Sport Ireland Young Rider Jersey to be Fought Out by Top International Riders
Rás na mBan international cycle race has again teamed up with Sport Ireland, the authority responsible for the development of sport in Ireland, in 2023 to help foster the development of cycle racing for women and girls.
Recognising the role which Rás na mBan has played since it took over as Ireland’s leading international stage race for women in 2006, Sport Ireland lends its backing this year to the Young Rider classification of the event which runs from September 6th to 10th next from a base in Kilkenny and through counties Waterford and Laois.
Rás na mBan features full-time professional world championship and Olympic racers competing against top amateurs for five days of top class international racing action in what is established as the highlight of the Irish road racing season.
Riders in Rás na mBan 2023 will be competing for the distinctive white and magenta Sport Ireland Young Riders jersey awarded to the best placed rider on general classification under 23 years of age after each stage.
Offering a first international outlet for many Irish racers, Rás na mBan has served as the focus and inspiration for 17 years having taken on the baton of supplying an international race for Irish riders in 2006.
The Sport Ireland Young Riders jersey serves as symbol for the next generation of Rás rider and as an inspiration for all Irish bike riders regardless of their chosen discipline.
Speaking at the announcement of the organisation’s support for Rás na mBan, Sport Ireland CEO Una May said,
“Sport Ireland is proud to once again support Rás na mBan in 2023. We are pleased to be supporting the Young Rider Classification which will highlight the fantastic young talent in the event.
“Rás na mBan is an important event that’s been going on since 2006. It’s a chance for cyclists from Ireland and around the world to come together and compete at the highest level. We look forward to an action-packed five days this September and congratulate the organisers on putting together what promises to be an exciting race.”
Rás na mBan Race Director Valerie Considine welcomed the Sport Ireland support as the volunteer crew continued their detail preparations for one of Ireland’s most challenging and inspiring annual sporting contests,
“The support from Sport Ireland in the past three years has been invaluable in shaping the direction of our event which exists to provide an international outlet for Irish bike racers.
“The Sport Ireland Young Riders Classification is a focus to help encourage participation and nurture future generations of bike riders and, perhaps, future Rás na mBan racers, too.
“We’re see this event as a key component in making connections between our event and cycling within the wider community and it has been hugely encouraging to witness the spirit of cooperation from local and national agencies in the organisation of this event.”
See here for details of Rás na mBan