Picture: Pictured outside Reens Garage in Rathmore, where the flag will drop for stage two of the 2026 Rs Tailteann, are members of Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, local sponsors and community representatives ahead of the race coming to town.Left to right: Niall Kelleher (Kerry County Councillor and Chair, Rathmore Community Council), Timmy Reen (Reens Rathmore), Kieran OKeeffe (OKeeffes Oil Rathmore), Donie Kelleher (Sliabh Luachra CC), Dan Dennehy (Dennehy Transport, Millstreet), Eileen Buckley and Emer Carty (Clover Hill Foods, Millstreet), John Reen (Reens Rathmore) and Tim Murphy (Sliabh Luachra CC). Photographer: John Tarrant, The Corkman.Cairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Rathmore, Co. Kerry will host the stage two start of the 2026 Rs Tailteann on Thursday, May 21st, as Irelands most historic and prestigious stage race continues its journey across the country.Following the opening stage from Portlaoise to Kilmallock, riders will gather in Rathmore on Thursday morning before setting out on one of the most demanding stages of the race, with a challenging route ahead to Banteer, Co. Cork.Parking for teams and race vehicles will be based at Knocknagree GAA Club, with the race rolling through Rathmore before assembling at Rathmore Community Centre for the ceremonial start. Covering 192.7 kilometres, the stage will take the peloton from Kerry into Cork over a demanding route that is expected to play a key role in shaping the overall race.Cairde Rs Tailteann would like to thank the local community in Rathmore and Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club for their support in hosting the stage start. The club has made great strides in recent years and their involvement is central to bringing the race to the town.A long and testing day awaits the riders, with six categorised climbs on the route to Banteer. After leaving Rathmore, the stage will move through the Kerry countryside before heading towards Kenmare, West Cork, the Caha Pass, Glengarriff and on towards the final approach into Banteer.Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are delighted that Rathmore will host the stage two start of the 2026 Rs Tailteann. This is a very important stage in the race, with a long distance and six categorised climbs ahead of the riders. Rathmore is a great place to send the race on its way, and we are looking forward to seeing the local community come out and support the start.Tim Murphy, stage start organiser, added: It is a great honour for Rathmore to host the stage two start of Rs Tailteann. The race has a very special place in Irish sport, and it will be fantastic to see the riders, teams and supporters gathering in the town before they head out towards Banteer. We would encourage people to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and give the riders a strong Rathmore send-off.With one of the toughest stages of the week beginning in Rathmore, the town is set to play an important role in the 2026 Rs Tailteann. Thursday, May 21st promises to be a memorable morning for the local community and cycling supporters across the region.

Picture: Pictured at Banteer Community Sports Field are members of the local organising committee and community representatives ahead of the stage two finish of the 2026 Rs Tailteann.Back (left to right): Connie Tarrant, Nicholas Corkery, Denis Withers, Dermot McCarthyFront (left to right): Margaret Corkery, Denise OKeeffe, Mary Cahill, Catherine CahillCairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Banteer, Co. Cork will host the finish of stage two of the 2026 Rs Tailteann on Thursday, May 21st, as Irelands most historic and prestigious stage race returns for its 71st edition.Stage two will begin in Rathmore, Co. Kerry and cover 192.7 kilometres before the riders race into Banteer for what promises to be a thrilling and hard-earned finish. Following the start in Kerry, the race will make its way into Cork over one of the most demanding routes of the week.A long and testing day awaits the riders, with six categorised climbs shaping the stage. A Category 3 climb before Kilgarvan opens the action, followed by a run into Kenmare and onward into West Cork. The race will then take in the Tunnel Road and Caha Pass before descending into Glengarriff. A further Category 3 climb follows before the long ascent to Gougane Gap, with two additional Category 3 climbs on the approach to Banteer completing a selective and demanding day in the saddle.Banteer is steeped in Rs tradition, having produced riders who have finished first, second, third and fourth overall in the race Dillon Corkery (winner in 2023), Paudie OBrien (second in 2007), Mick Cahill (third in 1973) and Eddie Dunbar (fourth in 2016). It is a remarkable achievement for a village of its size and highlights its special place in Irish cycling. Adding to that connection, stage two will pass the Corkery, Dunbar and Cahill family homes before finishing outside the OBrien family home, making it a uniquely special route for the local community.Cairde Rs Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Cork County Council along with local councillors and TDs for their support to date in bringing the stage finish to Banteer, including their assistance with funding. Special thanks also to Niall Healy, Director of Services, and Billy OSullivan, Executive Engineer, who are working closely with the local community and councillors to ensure the roads in and around the village are in the best possible condition for the event.Thanks are also extended to the many local clubs and volunteers who are coming forward to assist with stewarding, parking and catering on the day and in particular to Banteer Tidy Towns who are working to ensure the village looks its best for this major occasion.The local organising committee has been working closely with the Rs Tailteann team over the past number of months, with regular meetings to ensure all plans are in place. The group is also very thankful to the local Garda, including Inspector Paul Aherne and Garda Katryn Canty, who are assisting in putting in place the traffic management plan for the day.Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are absolutely delighted to bring the finish of stage two to Banteer. It is a village with a remarkable cycling tradition and a deep connection to the history of the Rs. With six categorised climbs before the finish, the riders will really have to earn their result here, and we know the welcome in Banteer will be something special.Nick Corkery, stage end organiser, said: It is a huge honour for Banteer to host a stage finish of Rs Tailteann. This village has always had a special love for the race, and there is enormous pride locally in the cycling tradition that has come from this area. To have the Rs finish here after Dillons overall victory in 2023 makes it even more meaningful for our family and for the wider community. We are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams and supporters to Banteer and giving them a very warm reception.Denis Withers, stage end organiser, added: There is great excitement building in Banteer ahead of this stage finish. Hosting an event of this scale is a proud moment for the village, and people are already looking forward to seeing the race come through the area. We would encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the day and help create a brilliant atmosphere for what promises to be a memorable finish.With a long and demanding route from Kerry into Cork and six categorised climbs before the finish, stage two is expected to play a major role in shaping the overall race. Banteer now looks forward to welcoming riders, teams, officials and supporters for what promises to be a memorable day in the village.

Reddy A+U City Centre CritKings Island, Limerick Saturday 9th May 2026A fantastic days racing on the streets of Kings Island Limerick. The weather gods were good to us with clear blue skies and a cool, stiff northerly breeze.Racing started with the U6/8/10 race at 2.10pm over one lap of the 950m closed circuit. The U12, U14 and U16 races were very competitive, with Munster Criterium medals up for grabs for those Munster riders.U12 Race 2.20pm, 5 lapsPosRiderClubGapYOBMunster1Jack FarrellBohermeen CC20152Jaxon JenningsBear Cycling9.8s20153Caroline CollinsSliabh Luachra CC38.0s2014U12 Girls Gold4Sophia QuigleyWaterford Racing Club52.3s2014U12 Girls Silver5Emily ONeillWestern Lakes CC52.8s20146Shane McAuliffeOLeary Stone Kanturk57.0s2014U12 Boys Gold7Albert Matei TodorGreenmount CA1:29.52015U11 Boys Gold8Liam CosgraveGreenmount CA2:05.12015U11 Boys Silver9Ryan HigginsOLeary Stone Kanturk1 lap2015U11 Boys Bronze10Jack OBrienGreenmount CA1 lap2015Team Gold Greenmount CA: Todor, Cosgrave & OBrienU14 Race 2.30pm, 11 lapsPosRiderClubGapYOBMunster1Cullen MurphyOLeary Stone Kanturk21:262012U14 Boys Gold2Joel CumminsOLeary Stone Kanturk0.7s2013U13 Boys Gold3Fiachra GardnerWestport Covey Wheelers CC1 lap20124J-Jay OBrienBohermeen CC20125Cara OSullivanSliabh Luachra CC2013U13 Girls Gold6Donnacha HynesTuam Cycling Club20137Emma KellyWaterford Racing Club2013U13 Girls Silver8Brian MulvaneySliabh Luachra CC2013U13 Boys Silver9Cillian CrowleyGreenmount CA2013U13 Boys Bronze10Katelynne OBrienBohermeen CC11Laura CondonOLeary Stone Kanturk2013Team Gold OLeary Stone Kanturk: Murphy, Cummins & CondonU16 Race 3.20pm, 22 lapsPosRiderClubGapYOBMunster1Kieran MulvaneySliabh Luachra CC37:502010U16 Boys Gold2Tom LaneDan Morrissey Pissei CT1.2s2010U16 Boys Silver3Brian CullenDan Morrissey Pissei CT1 lap2010U16 Boys Bronze4Darragh CollinsNewcastle West CC20105Ethan RealSliabh Luachra CC2011U15 Boys Gold6William McNallyDungarvan CC2011U15 Boys Silver7Ryan OSullivanSliabh Luachra CC2011U15 Boys Bronze8James OBrienOrwell Wheelers CC20119Iollan WalshGreenmount CA201110Andrew CoxSliabh Luachra CC201111Jennifer CondonOLeary Stone Kanturk2010U16 Girls Gold12Dillon OSullivanSliabh Luachra CC201113Muireann FentonSliabh Luachra CC2010U16 Girls Silver14Caoilfhionn FoleySliabh Luachra CC2011U15 Girls Gold15Aodhan SheppardGreenmount CA2011Team Gold Sliabh Luachra CC: Mulvaney, Real & OSullivan [See image gallery at www.irishcyclingnews.com] M50 / M60 / Womens Race 4pm, 23 lapsGreenmount almost had a clean sweep. Bruno Coppola took his first win with a fine sprint from a five-man group. Paul Birchall finished ahead of Liam Kennedy in the M60 category, while Amy Kinsella (Panduit Carrick Wheelers) got the better of Veronika Krolova in the Womens category.PosRiderClubTime / Gap1Bruno CoppolaGreenmount CA42:27.42Vincent GleesonGreenmount CA1.9s3Niall McCarronTralee Manor West BC2.0s4John OHalloranWestern Lakes CC2.0s5Derry McNamaraBurren Cycling Club2.9s6Paul BirchallGreenmount CA1:077Kieran MoloneyClub Rothaiochta Na Sionainne1:118Liam KennedyGreenmount CA1:129Daragh MooreLimerick Cycling Club1 lap10Bernard OConnellLimerick Cycling Club11Amy KinsellaPanduit Carrick Wheelers12Veronika KrolovaGreenmount CA13Siobhan ArdenerNewcastle West CC14Richard CliffordGreenmount CA15Ian GilvarryGreenmount CAM40 Race 6.30pm, 28 lapsAn exciting race dominated by three riders. Keith Walsh (Greenmount CA) was joined first by Barry Meade and then Daniel Lynch (both OLeary Stone Kanturk), and the trio built a lead over the entire field. Tralee Manor West duo Shane Fleming and Vinny OLeary made a great effort to chase but could not match the pace of the front three. Lynch, who was looking very strong, shipped a chain with a lap to go, leaving two to fight it out for victory. Walsh repeated his win of last year, narrowly beating Meade in the sprint.PosRiderClubTime / Gap1Keith WalshGreenmount CA43:11.12Barry MeadeOLeary Stone Kanturk0.1s3Daniel LynchOLeary Stone Kanturk12.0s4Vinny OLearyTralee Manor West BC1 lap5Shane FlemingTralee Manor West BC6Alan BrigdaleBurren Cycling Club7Joseph DonworthGreenmount CA8Sean ConroyGreenmount CA9Risteard ODomhnaillGaeltacht.cc10Keith HynesTuam Cycling ClubElite Mens Race 7.30pm, 42 lapsThe main event, run over 55 minutes plus 5 laps. Paul Kennedy (Burren CC) led the race from start to finish, building a lead in the first few laps with young teammate Philip OConnor bridging across to join him. The pair worked well together. Junior rider John OMahony (Newcastle West CC) and Arnaud Dumoulin (OLeary Stone Kanturk) both worked hard to close the gap at the front of a five-man chase group.After 20 minutes, Kennedy left OConnor and set off to lap the field. OMahony later broke clear of the chase group and bridged up to OConnor; the two worked well together and also lapped the field. Kennedy, consistently riding laps of 1:26, won with a lap to spare, with OConnor taking the sprint for 2nd. Behind, Liam Kilkenny (Galway Bay CC) came through to win the battle for 4th from Dumoulin, Ben OKeeffe (Newcastle West CC) and Daniel Bresnan (Greenmount CA).PosRiderClubTime / Gap1Paul KennedyBurren Cycling Club1:02:54.52Philip OConnorBurren Cycling Club1:113John OMahonyNewcastle West CC1:124Liam KilkennyGalway Bay CC2 laps5Arnaud DumoulinOLeary Stone Kanturk6Ben OKeeffeNewcastle West CC7Daniel BresnanGreenmount CA8Shane DonohueAthy Wheelers CC9James CrowleyBandon Cycling Club10Dean OBrienBlarney Cycling Club11Dillon LynchKildorrery Cycling ClubWith thanksA massive thanks to everyone who made this race possible. John Moran our Mayor and his staff. Our sponsors Reddy A+O and Hugh Kelly as well as Robbie from JJ Kenneally Jewellers for sponsoring the prizes and Festina watches, Cycling Muster for providing the support and Munster Medals. Thanks to our commissaries Roddy, Brian and Jim, Ed English as chief marshal and David Mullin from Cycling Ireland on results, chip timing and photo finish. Niall and the Red Cross for keeping everyone safe. Tony and Fiona in Katie Dalys HQ for the delicious BBQ burgers, Tony Guerin as our Moto Marshal, Sgt Mick Gallagher, Sgt Mick Byrne, Will OMahony the local Garda on bikes, Lara, William, Pat and everyone in Limerick CCC who assisted with the organising of the race, Calvin and Jonathan from Treaty Traffic, John in SRL Traffic Systems, Ger Riordan in Bus Eireann and Gus Quin, a local who swept up glass and all the locals in the Kings Island area who made us feel welcome. Thanks to all the Greenmount crew who ran the HQ, marshalled, setup and took down the course and all around the circuit Sharon, Miriam, Jill, Nuadha, Eoin, Paul, Veronika, Sean, Bruno, Ian, Risn, Brian, Ger, Liam, Michael, Hugh, Darach, James, Louis, Colm (x2), Elaine, Sheila, Keith, Peter and Richie.

Picture: Natural Greatness Rali Al in action during the 2026 season.Cairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to announce Natural Greatness Rali Al as one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event as the Spanish outfit returns to Irish roads with strong ambitions.Based in Alcoy, Alicante, the team has a proven track record at Rs Tailteann from previous editions under its former BrocarAl structure. They made a significant impact in 2022, where Louis Sutton took a stage victory and wore the yellow jersey before going on to finish second overall, underlining the teams ability to compete at the highest level in the race.The team has built a strong reputation for developing riders and providing opportunities for Irish and British talent to progress to UCI level, while also attracting emerging riders from across Europe and beyond. They are currently ranked second among U23 teams in Spain, highlighting the strength and consistency of their programme. Natural Greatness Rali Al arrives into the 2026 season in excellent form, having recently secured a major victory at one of Spains most prestigious Copa Espaa races, underlining the depth within their squad.For this years Rs Tailteann, the team will target both stage wins and a strong general classification result while also using the race as a platform to connect with riders from outside Spain. The team is keen to hear from riders interested in progressing their careers at an international level. You can follow this teams journey on all social media and for any information for foreign riders just contact Raceinspain on instagram.Speaking ahead of the race, the team said: We are delighted to return to Rs Tailteann in 2026. It is a race that suits our ambitions and provides a great platform to showcase the team at a high level in Europe. We are focused on delivering strong performances across the week, with the aim of fighting for stage wins and being competitive on general classification. We are also always looking to connect with talented riders internationally, and Rs Tailteann provides a great opportunity to do that.Race Director Ger Campbell added: Natural Greatness Rali Al is a team with a strong history in Rs Tailteann and they have already shown what they are capable of in previous editions. A stage win and second overall is a serious performance and they will arrive again this year with clear ambition. They are another team that will be right in the mix throughout the week.

Picture: Members of Mitchelstown GAA are pictured ahead of welcoming Rs Tailteann to the town for the stage three start of the 2026 race.Cairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Mitchelstown, Co. Cork will host the stage three start of the 2026 Rs Tailteann on Friday, May 22nd, as Irelands most historic and prestigious stage race continues its journey across the country.Following two demanding opening stages, riders will gather at Mitchelstown GAA Club before making their way through the towns Georgian Quarter to New Square for the ceremonial start. From there, the race will head out on the road to Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford for a fast and technical stage covering 155.6 kilometres.The route will take the riders through Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford, with mostly flat roads but a twisting and technical profile that could still play a major role in the overall race. Two Category 3 climbs feature along the way, while an uphill finish into Enniscorthy is expected to provide a dramatic conclusion to the stage.Cairde Rs Tailteann would like to thank the local community in Mitchelstown along with Cork County Council and all local partners for their support in hosting the stage start. Significant preparations are underway across the town, with Mitchelstown Tidy Towns, the Community Council, Business Association and local schools all playing a key role in welcoming the race.A range of activities are planned in the lead-up to the event, beginning with Bike Week on May 11th, while Cycling Ireland will provide skills sessions for local primary school children on the morning of the race. Additional community initiatives include cycling promotion through local businesses, art competitions and community engagement projects centred around the event.Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are delighted that Mitchelstown will host the stage three start of the 2026 Rs Tailteann. After two tough opening stages, this is the kind of day that can still catch riders out, with fast roads, technical sections and a difficult uphill finish waiting in Enniscorthy. Mitchelstown is a great location to send the race on its way, and we are looking forward to seeing the community come out and support the riders.Ciara OBrien, stage start organiser, added: It is a great honour for Mitchelstown to host a stage start of Rs Tailteann. There is huge excitement locally with so many groups and organisations coming together to prepare for the event. We are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams and supporters and giving them a memorable send-off from the town.Anne Finn, Chairperson of Mitchelstown GAA, said: The committee and players of Mitchelstown GAA are delighted to welcome the teams participating in stage three of the Rs Tailteann. Our location overlooking the Galtee Mountains will give riders a great introduction to this stage as they travel towards the Galtee Vee Valley.With a fast and technical stage ahead and a strong community effort behind the start, Mitchelstown is set to provide a warm welcome and a fitting send-off as stage three of the 2026 Rs Tailteann gets underway.

: LaPresse [See image gallery at www.irishcyclingnews.com]

Launching the 71st Rs Tailteann which starts at County Hall in Portlaoise on the 20 May 2026.The 161.6 Km route is Portlaoise Abbeyleix Ballacolla Rathdowney Errill Clonmore Templemore Borrisoleigh Dolla Doon Pallasgreen Herbertstown Hospital Bruff Kilmallock. From left: Martin Keane, Laois Cycling Club; Michael Rainey, Laois County Council, Chief Executive; Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Ger Campbell, Rs Tailteann Race Director; Seamus Kavanagh, Ossory Cycling Club; Dominic Reddin, Laois Tourism Officer; Elaine Moore, Laois Tourism Administrator and Angela McEvoy, Director of Services, Laois County Council.Photo: Alf Harvey.Portlaoise to host Rs Tailteann 2026 Grand DpartThe race will gather at Laois County Council Offices for the ceremonial start before the riders set out on the road to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick for an exciting opening day of racing. Portlaoise will provide the backdrop for the first gathering of riders, teams, officials and supporters as the 2026 event gets underway, giving locals the opportunity to be part of a special occasion in the Irish sporting calendar.Cairde Rs Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Laois County Council and in particular, Tourism Administrator Elaine Moore, for their support in hosting the stage start. Their backing plays a key role in bringing the race to the county and ensuring a successful opening to the 2026 event.Following a stage finish in Mountrath in 2025, the race returns to County Laois in a new role for 2026, hosting the opening stage start and once again placing the county at the centre of the event.The 161.6 kilometre route will see the race travel through Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Rathdowney, Errill, Clonmore, Templemore and Borrisoleigh before reaching the first climbs of Rs Tailteann 2026 in the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is expected to shape the stage while a fast final section could see the race come back together or provide the opportunity for a decisive move.Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are delighted that Portlaoise will host the stage one start of the 2026 Rs Tailteann. There is always a special atmosphere around the opening day of the race, and Portlaoise is a fitting place to get this years event underway. I would also like to thank Laois County Council for their support and cooperation in helping to bring the race to Portlaoise. While the first half of the stage may look straightforward, the climbs later in the day and the fast run-in to Kilmallock should make for a very competitive opening stage.Elaine Moore, Tourism Administrator with Laois County Council said: We are very pleased to welcome Rs Tailteann to Portlaoise. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town and county and to be part of an event with such a proud tradition in Irish sport. We look forward to welcoming riders, teams, officials and supporters to Laois for what promises to be a memorable occasion.Samus Kavanagh, Stage Start Organiser added: It is a real privilege for Portlaoise to host the opening day of the 2026 Rs Tailteann. There is always something unique about the first day of the race, and we are looking forward to seeing the town come alive as the riders set out on the road to Kilmallock. We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the atmosphere and give the race a great send-off.With an exciting opening stage in store and the first climbs of the race set to test the field before the finish in Kilmallock, stage one promises to provide an early indication of who is ready to make their mark on the 2026 Rs Tailteann.

Picture: Alex Pritchard of the UK Richardsons Trek DAS team wins Stage 1 of the 2024 Rs Tailteann into Kilmallock (Photographer: Lorraine OSullivan).Rs Tailteann returns to Kilmallock for stage one finish!Having started in Portlaoise earlier in the day, the race will travel south through Laois and Tipperary before reaching County Limerick, where the first stage winner of the 2026 Rs Tailteann will be crowned in Kilmallock.Cairde Rs Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Limerick County Council and the local community in Kilmallock for their support in hosting the stage finish. Their backing and enthusiasm play a key role in bringing the race to the town and ensuring a memorable occasion for riders and spectators alike.The first half of the stage will take place on mostly flat roads but the action is expected to build as the race tackles its first climbs of Rs Tailteann 2026 in the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is sure to shake things up, while a fast final 20 kilometres could allow the race to come back together or provide the opportunity for a decisive late move.Kilmallock also hosted the stage one finish in 2024 and produced a fantastic turnout of spectators, creating a brilliant atmosphere in the town. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out once again, line the streets and help give the riders a memorable welcome as they arrive to conclude the opening day of this years event.Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are delighted to bring the stage one finish back to Kilmallock for the 2026 Rs Tailteann. It proved a fantastic host town in 2024, with tremendous support from the local community, and we are looking forward to seeing that atmosphere again. I would also like to thank Limerick County Council and Southside Wheely Wheelers for their continued support in helping to bring the race back to Kilmallock. The closing part of the stage should make for an exciting finish, with the climb at Old Pallas and the fast final 20 kilometres giving riders the chance to make a decisive move.Paul Gammell, stage end organiser said: It is a great honour for Kilmallock to host the stage one finish once again. The town really embraced the race when it came here in 2024, and there is great excitement locally at the prospect of welcoming the riders, teams, officials and supporters back again. We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create another special Rs atmosphere in Kilmallock.

Samus Domegan (Cairde Rs Tailteann) joins Cathal Kealey (Head of Marketing & PR at Kia Ireland) and Liam Crowley (2026 Rs Tailteann competitor) at the launch of Kias sponsorship of Rs Tailteann 2026. Photographer: Lorraine OSullivan.Kia Ireland announced as Rs Tailteann yellow jersey sponsors!The yellow jersey is awarded to the overall race leader at the end of each stage and remains the most recognisable symbol of success in the race. Having previously supported the event through sponsorship of race numbers, Kias move to title sponsor of the yellow jersey marks a significant expansion of their involvement.In addition to their jersey sponsorship, Kia will provide a fleet of seven vehicles to support the organisation and delivery of the race across the five days, playing a key role in the logistical running of the event.Thanking Kia Ireland for their continued support, Race Director Ger Campbell said: We are extremely grateful to Kia Ireland for their continued and increased support of Rs Tailteann. Stepping up to sponsor the yellow jersey is a major commitment and highlights the strength of the partnership. Their support, both through the jersey and the provision of vehicles, is hugely important in delivering the race each year.Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing & PR at Kia Ireland added: Kia are delighted to return as sponsors of the Rs Tailteann this year. Aside from our sponsorship of the yellow jersey, the Rs will cross 11 counties over five days and provide positive exposure for our brand. We wish all participants, teams and volunteers the very best of luck and encourage as many spectators as possible to come out and support the race in your area.Picture: Samus Domegan (Cairde Rs Tailteann) joins Cathal Kealey (Head of Marketing & PR at Kia Ireland) and Liam Crowley (2026 Rs Tailteann competitor) at the launch of Kias sponsorship of Rs Tailteann 2026. Photographer: Lorraine OSullivan.

Cyclesport Specialized at a training camp earlier in the season. Photographer: Greg Beleria.Cyclesport Specialized (USA) announced for Rs Tailteann 2026!Based in Santa Cruz, California, Cyclesport Specialized arrives at Rs Tailteann backed by one of the most recognised names in cycling, bringing a distinct West Coast identity to one of Europes most historic stage races. The teams participation marks its first international race and represents a significant step in its development.The four-rider squad combines young Californian talent with international experience. Leading the lineup is 19-year-old Ivan Linser, who has enjoyed a strong run of results across the California racing scene this season. He is joined by Blake Macheras and Jackson Duncan, along with French rider Pierre-Amaury Laforcade, adding a European dimension to the team.Speaking ahead of the race, Team DS Dillon Hollinger said: Racing in Ireland is a huge step for the team and a chance to test ourselves against the best on a different continent. Were proud to fly the California flag at the Rs.Race Director Ger Campbell added: Its great to welcome Cyclesport Specialized to Rs Tailteann for the first time. A team making its international debut always brings an extra level of excitement, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the demands of racing in Ireland. They are a young team with clear ambition and this will be a valuable experience for them.