Ras na mBan cycle race stage to start and finish in Carrick-on-Suir

The 20th Rás na mBan will pay homage to the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial Stage Race as stage 3 starts and finishes in Carrick-on-Suir this Friday, September 4.

Ireland’s premier women’s international stage race combines past and present with a new route in county Tipperary.

While Rás na mBan celebrates its 20th anniversary, this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial Stage Race, Ireland’s first international multi-day road race for women and an event to which Rás na mBan can trace a direct lineage.

The John Hearn Memorial took place in Carrick-on-Suir in 1986, and Stage 3 of the 2026 edition of Rás na mBan will start and finish within metres of the location from which that pioneering race set off.

Riders will leave from Carrick-on-Suir and race towards a short sharp climb en route to Ninemilehouse, before undertaking a short sharp descent as they turn towards Mullinahone.

From there the road drags towards Knockabritta as they race towards Killenaule. The road towards the intermediate sprint at Fethard is expected to be fast, with plenty of downhill as they race towards Clonmel.

Riders will then face one of the most challenging climbs of this year’s edition of the race as they enter onto the Tickincor QoM, which is three kilometres long with an average gradient of 7.9%.

Having passed into county Waterford, the following 20 kilometres will again feature plenty of downhill before taking on the much shorter, but steeper, Seskin QoM followed by a downhill finish back into Carrick-on-Suir after 102.5 kilometres of racing over 1,127 metres.

Speaking at the stage announcement, Cllr Kieran Bourke, Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District said: “It’s very exciting to see such a high calibre bike race return to Carrick-on-Suir. We’re very proud to have played such a significant role in women’s cycling in Ireland all those years ago with the John Hearn Memorial race attracting such large numbers for its time and of such a strong calibre.

“We’re delighted to be able to showcase county Tipperary through Rás na mBan, from its scenery, landscape and amenities to its place in Irish history. Tipperary has also produced some world-class cyclists in the past, and we hope this event may even inspire a few more in years to come”.

Race Director Valerie Considine said: “It’s very fitting that we return to Carrick-on-Suir on the 40th anniversary of the John Hearn Memorial stage race. The race has become an integral part of our history and it’s amazing to reflect on how far the sport has come in 40 years.

“Not only does the race have ties to Carrick-on-Suir through the John Hearn Memorial, but also through local rider Claire Moore, who still holds the record of most overall Rás na mBan wins. We were delighted to have her join us last year on one of our stages for the podium presentations and now we’re excited to further those ties with Carrick-on-Suir and County Tipperary.

“Designing this route was very pleasant as we got to see some of the best that Tipperary has to offer, from scenic lake views to challenging climbs. We developed a tough stage in Tipperary and are very excited to see how the race develops”.