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.