Cycling’s best take on Laois in Rás na mBan Stage Two

Stage 2 of Rás na mBan, Ireland's largest international stage cycle race, will take place in County Laois on Thursday, September 5.

The race, which attracts over 100 of the world's top women cyclists representing 20 teams from more than 15 nations, is a key event in the international cycling calendar.

The stage will begin at 11am from Áras an Chontae in Portlaoise, with the riders setting off on a challenging route through several key towns and villages in Laois. The cyclists will pass through Stradbally, The Heath, Emo, Mountmellick, Clonaslee, The Cut, Mountrath, Ballacolla, and Abbeyleix before circling back to Mountrath, where the stage is expected to finish at approximately 2pm. See the stage map below.

Spectators in Mountrath will have a unique opportunity to witness the race pass through the town at around 1pm, before the cyclists make their final push towards the finish line an hour later. Midlands 103 will be broadcasting live from Mountrath between 12pm and 3pm.

Highlights of the race will be broadcast on RTÉ, TG4, and Eurosport, allowing a wider audience to experience the excitement of Rás na mBan.

The event will also feature a special appearance by the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, Media and Equality, Thomas Byrne. The Minister will be present in Mountrath to present the stage winner with their award at the finish line.

With a strong field of international competitors and the Irish national team, this year's Rás na mBan promises to be a thrilling spectacle.