Rás na mBan 2019Ireland’s Premier Women’s Bike Race

5 Day International Cycle Race Kilkenny 4th - 8th September

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CONTENTS

Welcome Address 2

Start list Teams and Riders 4

Riders to Watch 6

Roll of Honour 7

Route Details & Time Schedule 8

Stage 1 8

Stage 2 11

Stage 3 14

Stage 4 17

Stage 5 19

Stage 6 21

Epic Stages 25

Race Rules & Regulations 26

Hospitals 28

Prize List 29

Race Officials 29

Where to Watch 30

Explainer 31

Did you know?

The first Rás na mBan champion was Stephanie Gronow from Berlin who won the inaugural two-day event in County Dublin in 2006 against 74 other riders representing teams from Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man and Britain, as well as Ireland.

Coralie Demay from Brittany won the stage four time trial on her way to overall victory in 2018, the first win for a French rider in Rás na mBan.

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It’s my very great pleasure to welcome riders, officials and all bike racing fans to Rás na mBan 2019, the fourteenth edition of the race and the fourth to be based in County Kilkenny. I’m delighted to say that once again we have top international riders from all over the world making the journey to beautiful Kilkenny City by the River Nore.Whether you’re a first timer or a regular competitor I’d like to wish you all a heartfelt ‘céad míle fáilte’ and I hope you enjoy your week’s racing.

Last year’s event was popularly judged the best to date so we have focused on retaining the main elements of a successful formula, with four road stages, a time trial and a city centre criterium circuit race making up 400km of racing from Wednesday through to Sunday.

It’s been especially uplifting to experience the welcome of all in County Kilkenny for the event and the help we have been given by all in Kilkenny County Council, local cycling clubs and the local business community has helped ease the daunting task of promoting a five-day international bike race.

We would also like to acknowledge the great help and support from An Garda Síochána in Kilkenny and surrounding counties for their assistance in running the event

We have two all-new stages that I feel confident will be a hit with both riders and spectators. The stage two journey south to Piltown includes a finishing circuit with a challenging climb while stage three is our first visit to County Laois and includes the tough climbs of the Wolftrap Mountain and The Cut in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

We’re grateful to Laois County Council for their assistance in running stage three.

The race benefits from a dedicated committee of skilled and committed personnel performing myriad unseen tasks throughout the year. To this core group can be added a dedicated band of commissaires, timekeepers, finish crew, drivers, mechanics, motorbike marshals, static marshals and countless other officials without whom this event would not occur. To all of them I say thank you and remind all competitors of their sacrifice for the good of women’s cycling.

We are very grateful for the support of some of the best backers in Irish sport.

Cycling Ireland has again recognised the importance of this race to the development of the sport with an increased commitment, the Women’s Commission of Cycling Ireland are backing the Young Rider Classification again, while the Irish Veterans Cyclists Association continue their support of the Wicklow 200 Queen of the Mountains classification that stretches back to the very start of the event in 2006.

Honda Ireland has stepped in once more to provide official race cavalcade vehicles and support the stage four time trial while Europcar Kilkenny have supplied vans to help with transport and logistics. We’re delighted to welcome a new commercial partner with Pactimo supplying the superb new jerseys to be worn by classification leaders.

The refreshed look of the event has been aided by the assistance of Just-Print.ie in providing event signage and Just-Print.ie have increased their involvement to support the stage winner’s jersey. Fáilte Ireland have also brought vital support to this landmark event. Our event timing service is provided by Joe Daly Cycles while InForm Sport Media continue to supply their excellent PR and event marketing support.

A single other individual has also provided significant financial assistance to the event and we’d like to thank them again for their wonderful support this year. They know who they are and we really are very grateful.

To all involved, I hope you enjoy the race.

Yours in cycling,

Valerie Considine Race Director

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WELCOME ADDRESS

Nicola Juniper (TC Racing) taking the win in Kilkenny on stage 5 of Rás na mBan 2018

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Lydia Boylan (picture in 2016) is a three-time national road race title winner with two second placed finishes in Rás na mBan to her name.

This year’s entry for An Post Rás na mBan is among the most competitive in the 13-year history of the event. Here is a selection of some of the riders likely to feature during the week.Alice Sharpe (Ireland) - Team IrelandIreland’s national road race champion won her title in emphatic fashion in June to add to a body of racing performances across the last 12 months that suggest a talent still in blossom. Impressive solo rides in the European Championships in Glasgow and at the world championships in Innsbruck last September helped Sharpe to earn a place on the UCI World Cycling Centre team this season. Eighth overall in 2017 and twice 15th either side of that result, Sharpe is on a different level now and ready to contend.Lydia Boylan (Ireland) –Torelli Assure MadisonDubliner Boylan won a world championship silver medal with her stunning late attack in the Points Race in Poland last March. She is also a European medallist in the Keirin and she has an impressive palmares on the road, too.A three-time Irish National road race champion and a stage winner in the past in Setmana Ciclista Valenciana in Spain, Boylan was second overall in the 2016 and 2012 Rás na mBan and will relish an opportunity with the Team Torelli Assure Madison team to pitch for a place on the top step.Lara Gillespie (Ireland) – Team IrelandA world championship bronze medallist in the Individual Pursuit at the junior world championships last month, Wicklow’s Gillespie continues to deliver at the highest level after national and European championships success in the past two years. In Mayo’s Maeve Gallagher, Gillespie has an Ireland team-mate who has beaten her in the National Road Race Championships and who is the reigning Kilkenny CoCo Best Irish Rider at Rás na mBan making it a time of exceptional strength among the Ireland juniors.

Rhona Callander (Scotland) – Team Great BritainA stage winner for Team GB in Rás na mBan 12 months ago, Scotland’s Rhona Callander is an all-rounder who has a fine sprint in her armoury. The Edinburgh rider is part of a strong Team GB line up which has animated Rás na mBan with big performances over the past two years. Her Scottish team mate Anna Shackley was best British rider in the recent Tour of Scotland emphasising the strength in depth of the GB line-up.Elynor Backstedt (Wales) – Storey RacingSilver medallist in the World Championship Individual Pursuit last month, Backstedt has won numerous national, European and world medals on track and road and won the Ghent Wevelgem Junior race in March.. Daughter of former British road race champion Megan Hughes and Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt, Elynor is continuing a grand family tradition and finished 12th overall in Rás na mBan two years ago.Amalie Lutro (Norway) - Team Region SørFirst year professional Lutro rides week to week with the Norwegian Hitech UCI team and comes to Ireland as guest of her regional squad with a season of tough UCI racing in her legs. A national medallist in the road race and time trial in the past two years, Lutro knows Ras na mBan and is another rider who has benefited from a development year.

RIDERS TO WATCH ROLL OF HONOUR

Rás na mBan 2019 is the 14th edition of the event in its current guise and the fourth time the race has been based in County Kilkenny. It marks 33 years since the first women’s international stage race in Ireland.

Year Winner Year Winner2018 Coralie Demay, France 2002 Esther van der Helm, Netherlands2017 Elinor Barker, Wales 2001 Esther van der Helm, Netherlands2016 Rikke Lønne, Denmark 2000 Julie Hooper, England2015 Stephanie Pohl, Germany 1999 Louise Jones, England2014 Tayler Wiles, USA 1998 Claire Moore, Ireland2013 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1997 Susan O’Mara, Ireland2012 Kamilla Vallin, Denmark 1996 Angela Hunter, England2011 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1995 Helena Kinsella, Ireland2010 Olivia Dillon, Ireland 1994 Marie Purvis, Isle of Man2009 Emma Trott, England 1993 Claire Moore, Ireland2008 Louise Moriarty, Ireland 1992 Claire Moore, Ireland2007 Marit Huisman, Netherlands 1990 Kim Staff, England2006 Stephanie Gronow, Germany 1989 Patricia Anderson, Ireland2005 Elisabeth Braam, Netherlands 1988 Claire Moore, Ireland2004 Louise Moriarty, Ireland 1987 Fiona Madden, Ireland2003 Angela Hunter, England 1986 Marie O’Donoghue, Ireland

WHO WILL CLAIM THIS YEAR’S JERSEYS?

POINTS CLASSIFICATION

RÁS NA mBANOVERALL CLASSIFICATION

IVCA WICKLOW 200 QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS

WOMEN’S CYCLING IRELANDBEST YOUNG RIDER

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCILBEST IRISH RIDER

JUST-PRINT.IE STAGE WINNER

Lara Gillespie (right) collect her bronze medal at the recent world championships in Poland with the silver medallist and

fellow Rás na mBan rider Elynor Bacsktedt (left).

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STAGE 1 - 70.1KMKILKENNY – BENNETTSBRIDGE – THOMASTOWN – GRAIGUENAMANAGH – GORESBRIDGE – PAULSTOWN – GOWRANWednesday, September 4th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510931

FINISH: GOWRAN

START: KILKENNY

Stage 1 - Route Map

Stage 1 - Finish

Team Car Deviation

TIMERiders sign-on, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 13.00-14.55All team and lead cars to be out of car park and in designated positions 15:30Riders Assemble, SHC 16:30Riders roll out from Hotel. Race is neutralised for 2km 16:42

Race start 16:45

STAGE 1 - 70.1KM Wednesday, September 4th 2019

KM Route ScheduleTo Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph

Neutralised Start - Springhill Court

Exit Left 16:42 16:42 16:42

Neutralised - N10 RND 2nd Exit Cavalcade merging from left, 1st Exit

Neutralised - Garage Entrance

JL Caution

END Neutralised Section

0.0 70.1 N10 - Rugby Club Start 16:45 16:45 16:450.1 70.0 N10 - Cemetery JR 16:45 16:45 16:454.8 65.3 N10 JL Left Direction

Bennettsbridge16:54 16:52 16:51

5.0 65.1 Road Bend Right Caution: Sharp Bend, narrows

16:54 16:52 16:52

8.3 61.8 Road JR Start Steep Descent 17:00 16:58 16:568.6 61.5 Annamult Road T Left End descent 17:01 16:58 16:578.7 61.4 Annamult Road (R700) T Right Bennettsbridge 17:01 16:58 16:578.9 61.2 R700 ][ Caution: narrows 17:01 16:59 16:579.0 61.1 R700 (Bennettsbridge) JL Right Sharp bend 17:01 16:59 16:5714.3 55.8 R700 ][ Caution: Narrow

Bridge, followed by right hand bend

17:11 17:07 17:05

17.0 53.1 R700 RND 1st Exit Thomastown 17:16 17:11 17:0917.1 53.0 R700 (Dublin Rd) RND 2nd Exit 17:17 17:12 17:0917.4 52.7 R700 ][ Caution: Narrow

Descent17:17 17:12 17:09

17.5 52.6 R700 (Chapel Lane) JL Caution: Narrow Descent

17:17 17:12 17:10

17.5 52.6 R700 (Station Rd) JR Caution: Narrow, Keep left

17:17 17:12 17:10

17.6 52.5 R700 T Left Caution: Narrow 17:18 17:12 17:1018.2 51.9 R700 (R703) JL Left 17:19 17:13 17:1120.3 49.8 R703 ][ Caution: Narrows 17:23 17:17 17:1426.5 43.6 R703 QOH QOH Finish

Length: 3.4km, Avg: 3%, Max: 10.4%

17:34 17:26 17:22

32.9 37.2 R703 (R705) RND 1st Exit Graiguenamanagh 17:46 17:36 17:3236.8 33.3 R705 (R4204) JL Left 17:54 17:43 17:3744.5 25.6 R4202 (Barrack St) X Straight

ThroughGoresbridge 18:08 17:55 17:48

-3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km

Stage 1 - Elevation Last 3km

MET

RES

(M)

KILOMETRES(KM)

72

68

63

58

Stage 1 - Profile

KILOMETRES(KM)

MET

RES

(M)

240

180

120

60

00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

10 11

51.4 18.8 Royal Oak Rd ][ Caution - Narrow Bridge

18:21 18:06 17:58

52.9 17.2 Royal Oak Rd (R724) T Left Royal Oak 18:24 18:08 18:0053.0 17.2 R724 (R448) T Left 18:24 18:08 18:0056.3 13.9 R448 ][ Caution - Traffic

Island18:30 18:13 18:05

56.4 13.8 R448 ][ Caution - Traffic Island

18:30 18:13 18:05

56.5 13.7 R448 (R712) JL, ][ Double Junction, Traffic island

18:30 18:14 18:05

56.5 13.6 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic Island

18:30 18:14 18:05

56.6 13.5 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic Island

18:31 18:14 18:05

57.0 13.1 R712 (An Choill Rua) JR Paulstown 18:31 18:15 18:0657.1 13.0 R712 ][ Caution - Traffic

Island18:32 18:15 18:06

57.4 12.7 R712 RND 2nd Exit 18:32 18:15 18:0665.1 5.0 R712 (R702) JL Left 18:47 18:27 18:1767.4 2.8 R702 ][ Caution - Level

Crossing18:51 18:31 18:21

69.0 1.1 R702 (Chapel Rd) JR Deviation. Vehicles to park on Chapel Rd or R448

18:54 18:33 18:23

69.5 0.6 R702 (Rockfield) RND 2nd Exit Caution 18:55 18:34 18:2469.7 0.4 R702 (R448/Main St) T Left Gowran 18:55 18:35 18:2470.1 0.0 Finish 18:56 18:35 18:25

Did you know?The youngest Rás na mBan winner was Marit Huisman of The Netherlands who was 18 years and nine months when she took victory in 2007. Kamilla Sofie Vallin turned 19 less than a month before her success in 2012 and Britain’s Emma Trott was 19 years and eight months when she claimed victory riding with the Dutch squad Moving Ladies in 2009. Reigning World Road Race Champion Amalie Dideriksen (above, leading Vallin) won the W200 Queen of the Mountains title in 2012.

-3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km

0 7.5 15.0 22.5 30.0 37.5 45.0 52.5 60.0 67.5 75.0

STAGE 2 - 89.5KMKILKENNY – STONEYFORD – KNOCKTOPHER – BALLYHALE – MULLINAVAT – PILTOWN – 2 LAPS OF CIRCUIT VIA TEMPLEORUM – THE SWEEP – PILTOWNThursday, September 5th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510940

Stage 2 - Elevation Last 3km

24

18

12

6MET

RES

(M)

KILOMETRES(KM)

Stage 2 - Route Map

Stage 2 - Profile

KILOMETRES(KM)M

ETRE

S(M

)

Stage 2 - Finish

200

150

100

50

0

FINISH: PILTOWN

START: KILKENNY

12 13

STAGE 2 - 89.5KM Thursday, September 5th 2019

TIMERiders sign-on, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 11:00Riders Assemble, Springhill Court Hill Hotel, Kilkenny 11:30Riders roll out from Hotel - neutralised for 2km 11:57Race start 12:00

KM Route ScheduleTo Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph

Neutralised Start - Springhill Court Hotel

Exit Left 11:57 11:57 11:57

Neutralised - N10 RND 2nd Exit Cavalcade merging from left, 1st Exit

Neutralised - Garage Entrance

JL Caution

0.0 89.5 N10 - Rugby Club Start 12:00 12:00 12:005.6 83.9 N10 RND 2nd Exit Motorway Slip Road 12:10 12:08 12:085.8 83.7 N10 RND 2nd Exit Motorway Slip Road 12:10 12:09 12:086.4 83.1 R713 ][ Narrows 12:11 12:10 12:0910.1 79.4 R713 JR Stoneyford 12:18 12:15 12:1410.3 79.3 R713 ][ Caution: Crossing 12:19 12:16 12:1410.6 78.9 R713 JL Keep

Right12:19 12:16 12:15

16.4 73.1 R713/R699 JR/RND Keep Left Knocktopher 12:30 12:25 12:2316.5 73.1 R699 JL/RND Keep

RightDirection: Mullinavat 12:30 12:25 12:23

18.4 71.1 R448 JL Ballyhale 12:34 12:29 12:2620.9 68.6 R448 ][ Extreme Caution:

Narrow Bridge/Bend12:39 12:33 12:29

27.4 62.1 R448 ][ Caution: Narrow Bridge/Bend

12:51 12:43 12:39

30.4 59.1 R448 JL Mullinavat 12:56 12:47 12:4330.7 58.8 R448 ][ Caution: Crossing 12:57 12:48 12:4335.1 54.4 R448/Road JR Right Direction Kilmacow

Caution: Road Narrows

13:05 12:55 12:50

35.4 54.1 Road Caution: Narrow Bridge

13:06 12:55 12:50

36.0 53.5 Road JR Right Caution: On bend, Road Narrows

13:07 12:56 12:51

38.0 51.5 Road X Caution: major road 13:11 12:59 12:5443.4 46.1 Road JL Left Triangle 13:21 13:08 13:0245.5 44.0 Road X Right Direction Piltown 13:25 13:11 13:0548.4 41.1 Road/R698 T Right Direction Piltown

Caution: major road13:30 13:16 13:09

48.7 40.8 R698 JR Piltown 13:31 13:16 13:0949.0 40.5 R698 JL Keep Right 13:31 13:17 13:1049.8 39.7 Main St JR 13:33 13:18 13:1150.0 39.5 Main St Finish Line: 1st Passage 13:33 13:18 13:11

50.4 39.1 Main St/Tower Rd RND 2nd Exit Water Tower 13:34 13:19 13:1250.6 38.9 Tower Rd ][ Caution: Speed Bumps 13:34 13:19 13:1251.3 38.2 Tower Rd/R698 T Left Caution: major road 13:36 13:20 13:1351.3 38.2 R698 JR College Entrance 13:36 13:21 13:1355.7 33.8 Road JR Templeorum 13:44 13:28 13:1955.9 33.6 Road QOH QOH Finish

Length: 2.5km, Avg: 3.9%, Max: 5.7%

13:44 13:28 13:19

56.0 33.5 Road JR Keep left 13:45 13:28 13:2058.0 31.5 Road JL Left Caution: Steep Descent 13:48 13:31 13:2258.9 30.6 Road X Keep left 13:50 13:33 13:2462.1 27.4 Road/R698 X Caution: crossing

major road13:56 13:38 13:28

64.1 25.4 Road RND 1st Exit 14:00 13:41 13:3164.2 25.3 Road/N24 T Left Direction Waterford

Caution: entering major road

14:00 13:41 13:31

65.1 24.4 N24 JL Caution: bollards 14:02 13:42 13:3267.5 22.0 Road/R698 T Left Direction Piltown

Caution14:06 13:46 13:36

68.4 21.1 R698 JR Piltown 14:08 13:47 13:3768.7 20.8 R698 JL Keep Right 14:08 13:48 13:3869.5 20.0 Main St JR 14:10 13:49 13:3969.7 19.8 Main St Finish Line: 2nd

Passage14:10 13:50 13:39

70.1 19.4 Main St/Tower Rd RND 2nd Exit Water Tower 14:11 13:50 13:4070.3 19.2 Tower Rd ][ Caution: Speed Bumps 14:11 13:50 13:4071.0 18.5 Tower Rd/R698 T Left Caution 14:13 13:52 13:4171.0 18.5 R698 JR College Entrance 14:13 13:52 13:4175.5 14.1 Road JR Templeorum 14:21 13:59 13:4775.6 13.9 Road QOH QOH Finish

Length: 2.5km, Avg: 3.9%, Max: 5.7%

14:21 13:59 13:48

75.8 13.8 Road JR Keep left 14:22 13:59 13:4877.7 11.8 Road JL Left Caution: Steep Descent 14:25 14:02 13:5178.6 10.9 Road X Keep left 14:27 14:04 13:5281.8 7.7 Road/R698 X Caution: crossing

major road14:33 14:09 13:56

83.9 5.7 Road RND 1st Exit 14:37 14:12 13:5983.9 5.6 Road/N24 T Left Direction Waterford

Caution: entering major road

14:37 14:12 13:59

84.8 4.7 N24 JL Caution: bollards 14:38 14:13 14:0187.1 2.4 N24/Road JL Left Direction Piltown 14:43 14:17 14:0487.2 2.3 Road/R698 T Left Direction Piltown 14:43 14:17 14:0488.3 1.2 R698 JR Piltown 14:45 14:19 14:0688.7 0.8 R698 JL Keep Right 14:46 14:20 14:0689.3 0.2 Main St JR 14:47 14:21 14:0789.5 0.0 Finish Finish 14:47 14:21 14:07

14 15

0 11.0 22.0 33.0 44.0 55.0 66.0 77.0 88.0 99.0 110.0

-3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km

STAGE 3 - 108.8KMKILKENNY – FRESHFORD – JOHNSTOWN – RATHDOWNEY – DONAGHMORE – BORRIS-IN-OSSORY – MOUNTRATH – KINNITTY – CLONASLEE – THE CUTFriday, September 6th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510936

Stage 3 - Elevation Last 3km

450

400

350

300MET

RES

(M)

KILOMETRES(KM)

Stage 3 - Route Map

Stage 3 - Profile

KILOMETRES(KM)

MET

RES

(M)

Stage 3 - Finish

500

387

275

162

50

FINISH: THE CUT

START: KILKENNY

Team Car Deviation

STAGE 3 - 108.8KM Friday, September 6th 2019

TIMERiders sign-on Springhill Court Hotel 11:00Riders Assemble Springhill Court Hotel 11:30Riders roll out from Springhill Court Hotel - Neutralised for 6.5km 11:45Race start 12:00

KM Route ScheduleTo Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph

0 Neutralised Start - Springhill Court Hotel

Exit Left

0.2 Neutralised - N10 RND 3rd Exit Cavalcade merging from left, 1st Exit

0.9 Neutralised - N10 RND 1st Exit

1.3 Neutralised - N76 RND 2nd Exit2 Neutralised - N76/

Callan RdRND 2nd Exit Turning right

2.3 Callan Rd RND 2nd Exit2.3 Callan Rd/Old Callan

RdJL Left

3.4 R695/Dean St RND 2nd Exit3.7 Butts Gn/Lord Edward

St/Granges RdRND 2nd Exit

4.7 Parkview Dr/R693 RND 1st Exit Turn Left4.8 R693 JR Hospital Exit5 R693 JR Hospital Entrance6.1 R693 JR Hospital Entrance0 108.8 R693 - after 80km

Speed Limit signsStart 12:00 12:00 12:00

2.8 106.0 R693 ][ Narrows/Bends 12:05 12:04 12:0411.2 97.6 R693/Clintstown Rd JR Freshford 12:21 12:17 12:1611.5 97.3 The Square X Right Direction:

Ballyragget12:21 12:18 12:16

11.7 97.1 Church St/R694 JR Keep Left Direction: Johnstown 12:21 12:18 12:1624.6 84.1 R435/R639 X Straight Johnstown

Caution: Traffic Islands, Crossing Major Rd

12:46 12:38 12:35

24.8 84.0 R435 JR Right Direction: Rathdowney

12:46 12:39 12:35

32.1 76.7 R435/L5800 JL Keep Right

Caution: Sharp Bend 13:00 12:50 12:45

37.4 71.4 R435/L1558 X Rathdowney 13:10 12:59 12:5337.7 71.1 R435/Ossory St JR Caution: Pedestrian

Crossing13:10 12:59 12:53

37.7 71.1 R435 ][ Caution: Speed Bump 13:10 12:59 12:5337.8 71.0 R435/R433 T Left Direction Borris-On-

Ossory13:10 12:59 12:53

38.7 70.0 R435/R433 JR Right Direction Borris-On-Ossory

13:12 13:01 12:55

16 17

40.9 67.9 R435 JR Donaghmore 13:16 13:04 12:5841.8 67.0 R435 JL Donaghmore Famine

Museum Caution: Entrance

13:18 13:05 12:59

44.2 64.5 R435 ][ Caution: Narrow Bridge

13:22 13:09 13:03

46.6 62.2 R435/Road JR Right Direction Borris-On-Ossory

13:27 13:13 13:06

48.9 59.8 St Patricks Terrace JR Borris-On-Ossory 13:31 13:17 13:0949.1 59.7 St Patricks Terrace/

R445T Right Direction: Mountrath

Caution: Entering Major Rd

13:32 13:17 13:10

49.1 59.6 R445 JL Caution: Petrol Station

13:32 13:17 13:10

49.3 59.5 R445 ][ Caution: Traffic Islands

13:32 13:17 13:10

61.4 47.4 R445 ][/JL Mountrath 13:55 13:36 13:2761.5 47.2 R445 ][ Caution: Pedestrian

Crossing13:55 13:37 13:27

61.9 46.9 R445 ][ Caution: Pedestrian Crossing

13:55 13:37 13:28

62.2 46.6 Main St/Shannon St JR Caution: Double Junction

13:56 13:38 13:28

62.2 46.5 Main St ][ Caution: Pedestrian Crossing

13:56 13:38 13:28

62.4 46.4 Main St/Church St JL Left Direction Mountmellick

13:57 13:38 13:29

62.5 46.3 Church St/R440 JL Left Direction Kinnity 13:57 13:38 13:2966.9 41.9 R440 ][ Caution: Narrow

Bridge14:05 13:45 13:35

67.8 41.0 R440 JR Right Direction Kinnity 14:07 13:47 13:3675.9 32.8 R440 QOH QOH Finish

Length: 5.1km, Avg: 4.8%, Max: 10.1%

14:22 13:59 13:48

78.0 30.7 R440 JR Keep Left Caution: On bend 14:26 14:03 13:5179.9 28.8 R440 JR Caution: Car Park

Entrance14:29 14:06 13:54

84.9 23.9 R440 JR Kinnity 14:39 14:13 14:0185.0 23.8 R440/R421 T Right Direction: Clonaslee

Caution: Traffic Islands, Entering Major Rd

14:39 14:14 14:01

90.0 18.7 R421 JL Cadamstown 14:48 14:22 14:08100.3 8.5 R422 JR Clonaslee 15:08 14:38 14:23100.3 8.4 R422 ][ Caution: Traffic Island 15:08 14:38 14:23100.5 8.3 R422 ][ Caution: Pedestrian

Crossing15:08 14:38 14:23

101.1 7.6 R422/Hillside Pk JR Right Direction: Slieve Bloom Mountains

15:09 14:39 14:24

108.4 0.4 Road JR Deviation 15:23 14:51 14:34108.8 0.0 Finish QOH QOH Finish

Length: 7.4km, Avg: 4.5%, Max: 9.8%

15:23 14:51 14:35

STAGE 4 - Individual Time Trial - 6.4KMTullaroanSaturday, September 7th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510927

Stage 4 - Route Map

FINISHSTART: TULLAROAN

Stage 4 - Profile

0.0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0

KILOMETRES(KM)

MET

RES

(M)

410

340

270

200

130

18 19

KM RouteTo Go Description Junc Notes

0 7.5 Finish Area0.3 7.2 Turbine Entrance JL Team Car Parking Here Only2.9 4.6 Road X Left4.9 2.6 Road T Left5.3 2.2 Road JL6.7 0.8 Road JR Keep Left Cemetery On Right7.2 0.3 Road X Right Tullaroan7.5 0.0 Tullaroan GAA Club

DEVIATION/RETURN ROUTEAll Vehicles and riders returning to the start area MUST use this routeAll Vehicles driving to the finish area MUST use this route in reverse

KM RouteTo Go Description Feature Junc Notes

0 6.4 Tullaroan GAA Club Start Start1.2 5.2 Road JL1.6 4.8 Road JR3.7 2.7 Road JR3.9 2.5 Road JL4.3 2.1 Road JL5.9 0.5 Road JL Left6.4 0.0 Finish. Length: 6.4km, Avg: 9%, Max: 11% Gate on Left Finish

TIMEStart in reverse GC rider orderRiders start at one minute intervalsFirst rider starts 10:00Neutral service is availalbe on the route

STAGE 4 - Individual Time Trial - 6.4KM Saturday, September 7th 2019

Stage 4 - Deviation/Return Route

FINISH AREA

RACE ROUTE

GAA CLUB

STAGE 5 - Criterium - 45mins & 3 lapsKilkennySaturday, September 7th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510907

Stage 5 - Route Map

START/FINISH

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0

Stage 5 - Profile

KILOMETRES(KM)

MET

RES

(M)

115

100

85

70

55

20 21

KM RouteTo Go Description Junc Notes

0 2.1 Start/Finish Line - The Parade0.1 2.0 The Parade - Castle Gardens JR0.3 1.8 The Parade - Castle Gardens JR0.4 1.7 The Parade - Father Hayden Rd JR0.4 1.7 The Parade - Archers Ave JR0.4 1.7 The Parade - Nuncio Rd JR Right0.5 1.6 Nuncio Rd - Kenealy Ave JL0.6 1.5 Nuncio Rd - Garden Villas JL0.6 1.5 Nuncio Rd JL0.7 1.4 Nuncio Rd - Larchfield JL0.7 1.4 Nuncio Rd - St Fiachre's Pl JR0.9 1.2 Nuncio Rd - Larchfield JL1.0 1.2 Nuncio Rd - Edenvale Cl JL1.0 1.1 Nuncio Rd - Waterford Rd RND Right Take Roundabout

"wrong" way1.1 1.0 Waterford Rd ][ Caution: Traffic Island1.2 0.9 Waterford Rd - Haltigan Tce JL1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Haltigan Tce JL1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Deans Ct JR1.3 0.8 Waterford Rd - Corcoran Tce JL1.4 0.7 Waterford Rd - Cootes Ln JL1.5 0.6 Waterford Rd - Upr New St JL1.5 0.6 Upper Patrick St - Village Ct JR Caution: Crossing1.6 0.5 Upper Patrick St - Father Hayden Rd JR1.6 0.5 Upper Patrick St - Jacob St JL1.7 0.4 Upper Patrick St - Chapel Ave JR1.8 0.3 Upper Patrick St - Ormonde Rd JL1.9 0.2 Upper Patrick St - Ormonde St JL1.9 0.2 Upper Patrick St - The Parade X Right2.1 0.0 Start/Finish Line - The Parade Finish

TIMESign on at James Stephen’s GAA Club 16:00 - 17:00Riders must stay off the circuit until access time of 18:153 x neutralised laps 18:15Racing for 45 mins & 3 Laps 18:30TEAM CARS: Not permitted to follow riders but may supply static service

STAGE 5 - Criterium - 45mins & 3 laps Saturday, September 7th 2019

-3km -2.5km -2km -1.5km -1km -0.5km

0 8.5 17.0 25.5 34.0 42.5 51.0 59.5 68.0 76.5 85.0

STAGE 6 - 88.3KMKILKENNY – KELLS – DUNAMAGGIN – KNOCKTOPHER – THOMASTOWN – INISTIOGE – WOODSTOCK – THOMASTOWN – DUNGARVAN - GOWRAN - PAULSTOWN - KILKENNYSunday, September 8th 2019https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30510915

Stage 6 - Elevation Last 3km

70

60

50

40MET

RES

(M)

KILOMETRES(KM)

Stage 6 - Route Map

Stage 6 - Profile

KILOMETRES(KM)M

ETRE

S(M

)

Stage 6 - Finish

200

150

100

50

0

FINISH: KILKENNY

START: KILKENNY

22 23

STAGE 6 - 88.3KM Sunday, September 8th 2019

TIMERiders sign-on Springhill Court Hotel 10:00Riders Assemble Springhill Court Hotel 11:00Riders roll out from Springhill Court Hotel - neutralised for 1km 11:27Race start 11:30

KM Route ScheduleTo Go Description Junc Notes 32kph 38kph 42kph

0 Neutralised Start - Springhill Court Hotel

Exit Left 11:27 11:27 11:27

0.2 Neutralised - N10 RND 3rd Exit Cavalcade merging from left

0.9 Neutralised - N10 RND 1st Exit

1.33 Neutralised - N76 RND 2nd Exit0.0 88.3 Start White Sign - Kells/

Kilmoganny11:30 11:30 11:30

11.1 77.2 R697 ][ Kells Caution: Narrow Bridge

11:50 11:47 11:45

11.3 77.0 Kells ][ Caution: Narrow Bridge

11:51 11:47 11:46

11.4 76.9 Kells X Keep Right

11:51 11:48 11:46

17.0 71.3 R697 (R699) X Left Direction Dunamaggin

12:01 11:56 11:54

17.7 70.6 R699 JL Dunamaggin 12:03 11:57 11:5518.4 69.9 R699 JL Keep

Right12:04 11:59 11:56

22.6 65.7 R699 (R701) T Left Direction Thomastown

12:12 12:05 12:02

23.5 64.8 R699 (M9) RND 2nd Exit Direction Thomastown

12:14 12:07 12:03

23.7 64.6 R699 (M9) RND 2nd Exit Direction Thomastown

12:14 12:07 12:03

25.2 63.1 Knocktopher RND 2nd Exit Direction Thomastown

12:17 12:09 12:06

25.3 63.0 Knocktopher RND 1st Exit Direction Thomastown

12:17 12:09 12:06

26.5 61.8 R699 (R448) X Left Direction Thomastown

12:19 12:11 12:07

25.9 62.4 R448 (R148) T Left 12:18 12:10 12:0630.8 57.5 R418 JR Jerpoint Car Park 12:27 12:18 12:1332.3 56.0 R418 ][ Caution: Traffic

Island12:30 12:20 12:16

32.6 55.7 Mill St (The Mall) JR Thomastown 12:31 12:21 12:1632.8 55.5 Mill St ][ Caution Bridge 12:31 12:21 12:1632.9 55.4 Market St JL Keep

Right12:31 12:21 12:16

32.9 55.4 Market St JR Enter One Way System

12:31 12:22 12:17

33.0 55.3 Market St (R700) JR Right 12:31 12:22 12:1733.1 55.2 R700 T Right 12:32 12:22 12:1733.2 55.1 R700 T Left Direction Inistioge 12:32 12:22 12:1733.4 54.9 R700 JL Car Park 12:32 12:22 12:1733.8 54.5 R700 (R703) JL Keep

Right12:33 12:23 12:18

38.4 49.9 R700 ][ Caution: Bridge 12:42 12:30 12:2438.6 49.7 R700 JR Keep Left 12:42 12:30 12:2541.4 46.9 Inistioge X Right Inistiioge, Direction

Woodstock12:47 12:35 12:29

42.3 46.0 Road QOH Finish Length: 0.9km, Avg: 9%, Max: 21%

12:49 12:36 12:30

42.4 45.9 Road JR Right Direction Thomastown

12:49 12:36 12:30

42.9 45.4 Road JR Right Direction Thomastown

12:50 12:37 12:31

44.6 43.7 Road JR 12:53 12:40 12:3345.0 43.3 Road X Caution: Sharp

Descent12:54 12:41 12:34

45.4 42.9 Road ][ Caution: Narrow Bridge

12:55 12:41 12:34

49.9 38.4 The Mall (Castle Ave) JR Thomastown 13:03 12:48 12:4150.2 38.1 The Mall (Mill St) T Right 13:04 12:49 12:4150.4 37.9 Mill St ][ Caution Bridge 13:04 12:49 12:4250.4 37.9 Market St JL Keep

Right13:04 12:49 12:42

50.5 37.8 Market St JR Enter One Way System

13:04 12:49 12:42

50.6 37.7 Market St (R700) JR Right 13:04 12:49 12:4250.7 37.6 R700 JL Left Direction Kilkenny 13:04 12:49 12:4251.0 37.3 R700 JR Caution: Crossing 13:05 12:50 12:4251.1 37.2 R700 JR Petrol Station 13:05 12:50 12:4251.2 37.1 R700 (Ladys Well St) RND 3rd Exit Direction Gowran 13:05 12:50 12:4351.3 37.0 Ladys Well St (R448) RND 1st Exit Direction Gowran

Caution Traffic Island

13:06 12:51 12:43

51.4 36.9 R448 ][ Caution Traffic Island

13:06 12:51 12:43

51.5 36.8 R448 JR Supermarket 13:06 12:51 12:4351.5 36.8 R448 ][ Caution Traffic

Islands13:06 12:51 12:43

58.6 29.7 R448 (Dungarvan) JR Keep Left 13:19 13:02 12:5364.1 24.2 R448 (R702) JL Gowran 13:30 13:11 13:0164.7 23.6 R448 (Abbey Grove) JL Petrol Station 13:31 13:12 13:0270.1 18.2 R448 RND 1st Exit 13:41 13:20 13:1071.0 17.3 R712 RND 1st Exit 13:43 13:22 13:1184.4 3.9 R712 (Lyrath) JR Hotel Entrance 14:08 13:43 13:3084.9 3.4 R712 RND 1st Exit 14:09 13:44 13:31

24 25

85.6 2.7 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic Island

14:10 13:45 13:32

85.7 2.6 Dublin Rd X Entrances 14:10 13:45 13:3285.7 2.6 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic

Islands14:10 13:45 13:32

86.1 2.2 Dublin Rd RND 2nd Exit Deviation 14:11 13:45 13:3286.3 2.1 Dublin Rd RND 1st Exit Caution: Traffic

Islands14:11 13:46 13:33

86.3 2.0 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic Island

14:11 13:46 13:33

86.5 1.8 Dublin Rd RND 2nd Exit Caution: Traffic Islands

14:12 13:46 13:33

86.6 1.7 Dublin Rd ][ Caution: Traffic Islands

14:12 13:46 13:33

87.4 0.9 Dublin Rd (John St Upper)

X Left 14:13 13:48 13:34

87.5 0.8 John St Upper ][ Caution: Zebra Crossing

14:14 13:48 13:34

87.6 0.7 John St Upper (Maudlin St)

X Caution Speed Ramp 14:14 13:48 13:35

87.7 0.6 John St Upper (Barrack Lane)

JR Caution: Narrows 14:14 13:48 13:35

87.7 0.6 John St Lower ][ Caution: Zebra Crossing

14:14 13:48 13:35

87.8 0.5 John St Lower ][ Caution: Zebra Crossing

14:14 13:48 13:35

87.8 0.5 John St Lower ][ Caution: Narrow Bridge

14:14 13:48 13:35

87.9 0.4 Rose Inn St (St Kierans St)

JR Caution: Zebra Crossing

14:14 13:48 13:35

88.0 0.3 Rose Inn St (The Parade) X Left 14:15 13:49 13:3588.3 0.0 Kilkenny Castle Finish 14:15 13:49 13:36

EPIC STAGES

On the eve of the 14th edition of Rás na mBan it’s a good time to reflect on some of the epic days of bike racing in the history of the event. Here is a small selection of great memories reflecting the courage, athleticism and extraordinary topography of Rás na mBan over the years... 2009 Stage 1 - ‘Moll’s Gap’ - Trott at a CanterAt the outset of a distinguished pro career Emma Trott - older sister of Olympic champ Laura - arrived at her first Rás na mBan ‘fresh’ from a tough slog around the Holland Ladies Tour. Undaunted, the Moving Ladies team rider raced clear on the road to Kenmare after 15km to spend pretty much the entire first stage dangling off the front of the bunch by less than a minute. Trott did briefly extend her lead on the ascent to Kerry’s famous landmark at Moll’s Gap before racing down the descent to take the first leader’s jersey of the then three- day event by just 37s. Trott defended her lead through the remaining three stages to become the first British winner of Rás na mBan. 2011 Stage 3 - ‘Healy Pass’ - Dillon on FireOlivia Dillon had a point to prove when the riders faced the starter’s flag for the 80km third stage of the 2011 race. Having just heard that no Irish team would be heading to the World Road Race Championships Dillon was out to show what they were missing. Already in the pink leader’s jersey and on her way to her second overall win in the event, Dillon charged up Healy Pass with only the Netherlands’ Linda Ringlever (Moving Ladies) for company by the top. With just 35km completed Dillon set off on her own for a 45km solo adventure around the roads of Kerry with a little bit of County Cork thrown in. She had almost two minutes in hand by the finish line back in Kenmare with the entire field strewn all over the roads of Munster. Dillon had secured her second overall Rás na mBan win in the most emphatic fashion. Point made.

2012 Stage 5 - ‘The Ballaghs’ - Boddy DoubleBy the fourth day of five legs were starting to soften in Kerry when the organisers dropped a grenade into the bunch in the form of the 95km ‘Queen’ stage which included the awesome climbs of Ballaghabeama and Ballaghasheen followed by Coomaciste for dessert. World class Danish junior Amalie Dideriksen danced up the mountains on her way to the IVCA climbers jersey while High Wycombe sprint ace Karla Boddy charged down the final descent to get back in contention to take her second successive stage win. Boddy made it a hat trick on the final day as Dideriksen’s team mate Kamilla Sofie Vallin took a great win for Team Rytger on their first visit to the race. 2017 Stage 3 Mount Leinster – Barker Pounces The second visit to Kilkenny for Rás na mBan featured the already classic sojourn into Wexford and Carlow for the windswept ascent of Mount Leinster to a summit finish at Nine Stones.Britain’s Elinor Barker, a gold medal winner on the track at the Rio Olympics put Team GB squad on the front early on and let the steepening gradient take care of the rest. Race leader Belle de Gast of the Netherlands was left floundering on the lower slopes of Corrabut Gap as Barker made her move, the Cardiff woman reeling in and quickly distancing the remains of the early break. 2018 Stage 4 Tullaroan – Demay By a WhiskerHaving proved inseparable on the arduous climb of Mount Leinster the previous day, race leader Nikki Juniper (TC Racing) and Coralie Demay (Team Breizh) faced the challenge of 6.5km against the watch in the hilly time trial at Tullaroan. Demay prevailed by just four seconds over Juniper to win her first stage and take an overall lead she would hold to the finish to become the first French winner of Rás na mBan.

Elinor Barker (Team GB) alone in her suffering on Mount Leinster in 2017 and on

her way to an emphatic stage victory and a commanding overall race lead.

26 27

ARTICLE 1 ORGANISATIONRás na mBan is organised by the Rás na mBan Organising Committee, under the auspices of Cycling Ireland and in association with the Women’s Commission of Cycling Ireland, and will take place from Wednesday 4th September until Sunday 8th September 2019.Rás na mBan is promoted under the Technical Rules and Regulations of Cycling Ireland (http://www.cyclingireland.ie/downloads/rules2019v26.3final.pdf) along with those specified hereunder. It is the responsibility of team officials and competitors to be familiar with all race regulations.

ARTICLE 2 TYPE OF EVENTRás na mBan International 5-day cycle race is registered on the Cycling Ireland Road Racing Calendar and is open to teams of riders of Women Elite and Junior Women categories.All participants should be aware that the roads used by Rás na mBan are NOT CLOSED to other traffic, and competitors will encounter normal road traffic during the event. While every effort will be made to ensure the safety of the riders, care must be taken by all riders, particularly on narrow roads and at the rear of the race. Riders are responsible for their own safety and must comply with the rules of the road. Riders are reminded that, in Ireland, we cycle and drive on the left-hand-side of the road.

ARTICLE 3 PARTICIPATIONRás na mBan is open to Women Elite, Women U23 and Women Junior Categories. All entrants shall hold a valid racing licence issued by a UCI affiliated National Federation. The maximum number of riders on a team is 5, and the minimum is 3.

ARTICLE 4 RACE HEADQUARTERSTeam Registration and Sign On for Rás na mBan 2019 will take place on Wednesday September 4th from 13:00 until 14:55 at the Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Road, Kilkenny,County Kilkenny, Tel: +353 56 772 1122.Team Managers will be required to sign on and to present the following to the Chief Commissairefor approval and information purposes:

a) Manager’s current UCI affiliated federation licenceb) Team Officials names and UCI affiliated federation licencec) Team cavalcade vehicle registration numberd) Team Manager’s mobile phone numbere) Sample of Team Jersey and, if applicable, Skinsuit

Team Managers will receive their riders race numbers, timing chip and frame number. The Race organisation will retain riders licences for the duration of the race pending return of timing chips.Team Managers shall return ALL team members timing chips at the finish of the final stage of the race. Licences will be returned to team managers on return of timing chips. There will be a penalty charge of €35 per chip for lost or damaged chips.Team Managers are required to attend a briefing meeting at the Springhill Court Hotel at 15:00 on Wednesday 4th September in the designated meeting room. The meeting will be opened by the Race Organiser and addressed by the Chief Commissaire and a Garda officer. Race Technical Staff will also be in attendance.A draw for team car positions on Stage 1 will take place at this meeting.The Race Doctor will also be in attendance at this meeting. Managers should notify the Race Doctor of any relevant rider or staff medical conditions she may need to be aware of in case of emergency.

ARTICLE 5 RADIO TOURRadio Tour will be broadcast on frequency 453.5625MhzRace Radios will be available at Sign On for rental. A fee of €50 will be payable at sign on for radios issued to team managers, which includes the rental fee of €20 plus a refundable deposit of €30. The deposit will be refunded on return of the radio at race headquarters, undamaged, following the final stage of the race.

ARTICLE 6 NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SUPPORTThe first neutral service vehicle will normally be placed with the leading group and the second will remain behind the main bunch. Teams wishing to avail of the service will equip these vehicles. Such equipment must be in good mechanical order.Riders receiving equipment from neutral service will be responsible for returning or replacing it. Wheels shall be clearly marked with the team name. It is the responsibility of the team manager to return equipment obtained from neutral service immediately after the stage finishes.Team vehicles are obliged to service riders from other teams when requested to do so by a Commissaire or when neutral service is not available. It is expected that this open service will be carried out in a fair and sporting manner. Where no neutral service is available the first vehicle in line must service any rider requiring service. Following Stage 1, team vehicles of the first 3 riders on General Classification are exempt from this rule and the next vehicle in line must provide service.In the event of a puncture or other mechanical fault, riders must stop on the left side of the road only.Riders shall be serviced only from the rear of a group.Equipment is provided to neutral service at owners risk, notwithstanding the conditions listed above. The organisers of Rás na mBan, and their agents and volunteers, shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to any equipment provided to neutral service.

ARTICLE 7 BONUSESThere are no time bonuses on stages.

ARTICLE 8 STAGE 4 TIME TRIAL Stage 4 Individual Time Trial must be ridden on a classic road bike as defined in the UCI regulations Part 1 Chapter 2 Section 2.No bar extensions or similar will be permitted nor will wheels with less than 12 spokes.Time Trial Helmets and Skinsuits are allowed. Where Skinsuits are worn, they must either be a Classification leaders skinsuit provided by the Race Organisers, the Team Skinsuit, as registered by the Team Manager at Race Sign On, or, with the Commissaires agreement, a plain design carrying no advertising, apart from a manufacturers logo.Riders will start at 1 minute intervals in reverse General Classification order.The Time Trial will take place on open roads. Riders MUST keep to the left hand side of the carriageway in order not to impede traffic.Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations T7.A4 will apply.

ARTICLE 9 STAGE 5 CRITERIUM There will be two pit areas on the circuit. If a rider suffers a mishap or genuine mechanical then she will need to report to the Pit Commissaire on the next pits on the circuit. The rider in question will not travel against the race but move forward to the next pits. She will then be placed back into the race after one lap out into the back of the group she left before the incident took place. If this group has split then it will be the rear split that she re-joins the race in. No lap outs will be permitted in the last 5 laps.Sign On will close at 5pm and riders are requested not to warm up on the circuit until it is officially opened for the warm up at 6.15pm. This is critical to the smooth running of the event and maintaining co-operation with the local residents so please respect this and avoid any sanctions.

ARTICLE 10 STAGE 2Any rider lapped or in danger of being lapped on the final two finishing circuits will be asked to stop to allow the leaders a clear passage and the time delay incurred will be noted to give an accurate finishing time for the stage.

ARTICLE 11 FINAL 3 KILOMETRE RULERás na mBan under Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations operates under the Final 3 Kilometre rule. This rule shall not apply on Stage 4 Individual Time Trial and Stage 3 Hill Top Finish.

ARTICLE 12 FINISHING TIME LIMITSThe time limit for all stages will be 25% of the stage winner’s time.

RACE RULES AND REGULATIONS The time limit may be extended, in extenuating circumstances, by the panel of Commissaires in agreement with the Race Director.

ARTICLE 13 CLASSIFICATIONSThe following classifications will be awarded a jersey:Individual General Classification – Magenta JerseyThe individual general classification on time is established by adding up the times recorded for stages, taking into account any time penalties.Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations.Points General Classification – Navy JerseyPoints will be awarded to riders for stage placings.The points will be allocated as follows: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points respectively for 1st to10th placing on stages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. No points will be awarded for Stage 4, the Individual Time Trial.Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3B of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations.Queen of the Hills General Classification – Orange JerseyQOH Points will be awarded for climb primes on the following scale:

a) Category 1 climb, 1st to 5th placing respectively; 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 points.

b) Category 2 climb, 1st to 4th placing respectively; 9, 7, 5, and 3 points.

Stage Cat. Climb Distance Length Avg Grad.

Max Grad.

1 2 Coppanagh 26.5km 3.4km 3% 10.4%2 2 Templeorum 56.9km 2.5km 3.9% 5.7%2 2 Templeorum 75.6km 2.5km 3.9% 5.7%3 1 Wolftrap 75.9km 5.1km 4.8% 10.1%3 1 The Cut 108.8km 7.4km 4.5% 9.8%6 1 Woodstock 42.3km 0.9km 9% 21%

Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3C of Cycling Ireland Technical RegulationsBest Young Rider Classification – White JerseyRestricted to riders born after the 31st of December 1996.Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations.Best Irish Rider Classification - Green Jersey The Best Irish Rider classification will be awarded to the top Ireland-based rider on General Classification who fulfils the following criteria:The rider must be based in Ireland AND

a) have an IRL UCI code on their licence AND/ORb) a licence issued by Cycling Irelandc) be registered with a domestic-based Irish team/club.

Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations.Stage Winner Jersey - Blue JerseyA Stage Winner Jersey will be awarded to the winner of each stage, including Stage 4 TT.Jersey PriorityThe priority of Classification Jerseys is as follows:

a) General Classification by timeb) Points Classificationc) Queen of the Mountains Classificationd) Best Young Rider Classification by timee) Best Irish Rider Classification by timef) Stage Winner’s Jersey

NON-JERSEY CLASSIFICATIONSMick Lawless Trophy for the Best Young Irish RiderThe Best Young Irish Rider classification is open to any rider who qualifies for the Best Irish Rider classification AND also the Best Young Rider classification.

Best British Based Rider ClassificationThe Best British Rider classification is open to any holder of a British Cycling licence (regardless of nationality code) riding with a British Cycling registered team at this year’s race.Ties will be split in accordance with Article T7.3A of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulation.Prizes will be awarded to the top eight riders in this classification at the conclusion of Rás na mBan 2018, in Kilkenny on 8th September.Team General Classifications (Best Team, Best Irish Based Team)The maximum number of riders on a team is 5 and the minimum is 3. The team standings on each day are calculated by adding the three best individual times from each team.The overall team classification is calculated by adding the three best individual times from each team from all stages.The Best Irish (Ireland based) team classification is calculated by adding the three best individual Irish based rider times from all stages. Only teams with all riders satisfying the Best Irish Rider category qualify for the Irish Team prize. The Ireland National Team is excluded from this category.Composite Teams, as defined under Article T1.5 – T1.7 of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations, are eligible for the Team Classification. Composite teams must be attired in identical kit.Ties will be spit in accordance with Article T7.3E of Cycling Ireland Technical Regulations

ARTICLE 14 PRIZESIn addition to the above, prizes will be awarded to:

a) First unplaced junior rider overall (riders born after the 31st of December 2000).

b) First unplaced veteran rider overall (riders born before the 1st January 1980)

A combativity prize, titled ‘The Daily Beast Award’, will be awarded on the podium after each stage to the rider adjudged by the Commissaires to have grabbed the stage by its horns.Prime prizes will be awarded on Stage 5, to the first rider crossing the finish line after 15 minutes of racing, and after 30 minutes of racing. A klaxon will indicate the start of each lap that will finish with a prime. A bell will indicate the start of the final lap.A grand total of €5,000 will be awarded in prize money at Rás na mBan 2019. All prize money will be paid post-race via Bank Transfer to Team Managers. The full list of prize money is included in the Race Technical Guide.

ARTICLE 15 ANTI-DOPINGDoping Control will be carried out by Sport Ireland, in line with UCI Anti-Doping regulations. Sport Ireland will be deemed to be the Results Management Authority. The Doping Control Station will be as indicated in the technical guide for each stage. The number of the riders required to report to the Doping Control Station will be displayed in accordance with the UCI Anti-doping Regulations.

ARTICLE 16 AWARDS CEREMONYThe following riders must attend the official post-stage awards ceremony:

a) First 3 riders on the stageb) The leaders of the following classifications:

i. Individual General Classificationii. Points Classificationiii. Queen of the Mountains Classificationiv. Best Young Rider General Classificationv. Best Irish Rider General Classification

These riders must present themselves on the presentation podium immediately after the finish of each stage.While race personnel will be assigned to assemble riders for the post stage presentations, the co-operation of riders and team managers in the smooth running of this procedure is essential.Fines may be issued to riders who fail to attend the post-stage awards ceremony, or who only present themselves after an undue delay.The leader of each classification shall be presented their jersey following each stage.

28 29

HOSPITALS

Hospital Name Address Phone Distance From HQ

Closest for Stages

St. Luke’s Hospital, Freshford Road, Kilkenny 00353-56-778500 4.6km 1, 4, 5, 6

University Hospital Waterford Dunmore Road, Waterford

00353-51-848000 50.5km 2

Midland Regional Hospital Block Rd, Ballyroan, Portlaoise

00353-57-8621364 85.8km 3

Should a rider qualify for more than one jersey she will wear the jersey of the higher priority in the next stage. Subsequent classification jerseys will be worn by the next best-placed rider in the classification, subject to her not being entitled to any other classification jersey.At the finish of the final stage in addition to the above riders, the following riders must also present themselves:

a) First 3 riders on General Classificationb) Team General Classification Winnersc) Irish Based Team General Classification Winnersd) Best British Riders (top eight on British Based Rider GC)

ARTICLE 17 PENALTIESThe Cycling Ireland Scale of Penalties shall apply throughout the duration of the race.

GENERAL INFORMATION1. Entering this race implies acceptance of all race regulations.2. The organisers will - under no circumstances - hold

themselves responsible for any cycling, motorcycling, motoring or other civil offences. Responsibility rests with competitors, team and race officials to comply with the Road Traffic Acts. Blatant transgressions of the Road Traffic Acts amounting to dangerous riding/driving by riders and/or race personnel will not be tolerated by the race organisation. Such transgressions may incur penalties including expulsion from the race.

3. Keep Ireland beautiful – all personnel are reminded that littering will not be tolerated. Participants infringing this rule will have their numbers noted by race officials, and fines may be issued.

4. All race personnel (riders, officials, team officials) must be holders of a current valid license issued by a UCI affiliated national federation.

5. It is compulsory for all riders to wear rigid safety headgear at all times on every stage.

6. All stages, including Stage 4 TT, must be ridden on a classic road bike as defined in the UCI regulations Part 1 Chapter 2 Section 2.

7. Bikes must be in proper working condition and mechanical order.8. The last kilometre on all stages will be indicated by a 1km

sign positioned on the left hand side of the road.9. Boards indicating zero kms (the end of neutralised section)

and the final 20, 10, 5, 3, and 1 kms will also be displayed.10. Signs for 500m, 200m and 100m from the finish line will also

be indicated.11. Signs for 1km, 200m and the QOH point will be indicated. 12. All riders must sign on at the designated sign on for each

stage, and within the times specified. There will be no sign-on for stage four, individual time trial. Riders can present themselves either individually or as a team for sign on.

13. Riders, other than classification jersey recipients, must wear their team jerseys, as approved prior to starting Rás na

mBan, during all stages including stage four, individual time trial (subject to Special Race Regulation 2b below).

14. Timing chips will be provided by the race organisation to each rider. Timing chips should be attached to the front fork using the cable ties provided. Fitting instructions will be available at race Sign On.

SPECIAL RACE REGULATIONSTeam cavalcade vehicle regulations:

a) A maximum of one vehicle may follow each complete team in the race cavalcade. Only complete teams (three or more riders) can have a team car in the cavalcade.

b) Only officially approved vehicles will be allowed in the race cavalcade, these vehicles must not be equipped with extended ‘prong type’ boot racks.

c) Race cavalcade team vehicles may not exceed 166cm in height.

d) In addition to the driver, the approved cavalcade team vehicle must contain at least one other competent person.

e) Numbers will be provided for team vehicles showing their place in the following cavalcade on each stage. These numbers will be positioned on the front and rear windows of the vehicle nearest the road centre. The numbers will be replaced for each stage and only the current numbers may be displayed. A draw for team vehicle placings on stage 1 will be conducted by the Chief Commissaire at the team managers’ meeting on Wednesday 4th September at 15:00.

f) Following Stage 1, team vehicles in the race cavalcade will follow in the order of the team’s best rider on the individual classification on the basis of one vehicle per team.

g) The responsibility rests with a rider whether to accept food/drink from any vehicle other than her own team vehicle.

h) Break-away groups may only be followed by team cars when the gap between them and the chasers is greater than 1 minute and then only with the consent of a Commissaire.

i) No team vehicle may overtake any group of riders in the last 10km of a stage.

j) All cavalcade vehicles, unless specifically authorised, must follow any deviation indicated on the race route and/or at the stage finish.

Control flagsThe standard control flags to be used throughout the race are:

a) Rás na mBan fuschia flag for the ceremonial start of each stage

b) Rás na mBan black and white chequered flag for each stage finish

c) Rás na mBan white flag at QOH Finish pointsd) Rás na mBan red flag to denote dangere) Rás na mBan orange and white chequered flag to denote

neutral zone

PRIZE LIST

STAGE CLASSIFICATIONS

Pl. 1 2 3 4 5 6 GC Irish UK QOH Points U23 Int. Team

Irish Team TOTAL

1st €100 €100 €100 €80 €100 €100 €300 €100 €100 €100 €100 €100 €150 €150 €1,680

2nd €60 €60 €60 €50 €60 €60 €200 €80 €80 €80 €80 €80 €950

3rd €50 €50 €50 €30 €50 €50 €150 €70 €70 €50 €50 €50 €720

4th €40 €40 €40 €40 €40 €130 €60 €60 €450

5th €30 €30 €30 €30 €30 €120 €50 €50 €370

6th €20 €20 €20 €20 €20 €110 €40 €40 €290

7th €100 €30 €30 €160

8th €90 €20 €20 €130

9th €80 €80

10th €70 €70

€300 €300 €300 €160 €300 €300 €1,350 €450 €450 €230 €230 €230 €150 €150 €4,900

Other Prizes: First unplaced Veteran overall: €50, First unplaced Junior overall: €50, Prime prizes will be awarded on stage 5

RACE OFFICIALS

Race Director Valerie ConsidineRace Director Driver Eddie KeoghDeputy Race Director Ronan Fox Safety Officer Dermot MoyneChief Commissaire John BreenChief Commissaire Driver Dave Cormack Commissaire #1 Jean McGinleyCommissaire #1 Driver Stephen O’SheaCommissaire #2 Derek WebbCommissaire #2 Driver Mick TwomeyMoto Commissaire Tomás SheedyTimekeeper Gordon ParkerTimekeeper Alicja CermakTiming Martijn BrandResults/Finish Camera Micheál ConcannonQoH Crew Dermot O’GormanQoH Crew Michael JenningsPA Announcer / Race Radios Oliver McKennaRace Radio John BeattyRace Doctor Lucy Soden Race Doctor Driver Ronan Quigley Lead Car #1 Pat MossLead Car #2 Tosh LaveryLead Car #3 Helen SinnottNeutral Service Crew #1 Driver Dermot McMahonNeutral Service Crew #1 Damien NelsonNeutral Service Crew #2 Driver Barry RedmondNeutral Service Crew #2 Terry CromerStart Manager Paddy FitzsimonsStart Crew Mick O’DonnellPodium Team Jenn SheridanPodium Team Julia Mulvihill

Finish Manager Paul DeansFinish Manager Eunan MaloneFinish Crew Tom RyderFinish Crew John DillonFinish Crew Sharon BranniganFinish Crew Jim FinnFinish Crew Paddy DavisFinish Crew Ray McKennaBroom Wagon Mick RyderBroom Wagon Ted BurnsConsultant Jack WatsonInForm Sport Media Declan QuigleyInForm Sport Media Georgie FrancisPhotographer Lorraine O’SullivanInForm Sport Media Crew David LairdInForm Sport Media Crew Graham SeelyInForm Sport Media Crew Ais BradyInForm Sport Media Crew James GordonInForm Sport Media Crew Morgan FullamInForm Sport Media Crew Emma PowerChief Motorbike Marshal John RyanMoto Noel TongeMoto Tom RocheMoto Ted O’MalleyMoto Chris TonerMoto Ollie EganMoto Derek CarrollMoto Brendan Dolan - TVMoto Ken NelsonMoto Tommy ChampionMoto Dick LaniganMoto Colm Whelan

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WHERE TO WATCH THE RACE

Want to check out the action in Ireland’s top international stage race for women?The 14th edition of Rás na mBan kicks off in Kilkenny on Wednesday 4th September and the best women bike riders from Ireland and abroad are busy making their final preparations for the five-day epic.

Riders from a total of 19 different countries are set to do battle over 400km of racing on six separate stages across the five days on some of the most beautiful roads in and around County Kilkenny.

Here’s our guide to the best places to catch the action during the week. It’s going to be an epic week of top class bike racing. Here’s where to see all the action.

Stage One – Wednesday 4th September 70kmGraiguenamanagh – 33km Time Expected: From 17:34

After rolling out from the stage start at the Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny it’s likely that a large group will still be together approaching the first categorised climb of the week at 27km when the group will start to thin out. See the riders race through historic Graguenamangh on the banks of the Barrow six km later and try to make time for a visit to historic Duiske Abbey.

Stage Two – Thursday 5th September 90kmPiltown – 49km, 68km, 90km Time Expected: From 13:10, 13:37 and 14:05

This all new stage for 2019 kicks off at Kilkenny RFC and sends the riders south of Kilkenny to the beautiful town of Piltown where they will join a 19km finishing circuit to be completed twice. Riders will cross the finishing line three times and the circuit includes a tough climb at The Sweep. Spectators may want to see the riders on the Sweep once before heading back into Piltown to see which riders have survived at the front to contest stage honours on Main Street.

Stage Three – Friday 6th September 112kmThe Cut, Slieve Blooms, County Laois - 110km Time Expected: From 14:35

This epic all-new for 2019 stage will go a long way to deciding who dons the final magenta Rás na mBan jersey in 2018. This is the toughest day of climbing in the race and a first visit to the beautiful Slieve Blooms region in Laois. Following the tough climb of Wolftrap, the riders will face the final summit finish to The Cut. By the time the leading riders emerge into view, they’ll have three tough days of racing in their legs and there’s sure to be a lot of distance between the first and last rider to complete. Stay and cheer them all on and why not bring your bike and try the hill for yourself?

Stage Four – Saturday 7th September 6.4kmTullaroan – Honda Individual Time Trial start and finish Time Expected: From 10:00 - 12:13

Unique among the six stages, the riders race alone against the clock in the shortest stage of the event but one that is sure to have a big influence on the general classification. Riders roll down the Honda Ireland start ramp outside Tullaroan GAA club and ride up the challenging climb to the beautiful setting of the wind farm at Ballybay.

Riders race at minute intervals so there’s plenty of opportunity to cheer each rider in their personal challenge against the course and the watch.

Stage Five – Saturday 7th September 40kmKilkenny Castle – City Centre ‘Criterium’ Race Start and Finish Time Expected: From 18:30 - 19:20

What is likely to be the fastest stage of the race is very much one for the speed merchants with a spectacular big bunch sprint the aim for those with the right combination of skill, power and daring. There’s plenty for the spectator to see at the start line beside the historic medieval Kilkenny Castle as the riders appear every three minutes or so racing through approximately 18 laps of the 2.1 kilometre circuit and sprinting regularly for intermediate ‘prime’ prizes along the way. Who’ll be first through the final corner with 150 metres to go?

Stage Six – Sunday 8th September 90kmWoodstock Climb, Inistioge – 46km Time Expected: From 12.30

The riders will coax weary legs into action for the final push, a 90km circuitous route through south Kilkenny to Inistioge before tackling the steep ascent of Woodstock where the strongest will be planning a final ambush. See the riders on the climb and then take the short route back through Gowran and up the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny to see the conclusion of the stage at Kilkenny Castle. Soak up the atmosphere and welcome the riders home where the overall winner will be crowned and each of the remaining riders in the event will claim their much coveted Rás na mBan finisher’s medal.

RÁS NA MBAN ON TV!This year’s event is being filmed for a highlights programme to be broadcast on Eurosport on the weekend after the final stage. Check schedules for up to date viewing times.

FOLLOW THE ACTION ONLINECheck out twitter, facebook and instagram for regular race updates, videos and photos through the week. @rasnamban #rasnamban

What is Rás na mBan?Ireland’s only international stage cycle race for women. It’s the premier cycling event on the Irish racing calendar and this year is the 14th edition. There has been an international stage race of some type almost every year since 1986.

Who’s Racing?Rás na mBan riders are high performance athletes. This is not a charity bike ride or a mass participation challenge event. Many of the riders are full-time paid professionals and all of them are dedicated themselves to their sport 100%. The top riders and teams in Ireland are doing battle with riders from 18 other nations for the coveted Rás na mBan title. Olympic and World champions are listed among the former winners of Rás na mBan.

What is Stage Racing?A multi-day event with numerous separate ‘stages’ from which the overall winner and the various other classifications emerge. Bicycle road racing is the most popular form of competition cycling worldwide.

Events typically include a variety of different terrain and styles of event and Rás na mBan is no different. This year’s race includes four endurance road races on varying terrain, a solo time trial race where riders race solo against the watch and a short circuit ‘criterium’ race in Kilkenny City Centre which is the fastest stage of the week.

How Does it Work?Road race cycling is a race for individual riders who depend on the help of their team-mates to achieve their best result. The winner is the rider who completes all of the stages in the shortest cumulative time.

All of the tactics of road racing derive from the fact that a rider uses much less energy sitting in the slipstream of others than riding in front ‘in the wind’. Teams will shelter their team leaders from the wind for as much of the stage as possible and chase down ‘attacks’ by other riders trying to ‘break away’ from the slipstream of the other riders.

The BikesRoad racing bicycles conform to a strict set of regulations set down by the UCI, the governing body of international cycling. The minimum weight is 6.8kg and many of the bikes are ballasted to meet that minimum. The main frame set and much of the componentry including the wheelrims is constructed from carbon composite material. The bikes will typically have between 22 and 24 separate gear ratios, adjusted daily to suit the terrain.

GlossaryMany of the terms in road race cycle have been adopted from French.Peloton (from French meaning ‘platoon’) The main bunch of riders from which all other groups emerge – either the ‘breakaway’ group up front or ‘dropped’ riders distanced by the peloton.BidonThe waterbottle riders carry to stay hydrated. Riders usually carry two on the bike and will get replacements from the team car or at feed stations during the longer stages.AttackTo quickly accelerate while riding in a pack, or in smaller numbers, with a view to create a gap between yourself and other riders.Breakawayor ‘break’ in short, is when a small group of riders or an individual have successfully opened a gap ahead of the peloton.ClimberA rider who specializes in riding uphill quickly, usually due to having a high power-to-weight ratio.SprinterRider with the ability to generate very high power over short periods (a few seconds to a minute) allowing for great finishing speeds, though not necessarily able to sustain sufficiently high power over long periods to be a good time triallist, have a high enough power-to-weight ratio to be a good climberCommissaireA race judge or referee. In road-racing they are usually based in a car following the event or on a motorcycle.DomestiqueA rider whose job is to support and work for other riders in their team (literally “servant” in French). A ‘Domestique’ will chase down competitors and try to neutralise their efforts; they will often protect their team leader from the wind by surrounding her.EchelonA line of riders seeking maximum slipstreaming in a crosswind, resulting in a diagonal line across the road.Individual time trialRace where riders set off at fixed intervals and complete the course against the clock.Queen of the Mountains (or “QOM”)The title given to the best climber in Rás na mBan. The leader wears the Wicklow 200 jersey.PrimePrimes (pronounced preem, after the French word for “gift”) are intermediate sprints within a race, usually offering a prize or points. Primes are a way to encourage more competitive riding, and also an opportunity for companies to gain publicity by sponsoring a prime.

RÁS NA MBAN EXPLAINER

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THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SPONSORSSPONSORSThe organisers of Rás na mBan 2019 acknowledge the grateful assistance of all our sponsors and contributors including:

Beasty

KilkennyCounty Council

Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh

Orange Pantone: 127c

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