Brakes put on Kilkenny’s Rás na mBan, but organisers hope to recycle 2020 event

Rás na mBan – Ireland’s top international stage race for women – will not go ahead as planned this September, organisers confirmed last night.

The race had bene scheduled to take place from September 2 to September 6.

But uncertainty as a result of the pandemic has forced race organisers to wait until next monthy to see if restrictions ease and whether or not other logistical challenges can be overcome to stage the 2020 event.

Announcing the delay, Race Director Valerie Considine paid tribute to the volunteers, sponsors and event stakeholders who have continued to support the event in these challenging times.

“We remain committed to running a race in 2020 but unfortunately the current landscape prevents us from running the race as planned in early September,” she said.

“We need to give everyone involved at least six weeks to properly prepare for the event and I’d like to thank our riders, teams, volunteers and sponsors for their continued patience and support in these challenging times.

“Rás na mBan exists as an international outlet for Irish riders and an opportunity for visiting riders to sample the hospitality and beauty of Irish cycling so we will wait a little longer to see if circumstances change and we can run an event.”

Ms Considine said the event committee will do everything they can to ensure the 2020 event can take place later this year.

“We’ll continue to review the situation and will be in a position to make further announcements in August,” she added.

PHOTO: Rás na mBan Facebook