Tough Rás route over 1,260km and 36 climbs

The route for Ireland’s showpiece cycling stage race — the eight-day An Post Rás — was unveiled yesterday with competitors set to fight it out over 1,260km and 36 categorised climbs from May 18-25.

It will travel anti-clockwise around the country, beginning in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, and featuring stage end finishes in Roscommon, Lisdoonvarna, Charleville, Cahersiveen, Clonakilty, Carrick-on-Suir, Baltinglass and Skerries.

There are five category one climbs and five category two ascents that will wreak havoc on a peloton made up of professionals, national squads and amateurs.