The organisers of An Post Rás na mBan 2016 have confirmed that a record entry is headed to Kilkenny for the first stage of the five-day race on September 7th.
Twenty five teams and 125 riders are on the entry list for the 11th edition of Ireland’s premier stage race, eclipsing last year’s total by 20.
The list includes riders from 15 nations including the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, mainland Europe, Britain and the cream of Irish road racing talent.
The event begins on Wednesday 7th September and features four road stages, a time trial and a criterium in Kilkenny City centre on Saturday evening 10th September.
An Post Rás na mBan plays host to Olympians, world championship riders and full time professional racers as well as top amateur club competitors. The race has been headquartered in Dublin, Kildare, Kerry and Clare in the past before making the move to Kilkenny for the first time in 2016.
“This is an exciting time for this race,” said Race Director Valerie Considine. “The overwhelming response from teams coming from abroad suggests that the ingredients are right for a great week of racing in Kilkenny.
“The welcome we’ve received from the local community has been heartwarming and we can’t wait to bring the race to Kilkenny in three weeks time.
“We hope everyone will come out to cheer on the riders and throughout the week and if you can only make one stage then the city centre race on Saturday evening will be a great free extravaganza of racing action on the streets of Kilkenny City Centre.”
