.4 Market St JR Enter One Way 12:31 12:22 12:17 System

22 23 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website 85.6 2.7 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic 14:10 13:45 13:32 EPIC STAGES Island 85.7 2.6 Dublin Rd X Entrances 14:10 13:45 13:32 85.7 2.6 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic 14:10 13:45 13:32 Islands 86.1 2.2 Dublin Rd RND 2nd Exit Deviation 14:11 13:45 13:32 86.3 2.1 Dublin Rd RND 1st Exit Caution: Traffic 14:11 13:46 13:33 Islands 86.3 2.0 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic 14:11 13:46 13:33 Island 86.5 1.8 Dublin Rd RND 2nd Exit Caution: Traffic 14:12 13:46 13:33 Islands 86.6 1.7 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic 14:12 13:46 13:33 Islands 87.4 0.9 Dublin Rd (John St X Left 14:13 13:48 13:34 Upper) 87.5 0.8 John St Upper ][ Caution: Zebra 14:14 13:48 13:34 Crossing Elinor Barker (Team GB) alone in her suffering on Mount Leinster in 2017 and on 87.6 0.7 John St Upper (Maudlin X Caution Speed Ramp 14:14 13:48 13:35 her way to an emphatic stage victory and a St) commanding overall race lead. 87.7 0.6 John St Upper (Barrack JR Caution: Narrows 14:14 13:48 13:35 On the eve of the 14th edition of Rás na mBan it’s a 2012 Stage 5 - ‘The Ballaghs’ - Boddy Double Lane) good time to reflect on some of the epic days of bike By the fourth day of five legs were starting to soften 87.7 0.6 John St Lower ][ Caution: Zebra 14:14 13:48 13:35 racing in the history of the event. in Kerry when the organisers dropped a grenade into Crossing Here is a small selection of great memories the bunch in the form of the 95km ‘Queen’ stage which 87.8 0.5 John St Lower ][ Caution: Zebra 14:14 13:48 13:35 reflecting the courage, athleticism and extraordinary included the awesome climbs of Ballaghabeama and Crossing topography of Rás na mBan over the years... Ballaghasheen followed by Coomaciste for dessert. World class Danish junior Amalie Dideriksen danced up 87.8 0.5 John St Lower ][ Caution: Narrow 14:14 13:48 13:35 2009 Stage 1 - ‘Moll’s Gap’ - Trott at a Canter the mountains on her way to the IVCA climbers jersey Bridge At the outset of a distinguished pro career Emma Trott - while High Wycombe sprint ace Karla Boddy charged 87.9 0.4 Rose Inn St (St Kierans JR Caution: Zebra 14:14 13:48 13:35 older sister of Olympic champ Laura - arrived at her down the final descent to get back in contention to take St) Crossing first Rás na mBan ‘fresh’ from a tough slog around the her second successive stage win. Holland Ladies Tour. Undaunted, the Moving Ladies team 88.0 0.3 Rose Inn St (The Parade) X Left 14:15 13:49 13:35 Boddy made it a hat trick on the final day as Dideriksen’s rider raced clear on the road to Kenmare after 15km to team mate Kamilla Sofie Vallin took a great win for 88.3 0.0 Kilkenny Castle Finish 14:15 13:49 13:36 spend pretty much the entire first stage dangling off the Team Rytger on their first visit to the race. front of the bunch by less than a minute. Trott did briefly extend her lead on the ascent to Kerry’s 2017 Stage 3 Mount Leinster – Barker Pounces famous landmark at Moll’s Gap before racing down the The second visit to Kilkenny for Rás na mBan featured descent to take the first leader’s jersey of the then three- the already classic sojourn into Wexford and Carlow for day event by just 37s. Trott defended her lead through the windswept ascent of Mount Leinster to a summit the remaining three stages to become the first British finish at Nine Stones. winner of Rás na mBan. Britain’s Elinor Barker, a gold medal winner on the track at the Rio Olympics put Team GB squad on the front 2011 Stage 3 - ‘Healy Pass’ - Dillon on Fire early on and let the steepening gradient take care of the Olivia Dillon had a point to prove when the riders faced rest. Race leader Belle de Gast of the Netherlands was the starter’s flag for the 80km third stage of the 2011 left floundering on the lower slopes of Corrabut Gap race. Having just heard that no Irish team would be as Barker made her move, the Cardiff woman reeling in heading to the World Road Race Championships Dillon and quickly distancing the remains of the early break. was out to show what they were missing. Already in the pink leader’s jersey and on her way to her second overall 2018 Stage 4 Tullaroan – Demay By a Whisker win in the event, Dillon charged up Healy Pass with only Having proved inseparable on the arduous climb of the Netherlands’ Linda Ringlever (Moving Ladies) for Mount Leinster the previous day, race leader Nikki company by the top. Juniper (TC Racing) and Coralie Demay (Team Breizh) With just 35km completed Dillon set off on her own for faced the challenge of 6.5km against the watch in the a 45km solo adventure around the roads of Kerry with a hilly time trial at Tullaroan. Demay prevailed by just four little bit of County Cork thrown in. She had almost two seconds over Juniper to win her first stage and take an minutes in hand by the finish line back in Kenmare with overall lead she would hold to the finish to become the the entire field strewn all over the roads of Munster. first French winner of Rás na mBan. Dillon had secured her second overall Rás na mBan win in the most emphatic fashion. Point made. 24 25 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website RACE RULES AND REGULATIONS The time limit may be extended, in extenuating circumstances, by Best British Based Rider Classification the panel of Commissaires in agreement with the Race Director. The Best British Rider classification is open to any holder of a British Cycling licence (regardless of nationality code) riding with ARTICLE 1 ORGANISATION ARTICLE 6 NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT ARTICLE 13 CLASSIFICATIONS a British Cycling registered team at this year’s race. Rás na mBan is organised by the Rás na mBan Organising The first neutral service vehicle will normally be placed with the The following classifications will be awarded a jersey: Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Committee, under the auspices of Cycling Ireland and in leading group and the second will remain behind the main bunch. Individual General Classification – Magenta Jersey Ireland Technical Regulation. association with the Women’s Commission of Cycling Ireland, Teams wishing to avail of the service will equip these vehicles. Such The individual general classification on time is established by Prizes will be awarded to the top eight riders in this classification and will take place from Wednesday 4th September until Sunday equipment must be in good mechanical order. adding up the times recorded for stages, taking into account any at the conclusion of Rás na mBan 2018, in Kilkenny on 8th 8th September 2019. Riders receiving equipment from neutral service will be responsible time penalties. September. Rás na mBan is promoted under the Technical Rules and for returning or replacing it. Wheels shall be clearly marked with Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Team General Classifications Regulations of Cycling Ireland (http://www.cyclingireland. the team name. It is the responsibility of the team manager to Ireland Technical Regulations. ie/downloads/rules2019v26.3final.pdf) along with those return equipment obtained from neutral service immediately after (Best Team, Best Irish Based Team) specified hereunder. It is the responsibility of team officials and the stage finishes. Points General Classification – Navy Jersey The maximum number of riders on a team is 5 and the minimum competitors to be familiar with all race regulations. Team vehicles are obliged to service riders from other teams when Points will be awarded to riders for stage placings. is 3. The team standings on each day are calculated by adding the requested to do so by a Commissaire or when neutral service is not The points will be allocated as follows: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 three best individual times from each team. ARTICLE 2 TYPE OF EVENT available. It is expected that this open service will be carried out in points respectively for 1st to The overall team classification is calculated by adding the three Rás na mBan International 5-day cycle race is registered on the a fair and sporting manner. Where no neutral service is available 10th placing on stages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. No points will be awarded best individual times from each team from all stages. Cycling Ireland Road Racing Calendar and is open to teams of the first vehicle in line must service any rider requiring service. for Stage 4, the Individual Time Trial. The Best Irish (Ireland based) team classification is calculated riders of Women Elite and Junior Women categories. Following Stage 1, team vehicles of the first 3 riders on General Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3B of Cycling by adding the three best individual Irish based rider times from All participants should be aware that the roads used by Rás na Classification are exempt from this rule and the next vehicle in line Ireland Technical Regulations. all stages. Only teams with all riders satisfying the Best Irish Rider mBan are NOT CLOSED to other traffic, and competitors will must provide service. Queen of the Hills General Classification – Orange Jersey category qualify for the Irish Team prize. The Ireland National Team is encounter normal road traffic during the event. While every In the event of a puncture or other mechanical fault, riders must excluded from this category. QOH Points will be awarded for climb primes on the following scale: effort will be made to ensure the safety of the riders, care must stop on the left side of the road only. Composite Teams, as defined under Article T1.5 – T1.7 of be taken by all riders, particularly on narrow roads and at the rear Riders shall be serviced only from the rear of a group. a) Category 1 climb, 1st to 5th placing respectively; 12, 10, 8, 6, Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations, are eligible for the Team and 4 points. of the race. Riders are responsible for their own safety and must Equipment is provided to neutral service at owners risk, Classification. Composite teams must be attired in identical kit. comply with the rules of the road. Riders are reminded that, in notwithstanding the conditions listed above. The organisers of Rás b) Category 2 climb, 1st to 4th placing respectively; 9, 7, 5, Ties will be spit in accordance with Article T7.3E of Cycling Ireland Ireland, we cycle and drive on the left-hand-side of the road. na mBan, and their agents and volunteers, shall not be responsible and 3 points. Technical Regulations ARTICLE 3 PARTICIPATION for loss of or damage to any equipment provided to neutral service. Stage Cat. Climb Distance Length Avg Max Grad. Grad. ARTICLE 14 PRIZES Rás na mBan is open to Women Elite, Women U23 and Women ARTICLE 7 BONUSES In addition to the above, prizes will be awarded to: Junior Categories. All entrants shall hold a valid racing licence There are no time bonuses on stages. 1 2 Coppanagh 26.5km 3.4km 3% 10.4% a) First unplaced junior rider overall (riders born after the issued by a UCI affiliated National Federation. 31st of December 2000). The maximum number of riders on a team is 5, and the 2 2 Templeorum 56.9km 2.5km 3.9% 5.7% ARTICLE 8 STAGE 4 TIME TRIAL b) First unplaced veteran rider overall (riders born before the minimum is 3. Stage 4 Individual Time Trial must be ridden on a classic road bike 2 2 Templeorum 75.6km 2.5km 3.9% 5.7% 1st January 1980) ARTICLE 4 RACE HEADQUARTERS as defined in the UCI regulations Part 1 Chapter 2 Section 2. 3 1 Wolftrap 75.9km 5.1km 4.8% 10.1% A combativity prize, titled ‘The Daily Beast Award’, will be No bar extensions or similar will be permitted nor will wheels with awarded on the podium after each stage to the rider adjudged Team Registration and Sign On for Rás na mBan 2019 will take less than 12 spokes. 3 1 The Cut 108.8km 7.4km 4.5% 9.8% place on Wednesday September 4th from 13:00 until 14:55 at the by the Commissaires to have grabbed the stage by its horns. Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Road, Kilkenny, Time Trial Helmets and Skinsuits are allowed. Where Skinsuits 6 1 Woodstock 42.3km 0.9km 9% 21% Prime prizes will be awarded on Stage 5, to the first rider crossing are worn, they must either be a Classification leaders skinsuit County Kilkenny, Tel: +353 56 772 1122. the finish line after 15 minutes of racing, and after 30 minutes of provided by the Race Organisers, the Team Skinsuit, as registered racing. A klaxon will indicate the start of each lap that will finish Team Managers will be required to sign on and to present the Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3C of Cycling by the Team Manager at Race Sign On, or, with the Commissaires with a prime. A bell will indicate the start of the final lap. following to the Chief Commissaire Ireland Technical Regulations agreement, a plain design carrying no advertising, apart from a A grand total of €5,000 will be awarded in prize money at for approval and information purposes: Best Young Rider Classification – White Jersey manufacturers logo. Rás na mBan 2019. All prize money will be paid post-race via a) Manager’s current UCI affiliated federation licence Riders will start at 1 minute intervals in reverse General Restricted to riders born after the 31st of December 1996. Bank Transfer to Team Managers. The full list of prize money is b) Team Officials names and UCI affiliated federation licence Classification order. Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling included in the Race Technical Guide. c) Team cavalcade vehicle registration number The Time Trial will take place on open roads. Riders MUST keep to Ireland Technical Regulations. d) Team Manager’s mobile phone number the left hand side of the carriageway in order not to impede traffic. Best Irish Rider Classification - Green Jersey ARTICLE 15 ANTI-DOPING e) Sample of Team Jersey and, if applicable, Skinsuit Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations T7.A4 will apply. The Best Irish Rider classification will be awarded to the top Doping Control will be carried out by Sport Ireland, in line with Team Managers will receive their riders race numbers, timing Ireland-based rider on General Classification who fulfils the UCI Anti-Doping regulations. Sport Ireland will be deemed to be chip and frame number. ARTICLE 9 STAGE 5 CRITERIUM following criteria: the Results Management Authority. The Race organisation will retain riders licences for the duration There will be two pit areas on the circuit. If a rider suffers a The rider must be based in Ireland AND The Doping Control Station will be as indicated in the technical of the race pending return of timing chips. mishap or genuine mechanical then she will need to report to a) have an IRL UCI code on their licence AND/OR guide for each stage. The number of the riders required to report the Pit Commissaire on the next pits on the circuit. The rider in to the Doping Control Station will be displayed in accordance Team Managers shall return ALL team members timing chips at question will not travel against the race but move forward to the b) a licence issued by Cycling Ireland with the UCI Anti-doping Regulations. the finish of the final stage of the race. Licences will be returned next pits. She will then be placed back into the race after one lap c) be registered with a domestic-based Irish team/club. to team managers on return of timing chips. There will be a € out into the back of the group she left before the incident took Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling ARTICLE 16 AWARDS CEREMONY penalty charge of 35 per chip for lost or damaged chips. place. If this group has split then it will be the rear split that she Ireland Technical Regulations. The following riders must attend the official post-stage awards Team Managers are required to attend a briefing meeting at the re-joins the race in. No lap outs will be permitted in the last 5 ceremony: Springhill Court Hotel at 15:00 on Wednesday 4th September in Stage Winner Jersey - Blue Jersey laps. A Stage Winner Jersey will be awarded to the winner of each a) First 3 riders on the stage the designated meeting room. The meeting will be opened by Sign On will close at 5pm and riders are requested not to warm the Race Organiser and addressed by the Chief Commissaire and stage, including Stage 4 TT. b) The leaders of the following classifications: up on the circuit until it is officially opened for the warm up at i. Individual General Classification a Garda officer. Race Technical Staff will also be in attendance. 6.15pm. This is critical to the smooth running of the event and Jersey Priority ii. Points Classification A draw for team car positions on Stage 1 will take place at this maintaining co-operation with the local residents so please The priority of Classification Jerseys is as follows: meeting. respect this and avoid any sanctions. a) General Classification by time iii. Queen of the Mountains Classification The Race Doctor will also be in attendance at this meeting. b) Points Classification iv. Best Young Rider General Classification Managers should notify the Race Doctor of any relevant rider or ARTICLE 10 STAGE 2 c) Queen of the Mountains Classification v. Best Irish Rider General Classification staff medical conditions she may need to be aware of in case of Any rider lapped or in danger of being lapped on the final two d) Best Young Rider Classification by time These riders must present themselves on the presentation emergency. finishing circuits will be asked to stop to allow the leaders a clear podium immediately after the finish of each stage. e) Best Irish Rider Classification by time passage and the time delay incurred will be noted to give an While race personnel will be assigned to assemble riders for the f) Stage Winner’s Jersey ARTICLE 5 RADIO TOUR accurate finishing time for the stage. post stage presentations, the co-operation of riders and team Radio Tour will be broadcast on frequency 453.5625Mhz € NON-JERSEY CLASSIFICATIONS managers in the smooth running of this procedure is essential. Race Radios will be available at Sign On for rental. A fee of 50 ARTICLE 11 FINAL 3 KILOMETRE RULE Fines may be issued to riders who fail to attend the post-stage will be payable at sign on for radios issued to team managers, Rás na mBan under Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations operates Mick Lawless Trophy for the Best Young Irish Rider € awards ceremony, or who only present themselves after an which includes the rental fee of 20 plus a refundable deposit of under the Final 3 Kilometre rule. This rule shall not apply on Stage The Best Young Irish Rider classification is open to any rider who undue delay. €30. The deposit will be refunded on return of the radio at race 4 Individual Time Trial and Stage 3 Hill Top Finish. qualifies for the Best Irish Rider classification AND also the Best The leader of each classification shall be presented their jersey headquarters, undamaged, following the final stage of the race. Young Rider classification. ARTICLE 12 FINISHING TIME LIMITS following each stage. The time limit for all stages will be 25% of the stage winner’s time. 26 27 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website Should a rider qualify for more than one jersey she will wear mBan, during all stages including stage four, individual time PRIZE LIST the jersey of the higher priority in the next stage. Subsequent trial (subject to Special Race Regulation 2b below). classification jerseys will be worn by the next best-placed rider in 14. Timing chips will be provided by the race organisation to the classification, subject to her not being entitled to any other each rider. Timing chips should be attached to the front fork classification jersey. STAGE CLASSIFICATIONS At the finish of the final stage in addition to the above riders, the using the cable ties provided. Fitting instructions will be following riders must also present themselves: available at race Sign On. Int. Irish Pl. 1 2 3 4 5 6 GC Irish UK QOH Points U23 TOTAL a) First 3 riders on General Classification SPECIAL RACE REGULATIONS Team Team b) Team General Classification Winners st € € € € € € € € € € € € € € € c) Irish Based Team General Classification Winners Team cavalcade vehicle regulations: 1 100 100 100 80 100 100 300 100 100 100 100 100 150 150 1,680 d) Best British Riders (top eight on British Based Rider GC) a) A maximum of one vehicle may follow each complete team in the race cavalcade. Only complete teams (three 2nd €60 €60 €60 €50 €60 €60 €200 €80 €80 €80 €80 €80 €950 or more riders) can have a team car in the cavalcade. ARTICLE 17 PENALTIES rd € € € € € € € € € € € € € The Cycling Ireland Scale of Penalties shall apply throughout the b) Only officially approved vehicles will be allowed in the 3 50 50 50 30 50 50 150 70 70 50 50 50 720 race cavalcade, these vehicles must not be equipped with duration of the race. th € € € € € € € € € extended ‘prong type’ boot racks. 4 40 40 40 40 40 130 60 60 450 GENERAL INFORMATION c) Race cavalcade team vehicles may not exceed 166cm in 5th €30 €30 €30 €30 €30 €120 €50 €50 €370 1. Entering this race implies acceptance of all race regulations. height. 2. The organisers will - under no circumstances - hold d) In addition to the driver, the approved cavalcade team th € € € € € € € € € vehicle must contain at least one other competent 6 20 20 20 20 20 110 40 40 290 themselves responsible for any cycling, motorcycling, person. 7th €100 €30 €30 €160 motoring or other civil offences. Responsibility rests with e) Numbers will be provided for team vehicles showing competitors, team and race officials to comply with the Road their place in the following cavalcade on each stage. 8th €90 €20 €20 €130 Traffic Acts. Blatant transgressions of the Road Traffic Acts These numbers will be positioned on the front and rear amounting to dangerous riding/driving by riders and/or race windows of the vehicle nearest the road centre. The 9th €80 €80 personnel will not be tolerated by the race organisation. numbers will be replaced for each stage and only the th € € Such transgressions may incur penalties including expulsion current numbers may be displayed. A draw for team 10 70 70 vehicle placings on stage 1 will be conducted by the from the race. Chief Commissaire at the team managers’ meeting on €300 €300 €300 €160 €300 €300 €1,350 €450 €450 €230 €230 €230 €150 €150 €4,900 3. Keep Ireland beautiful – all personnel are reminded that Wednesday 4th September at 15:00. littering will not be tolerated. Participants infringing this f) Following Stage 1, team vehicles in the race cavalcade Other Prizes: First unplaced Veteran overall: €50, First unplaced Junior overall: €50, rule will have their numbers noted by race officials, and fines will follow in the order of the team’s best rider on the Prime prizes will be awarded on stage 5 may be issued. individual classification on the basis of one vehicle per 4. All race personnel (riders, officials, team officials) must be team. RACE OFFICIALS g) The responsibility rests with a rider whether to accept holders of a current valid license issued by a UCI affiliated food/drink from any vehicle other than her own team national federation. vehicle. Race Director Valerie Considine Finish Manager Paul Deans 5. It is compulsory for all riders to wear rigid safety headgear at h) Break-away groups may only be followed by team cars Race Director Driver Eddie Keogh Finish Manager Eunan Malone all times on every stage. when the gap between them and the chasers is greater Deputy Race Director Ronan Fox Finish Crew Tom Ryder 6. All stages, including Stage 4 TT, must be ridden on a classic than 1 minute and then only with the consent of a road bike as defined in the UCI regulations Part 1 Chapter 2 Commissaire. Safety Officer Dermot Moyne Finish Crew John Dillon Section 2. i) No team vehicle may overtake any group of riders in the Chief Commissaire John Breen Finish Crew Sharon Brannigan last 10km of a stage. Chief Commissaire Driver Dave Cormack Finish Crew Jim Finn 7. Bikes must be in proper working condition and mechanical order. j) All cavalcade vehicles, unless specifically authorised, must 8. The last kilometre on all stages will be indicated by a 1km follow any deviation indicated on the race route and/or at Commissaire #1 Jean McGinley Finish Crew Paddy Davis sign positioned on the left hand side of the road. the stage finish. Commissaire #1 Driver Stephen O’Shea Finish Crew Ray McKenna 9. Boards indicating zero kms (the end of neutralised section) Control flags Commissaire #2 Derek Webb Broom Wagon Mick Ryder and the final 20, 10, 5, 3, and 1 kms will also be displayed. The standard control flags to be used throughout the race are: Commissaire #2 Driver Mick Twomey Broom Wagon Ted Burns 10. Signs for 500m, 200m and 100m from the finish line will also a) Rás na mBan fuschia flag for the ceremonial start of each Moto Commissaire Tomás Sheedy Consultant Jack Watson stage be indicated. Timekeeper Gordon Parker InForm Sport Media Declan Quigley 11. Signs for 1km, 200m and the QOH point will be indicated. b) Rás na mBan black and white chequered flag for each stage finish Timekeeper Alicja Cermak InForm Sport Media Georgie Francis 12. All riders must sign on at the designated sign on for each c) Rás na mBan white flag at QOH Finish points Timing Martijn Brand Photographer Lorraine O’Sullivan stage, and within the times specified. There will be no sign- d) Rás na mBan red flag to denote danger on for stage four, individual time trial. Riders can present Results/Finish Camera Micheál Concannon InForm Sport Media Crew David Laird e) Rás na mBan orange and white chequered flag to denote QoH Crew Dermot O’Gorman InForm Sport Media Crew Graham Seely themselves either individually or as a team for sign on. neutral zone 13. Riders, other than classification jersey recipients, must wear QoH Crew Michael Jennings InForm Sport Media Crew Ais Brady their team jerseys, as approved prior to starting Rás na PA Announcer / Race Radios Oliver McKenna InForm Sport Media Crew James Gordon Race Radio John Beatty InForm Sport Media Crew Morgan Fullam HOSPITALS Race Doctor Lucy Soden InForm Sport Media Crew Emma Power Race Doctor Driver Ronan Quigley Chief Motorbike Marshal John Ryan Hospital Name Address Phone Distance Closest Lead Car #1 Pat Moss Moto Noel Tonge From HQ for Stages Lead Car #2 Tosh Lavery Moto Tom Roche Lead Car #3 Helen Sinnott Moto Ted O’Malley Neutral Service Crew #1 Driver Dermot McMahon Moto Chris Toner St. Luke’s Hospital, Freshford Road, Kilkenny 00353-56-778500 4.6km 1, 4, 5, 6 Neutral Service Crew #1 Damien Nelson Moto Ollie Egan Neutral Service Crew #2 Driver Barry Redmond Moto Derek Carroll University Hospital Waterford Dunmore Road, 00353-51-848000 50.5km 2 Neutral Service Crew #2 Terry Cromer Moto Brendan Dolan - TV Waterford Start Manager Paddy Fitzsimons Moto Ken Nelson Midland Regional Hospital Block Rd, Ballyroan, 00353-57-8621364 85.8km 3 Start Crew Mick O’Donnell Moto Tommy Champion Portlaoise Podium Team Jenn Sheridan Moto Dick Lanigan Podium Team Julia Mulvihill Moto Colm Whelan 28 29 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website WHERE TO WATCH THE RACE RÁS NA MBAN EXPLAINER

Want to check out the action in Stage Four – Saturday 7th September 6.4km What is Rás na mBan? Glossary Tullaroan – Honda Individual Time Trial Ireland’s top international stage race start and finish Ireland’s only international stage cycle race for women. Many of the terms in road race cycle have been adopted for women? Time Expected: From 10:00 - 12:13 It’s the premier cycling event on the Irish racing from French. calendar and this year is the 14th edition. There has The 14th edition of Rás na mBan kicks off in Kilkenny on Unique among the six stages, the riders race alone Peloton been an international stage race of some type almost (from French meaning ‘platoon’) The main bunch of Wednesday 4th September and the best women bike against the clock in the shortest stage of the event but every year since 1986. riders from Ireland and abroad are busy making their one that is sure to have a big influence on the general riders from which all other groups emerge – either the final preparations for the five-day epic. classification. Riders roll down the Honda Ireland Who’s Racing? ‘breakaway’ group up front or ‘dropped’ riders distanced start ramp outside Tullaroan GAA club and ride up the by the peloton. Riders from a total of 19 different countries are set to challenging climb to the beautiful setting of the wind Rás na mBan riders are high performance athletes. Bidon do battle over 400km of racing on six separate stages farm at Ballybay. This is not a charity bike ride or a mass participation The waterbottle riders carry to stay hydrated. Riders across the five days on some of the most beautiful challenge event. Many of the riders are full-time paid usually carry two on the bike and will get replacements roads in and around County Kilkenny. Riders race at minute intervals so there’s plenty of professionals and all of them are dedicated themselves from the team car or at feed stations during the longer opportunity to cheer each rider in their personal Here’s our guide to the best places to catch the action to their sport 100%. The top riders and teams in Ireland stages. challenge against the course and the watch. are doing battle with riders from 18 other nations for during the week. It’s going to be an epic week of top Attack the coveted Rás na mBan title. Olympic and World class bike racing. Here’s where to see all the action. Stage Five – Saturday 7th September 40km To quickly accelerate while riding in a pack, or in smaller champions are listed among the former winners of Rás Kilkenny Castle – City Centre ‘Criterium’ Race Start numbers, with a view to create a gap between yourself Stage One – Wednesday 4th September 70km na mBan. and Finish and other riders. Graiguenamanagh – 33km Time Expected: From 18:30 - 19:20 Time Expected: From 17:34 What is Stage Racing? Breakaway What is likely to be the fastest stage of the race is very or ‘break’ in short, is when a small group of riders or an After rolling out from the stage start at the Springhill much one for the speed merchants with a spectacular A multi-day event with numerous separate ‘stages’ individual have successfully opened a gap ahead of the Court Hotel in Kilkenny it’s likely that a large group big bunch sprint the aim for those with the right from which the overall winner and the various other peloton. will still be together approaching the first categorised combination of skill, power and daring. There’s plenty classifications emerge. Bicycle road racing is the most Climber climb of the week at 27km when the group will for the spectator to see at the start line beside the popular form of competition cycling worldwide. A rider who specializes in riding uphill quickly, usually start to thin out. See the riders race through historic historic medieval Kilkenny Castle as the riders appear Events typically include a variety of different terrain due to having a high power-to-weight ratio. Graguenamangh on the banks of the Barrow six km every three minutes or so racing through approximately and styles of event and Rás na mBan is no different. Sprinter later and try to make time for a visit to historic Duiske 18 laps of the 2.1 kilometre circuit and sprinting This year’s race includes four endurance road races on Rider with the ability to generate very high power over Abbey. regularly for intermediate ‘prime’ prizes along the way. varying terrain, a solo time trial race where riders race short periods (a few seconds to a minute) allowing for Who’ll be first through the final corner with 150 metres Stage Two – Thursday 5th September 90km solo against the watch and a short circuit ‘criterium’ great finishing speeds, though not necessarily able to to go? Piltown – 49km, 68km, 90km race in Kilkenny City Centre which is the fastest stage of sustain sufficiently high power over long periods to Time Expected: From 13:10, 13:37 and 14:05 Stage Six – Sunday 8th September 90km the week. be a good time triallist, have a high enough power-to- This all new stage for 2019 kicks off at Kilkenny RFC and Woodstock Climb, Inistioge – 46km weight ratio to be a good climber sends the riders south of Kilkenny to the beautiful town Time Expected: From 12.30 How Does it Work? Commissaire of Piltown where they will join a 19km finishing circuit The riders will coax weary legs into action for the Road race cycling is a race for individual riders who A race judge or referee. In road-racing they are usually to be completed twice. Riders will cross the finishing final push, a 90km circuitous route through south depend on the help of their team-mates to achieve based in a car following the event or on a motorcycle. line three times and the circuit includes a tough climb Kilkenny to Inistioge before tackling the steep ascent of their best result. The winner is the rider who completes Domestique at The Sweep. Spectators may want to see the riders on Woodstock where the strongest will be planning a final all of the stages in the shortest cumulative time. A rider whose job is to support and work for other the Sweep once before heading back into Piltown to see ambush. See the riders on the climb and then take the riders in their team (literally “servant” in French). A All of the tactics of road racing derive from the fact that which riders have survived at the front to contest stage short route back through Gowran and up the Medieval ‘Domestique’ will chase down competitors and try to a rider uses much less energy sitting in the slipstream honours on Main Street. Mile in Kilkenny to see the conclusion of the stage at neutralise their efforts; they will often protect their of others than riding in front ‘in the wind’. Teams will Kilkenny Castle. Soak up the atmosphere and welcome team leader from the wind by surrounding her. Stage Three – Friday 6th September 112km shelter their team leaders from the wind for as much of the riders home where the overall winner will be The Cut, Slieve Blooms, County Laois - 110km the stage as possible and chase down ‘attacks’ by other Echelon crowned and each of the remaining riders in the event Time Expected: From 14:35 riders trying to ‘break away’ from the slipstream of the A line of riders seeking maximum slipstreaming in a will claim their much coveted Rás na mBan finisher’s other riders. crosswind, resulting in a diagonal line across the road. This epic all-new for 2019 stage will go a long way to medal. deciding who dons the final magenta Rás na mBan Individual time trial jersey in 2018. This is the toughest day of climbing in RÁS NA MBAN ON TV! The Bikes Race where riders set off at fixed intervals and complete This year’s event is being filmed for a highlights the race and a first visit to the beautiful Slieve Blooms Road racing bicycles conform to a strict set of the course against the clock. programme to be broadcast on Eurosport on the region in Laois. Following the tough climb of Wolftrap, regulations set down by the UCI, the governing body of Queen of the Mountains (or “QOM”) weekend after the final stage. Check schedules for up to the riders will face the final summit finish to The Cut. international cycling. The minimum weight is 6.8kg and The title given to the best climber in Rás na mBan. The date viewing times. By the time the leading riders emerge into view, they’ll many of the bikes are ballasted to meet that minimum. leader wears the Wicklow 200 jersey. have three tough days of racing in their legs and there’s FOLLOW THE ACTION ONLINE The main frame set and much of the componentry sure to be a lot of distance between the first and last Prime Check out twitter, facebook and instagram for regular including the wheelrims is constructed from carbon Primes (pronounced preem, after the French word for rider to complete. Stay and cheer them all on and why race updates, videos and photos through the week. composite material. The bikes will typically have not bring your bike and try the hill for yourself? “gift”) are intermediate sprints within a race, usually @rasnamban #rasnamban between 22 and 24 separate gear ratios, adjusted daily offering a prize or points. Primes are a way to encourage to suit the terrain. more competitive riding, and also an opportunity for companies to gain publicity by sponsoring a prime.

30 31 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website NOTES THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SPONSORS The organisers of Rás na mBan 2019 acknowledge the grateful assistance of all our sponsors and contributors including:

Kilkenny County Council

Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh

Orange Pantone: 127c

Beasty

32 Item Hosted on www.IrishCyclingNews.com Website