Baltinglass Awaits Rás Stage Finish

For Wicklow cycling fans, the return of the Rás to the mountains is being seen as one of the standout sporting occasions of 2026 and a rare opportunity to see Ireland’s biggest stage race tackle some of the county’s most iconic roads once again.

The 2026 Rás Tailteann will return to the Wicklow Mountains, with organisers confirming stage four will finish in Baltinglass on Saturday, May 23rd.

It marks the first time in eight years that the iconic race will return to the Wicklow climbs, with some of the county’s most punishing roads expected to play a decisive role in shaping the overall standings of Ireland’s premier cycling event.

The 141.6 kilometre stage will begin in Carlow before riders head into Wicklow for what is expected to be one of the defining days of the entire race. Organisers say the route has been specifically designed to test the peloton ahead of the final day in Dunboyne.

Wicklow’s legendary climbs back at the centre of the race

The return of the Rás to Wicklow has already generated huge excitement among cycling supporters across the county, particularly with two of the county’s best-known climbs — Glenmalure and Wicklow Gap — included in the route.

Those climbs have long been associated with some of the most dramatic moments in Irish cycling and are expected to split the field before the riders descend towards Baltinglass.

The ascent through Glenmalure in particular is regarded as one of the toughest tests in Irish road racing, while the Wicklow Gap has historically proven decisive in separating general classification contenders from the rest of the field.

With approximately 50 kilometres still remaining after the summit at Glenmalure, organisers believe the stage could produce aggressive attacks and major changes in the overall rankings before the race reaches its final day.

Major boost for Baltinglass and West Wicklow

The finish in Baltinglass is expected to bring large crowds into West Wicklow, with riders due to arrive between approximately 2pm and 3pm depending on race conditions and speed.

Local businesses, community groups and cycling supporters are expected to line the streets as the town hosts one of the most significant stages of the week-long event.

Organisers paid tribute to the support received locally in bringing the race to Baltinglass, including backing from Wicklow County Council, councillors, TD Edward Timmins and local organisers.

Thanks were also extended to An Garda Síochána, volunteers and community groups assisting with stewarding and traffic management for the event.

Race Director Ger Campbell said Baltinglass was an ideal setting for one of the race’s key stages.

He said the Wicklow climbs would provide “a serious test” for riders and predicted a strong atmosphere in the town as the race reaches a crucial point in the overall battle for the yellow jersey.

Stage end organiser Tommy Doyle described it as “a huge honour” for Baltinglass to host such an important finish, adding that there is already major excitement locally ahead of the race returning to Wicklow roads.

Wicklow’s cycling tradition

The return of the Rás also shines another spotlight on Wicklow’s deep connection with Irish cycling.

The county’s mountainous terrain has long made it a natural proving ground for riders, with routes through Glenmalure, the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap frequently used by elite domestic and international cyclists.

The region is also strongly linked to Irish cycling legend Shay Elliott, with the prestigious Shay Elliott Memorial race traditionally attracting many of the country’s strongest riders to Wicklow every year.

The photograph released alongside the stage announcement captures 2025 Shay Elliott winner Ronan O'Connor climbing atop Glenmalure — a location that riders in next year’s Rás will tackle with the race potentially hanging in the balance.