With it’s move to Co. Kilkenny, this year’s An Post Rás na mBan will include the well-known climb of Mount Leinster for the first time.
The climb will feature on the 112-kilometre third stage starting in Kilkenny and finishing at the Nine Stones on Mount Leinster. The riders will be tackling the climb from the Bunclody side.
Mount Leinster is a well-known climb to Irish cyclists, particularly in the south-east of the country. It has been used in numerous races down through the years including the Nissan Classic, the Tour of Ireland and the Rás Tailteann.
The side that the riders will face on Friday is 7.8 kilometres long with an average gradient of 4.4%. It’s a popular route for cyclists due to the stunning views of South Leinster from the climb.
The climb consists of two parts – the very steep Corrabutt Gap and the steadier climb of the Nine Stones.
In the opening two stages of An Post Rás na mBan, the time gaps have not been too big with many riders still within striking distance of the leader’s jersey. That should all change on Friday’s third stage.
Ben Hennessy
The photo is from the 2009 Tour of Ireland which went up Mount Leinster.