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.