Carlow to showcase world-class women's cycling this September

The 20th edition of Rás na mBan will bring international competition, breathtaking scenery and the race's toughest climbing challenge to County Carlow.

Carlow is getting set to host Ireland’s premier international bike race for women, Rás na mBan, in September.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the event and the organisers have designed a particularly demanding route entirely within County Carlow for the fourth day of the race which is sure to provide an epic test for the riders.

With over 1000 metres of elevation on the way to a summit finish on Corrabut Gap, this has been dubbed the ‘Queen Stage’ of the five-day event as the one which provides the sternest test of the riders’ climbing talents.

The rugged landscape of the concluding climb and seductive beauty of the rolling hills on the approach to the final test will also form a striking backdrop to what will be one of the most important appointments on the 2026 Irish cycling calendar.

Indeed, the riders will race up Corrabut Gap on Mount Leinster not once, but twice in what is sure to be one of the most significant stages of the week.

Riders from all over the world will set off from Carlow County Council offices at 10am on September 5th for a 88.5km race after which the candidates for the final magenta winners jersey of the race will be reduced to no more than a handful.

A largely flat opening 55km gives little hint of what is to come. Following intermediate sprint opportunities at Bagnelstown and Garyhill, the riders will be tasked with the first ascent of Corrabut Gap QoM after 60km. While it may not be the longest climb in the week’s racing it is definitely the steepest with an average gradient of 11.5% over the 1.5km.

From there, riders will enjoy the welcome descent to Bunclody following which the riders will turn east again at Kildavin towards Myshall, and rejoin the previous route to complete a second summit of the Corrabut Gap for a hilltop finish after 88.5km of racing and 1,074m of elevation.

Announcing Carlow’s hosting of the stage, Cllr. Thomas Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said:

"Carlow County Council is delighted to support the return of Rás na mBan to County Carlow. Events such as this play an important role in showcasing all that our county has to offer, bringing visitors into our towns and villages and supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and tourism attractions.

“Rás na mBan is about much more than competitive cycling. It creates a real sense of community, with local volunteers, clubs and residents coming together to welcome riders and supporters from across Ireland and beyond. It is a fantastic opportunity to encourage people to get active, celebrate our vibrant communities and highlight Carlow as a welcoming destination for sporting and outdoor events."

Rás na mBan Race Director Valerie Considine said:

“Our wonderful memories of racing up Mount Leinster in 2016, ’17 and ‘18 are still fresh in the minds of all involved in Rás na mBan so when we decided that the route of the 20th anniversary edition of the race needed something special, our attention quickly turned to Carlow.

“For our return we wanted to do something special so a route entirely in Carlow, showcasing the particular beauty and unique charms of the county while providing a memorable sporting challenge for the racers was the objective and I think we have achieved that.

“We are particularly grateful for the welcome we have received from Carlow County Council, An Garda Síochána and I know I speak for all the riders from across the globe who will be here in September that we’re looking forward to bringing a world class international sports event to this beautiful location.”

For full route details see:

- https://rasnamban.com/2026-route/ 2026 Rás na mBan – Stage 4, RidewithGPS