Kilkenny ramping up for 18th edition of Rás na mBan

Entries have opened for the 2024 Rás na mBan, which will be based in Kilkenny

placeholder image — Entries have opened for the 2024 Rás na mBan, which will be based in Kilkenny

Entries for Rás na mBan 2024 have now opened with teams and administrative staff gearing up for the 18th edition of Ireland’s international stage race.

For an eighth consecutive edition, Rás na mBan will be based in the picturesque medieval city of Kilkenny, located in Ireland’s Ancient East. The event, which runs across five days, begins on Wednesday, September 4. Last year's race was a huge success, with local cyclist Mia Griffin winning two stages.

Race organisers have reported a surge in team inquiries from both domestic and international participants, with many teams already confirming their plans to compete in Kilkenny this September.

Kilkenny's Mia Griffin (centre) won two stages in last year's Rás na mBan Picture: Lorraine O'Sullivan

“It’s great to have so many teams, many new and a great number who have been to the race in the past, show interest in taking on the event,” says Deputy Race Director Ronan Fox.

“We are currently finalising the race route, with some exciting new roads for the riders to tackle and it’s been gratifying to discuss race plans with teams and riders from all over the world in the past few months.

“The entry system is pretty straightforward and we’re looking forward to having another high quality bunch assembling in Kilkenny on September 4th.”

The entry system is identical to that used in 2023 and uses the Cycling Ireland entry portal at Eventmaster.

As in years past, teams can be registered and rider names added at a later date. Managers can access the link here to register their team.

Full route details, rules and regulations will be announced in the coming weeks.