There has been a warm welcome for the news that Stage 5 of this year's Rás Tailteann will come to Mitchelstown.
Mitchelstown Business Association chairman Sam Hyland, said it’s great to see the race come back to Mitchelstown.
“It’s great news for the town. I am looking forward to it and I hope to see a big turn out on the day. Any extra footfall is always welcome and I hope everyone visiting the town, gets to enjoy their stay in Mitchelstown,” he said.
This year's race, described as the most mountainous event in recent years, features 34 climbs, including four category-one ascents.
The race begins in Drogheda on Sunday, May 20, and concludes one week later in Skerries. The loss of their past title sponsor An Post, means the event reverts to its former name while the search for a new backer continues.
The race begins on May 20 with an undulating 136km stage to Athlone. Day two runs 148.7km to Tipperary, while the third stage to Listowel will be a flat, fast 140.4km.
One of the hardest stages is stage four to Glengarriff, with eight categorised climbs along the 153km route. This includes the first category Healy Pass.
The stage is followed by a flatter 150.2km to Mitchelstown, with a second first category climb – Gorteen – appearing on stage six to Carlow.
Stage seven to Naas is even more difficult, as the 141km leg through Wicklow features eight climbs.
