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Stage 5

Stage 4 Ennis - Mountrath

STAGE 1 | STAGE 2 | STAGE 3 | STAGE 4 | STAGE 5

2025 Stage 4

2025 Stage 4

STAGE 1 | STAGE 2 | STAGE 3 | STAGE 5

Stage 4 of Rás Tailteann took the riders from Ennis to Mountrath over a distance of 128.1kms.

Mol an óige.
Mol an óige... Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

The stage was won by George Kimber of CC Isle of Man with Jamie Meehan (Team Ireland) in second. Dean Harvey (Team Ireland) rounded out the podium.

Taking care of the bumps & bruises before Stage 4.
Taking care of the bumps & bruises before Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

With the Stage win, George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) also takes over at the top of the general classification.

The break heading up The Wolftrap with the chasers in pursuit in the distance.
The break heading up The Wolftrap with the chasers in pursuit in the distance. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Sebastian Brenes (Canel's Java) takes over the green points jersey. Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) remains in the KOH jersey

How Stage 4 unfolded...

Stage 4 of Rás Tailteann 2025 brought fireworks and ferocious racing across 128.1km from Ennis to Mountrath, with attacks from the very start and relentless pace all the way to the final climb.

In the end, it was George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man) who conquered the decisive Wolftrap ascent and soloed to victory - taking both the stage and the overall lead in this 70th edition of the race.

Peleton in good spirits early on.
Peleton in good spirits early on. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

The flag dropped under blue skies and high speeds, with 24km covered in just 28 minutes — an average of 51.4km/h. The bunch stayed together through Bodyke and Whitegate, with riders like Clay Davies (21) repeatedly testing the waters.

The Cyling Ulster team ready to defend the Yellow Jersey on Stage 4.
The Cyling Ulster team ready to defend the Yellow Jersey on Stage 4. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

After numerous failed attack attempts from many riders, a break of six finally stuck near the 90km mark: Dom Jackson (1) – Foran CT, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Kim Satchel (60) – Good Guys Racing NYC, Cian Keogh (64) – Team Skyline, Gareth O’Neill (95) – Cycling Ulster and Evan Keane (117) – Pinergy–Orwell Wheelers.

"The race hit the Category 1 Wolftrap with 3km of climbing ahead — and that’s where the fireworks truly began.

Team Portwest in Cong ahead of Stage 4.
Team Portwest in Cong ahead of Stage 4. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

With support from Banbridge CC Specsavers and Team Ireland behind, the peloton kept them within striking distance. The group entered Riverstown, and the lead hovered around 30–34 seconds, with Team Ireland driving the chase.

After 2 hours of racing, the average speed remained a searing 50.4 km/h.

Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) losing touch as the 3 leaders push on.
Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) losing touch as the 3 leaders push on. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan
The Wolftrap Decider

The race hit the Category 1 Wolftrap with 3km of climbing ahead — and that’s where the fireworks truly began. From the yellow jersey group, George Kimber, Dean Harvey, Jamie Meehan, and Adam Lewis surged clear.

Two-time Rás Tailteann KOH winner Dean Harvey putting in a shift at the front.
Two-time Rás Tailteann KOH winner Dean Harvey putting in a shift at the front. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

At the summit, the KOH points were taken by: Dean Harvey (66) – Team Ireland, Jamie Meehan (67) – Team Ireland, George Kimber (41) – Cycling Club Isle of Man, Adam Lewis (61) – Team Skyline, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Maxime Richard (57) – Good Guys Racing NYC and Danylo Riwnyj (5) – Foran CT.

On the descent, Kimber, Meehan, and Harvey formed a lead trio. With the bunch splintering behind, Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) attacked in defence of yellow but was unable to bridge across.

Kimber rode away solo in the closing kilometres to take a brilliant win in Mountrath, with Meehan and Harvey completing the podium.

"They were going deep into the red at the bottom of the climb."

George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes Stage 4 into Mounthrath.
George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes Stage 4 into Mounthrath. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes over the Bective Stud Yellow Jersey classification.

George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes over the Bective Stud General Classification Yellow Jersey after Stage 4.
George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes over the Bective Stud General Classification Yellow Jersey after Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) holds onto the Sport Ireland County Jersey.

Odhran Doogan in the Sport Ireland County Rider Jersey after Stage 4.
Odhran Doogan in the Sport Ireland County Rider Jersey after Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Jamie Meehan (Team Ireland) is in the Spin 11 U23 Jersey.

Jamie Meehan in the Spin 11 Under 23 White Jersey after Stage 4.
Jamie Mehan in the Spin 11 Under 23 White Jersey after Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Sebástian Brenes (Canel's Java) takes over the City Break Apartments Green Points Jersey.

Sebastian Brenes (Canel's Java) in the Citybreak Apartments Points Classification Green Jersey competition after Stage 4.
Sebástian Brenes (Canel's Java) in the Citybreak Apartments Points Classification Green Jersey competition after Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) retains The Irish Independent KOH Jersey after stage four.

Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) in The Irish Independent Mountains Competition Jersey after Stage 4.
Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) in The Irish Independent Mountains Competition Jersey after Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

It was becoming clear that it was going to be very tight on the finish line.

George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) in the FBD Stage Winner Jersey.

George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) in the FBD Insurance Stage 4 winner's jersey.
George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) in the FBD Insurance stage 4 winner's jersey. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Matthew Teggart (Specsavers Banbridge CC) wins the Festina Daily County Rider Award.

Matthew Teggart (Specsavers Banbridge CC) wins the Festina Daily County Rider Award for Stage 4.
Matthew Teggart (Specsavers Banbridge CC) wins the Festina Daily County Rider Award for Stage 4. Photo © Lorraine O'Sullivan

Most Aggressive Rider on Stage 4 was Tom Martin (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli), awarded the €250 prize sponsored by Mick Twomey, the Rás’s longest-serving official.

Full Stage 1 Results and Classifications.

Full Stage 2 Results and Classifications.

Full Stage 3 Results and Classifications.

Full Stage 4 Results and Classifications.

Full Stage 5 Results and Classifications.

2025 Stage 4

2025 Stage 4

Ennis – Clooney – Bodyke – Tuamgraney – Scarriff – Mountshannon – Whitegate – Portumna – Riverstown – Kinnity - Mountrath

2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 Route
2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 Route. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

Stage four will depart Ennis, County Clare at 11.45am and features a challenging route including five categorised climbs on route to a first ever Stage finish in Mountrath, County Laois.

2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 route
2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 route. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

The riders will make their way along the west side of The Shannon River and Lough Derg facing 2 x category three climbs. Once the race crosses The Shannon River in Portumna, it is heading for Birr which has produced several R´s Tailteann highlights in recent years.

2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 route elevation profile.
2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 route elevation profile. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

This climb could create a real last-ditch opportunity for the general classifications riders

The final section of the stage is sure to create some fireworks when the category one Wolftrap Climb in the Sliabh Blooms Mountains is crested by the riders with just 14kms remaining to the finish in Mountrath at approximately 2.30pm.

2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 final 3kms profile.
2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 final 3kms profile. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

This climb could create a real last-ditch opportunity for the general classifications riders to jostle in the race for the coveted yellow jersey.

2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 final 3kms elevation.
2025 Rás Tailtean Stage 4 final 3kms elevation. Photo © Dominic Fitzgerald

Ger Campbell, Race Director, said:

"The 70th edition of Rás Tailteann is shaping up to be a truly special occasion, and bringing a stage finish to Mountrath for the first time makes it even more memorable.

The climb over the Wolftrap will test the best, and it’s going to be a fantastic spectacle in the final kilometres.

I want to say a massive thanks to Elaine Moore and all at Laois County Council for their support."

Laois County Council Logo.
Laois County Council Logo Photo © Laois County Council

Seamus Kavanagh, Stage End Organiser, said

"It’s been a privilege to help bring this stage to Mountrath. I want to sincerely thank Fr Joe Brophy and St Fintan’s Church as well as Bloom HQ for use of their car parks, and Councillor James Kelly for all his generous support.

Huge thanks also go to the members and friends of Ossory Cycling Club for helping steward the race safely, and to the Ossory CC Committee for sponsoring the flowers for the presentation.

The whole town has come together to make this happen."

Michael Rainey (CEO, Laois County Council), Angela McEvoy (Director of Services, Laois County Council), 
					Seamus Kavanagh (Stage End Organiser), Keith Muldowney (Chair, Ossory Cycling Club), Padraig Fleming (Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council) 
					and Elaine Moore (Tourism Officer, Laois County Council.
Michael Rainey (CEO, Laois County Council), Angela McEvoy (Director of Services, Laois County Council), Seamus Kavanagh (Stage End Organiser), Keith Muldowney (Chair, Ossory Cycling Club), Padraig Fleming (Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council) and Elaine Moore (Tourism Officer, Laois County Council. Photo © Dom Reddin

Elaine Moore, Tourism Officer with Laois County Council, said:

"Hosting a stage finish of á Tailteann here in Laois is a great opportunity to celebrate both sport and community.

Mountrath and its people have really embraced this event, and we’re delighted to be part of this historic 70th edition."

STAGE FOUR DEDICATION

Stage Four is dedicated to Mick Twomey – A Rás Legend.

Stage Four of Rás Tailteann 2025 is dedicated to Mick Twomey, our longest-serving Rás official.

Mick’s first involvement with the race began as a competitor before he turned his energy toward supporting the event as a volunteer.

Since 1961, Mick served continuously in various official roles, becoming one of the most respected and enduring figures in Irish cycling.

Rás Official and Chief Judge Mick Twomey at An Post Rás 2012.
Mick Twomey as Rás Official and Chief Judge at An Post Rás 2012.

Whether as a commissaire, race marshal or team coordinator, Mick was known for his calm authority, encyclopaedic knowledge of the Rás, above all, his unwavering commitment to the sport.

He was a fixture of the event for over six decades, and his influence will be felt for many more.

Ger Campbell, Race Director, added:

"Mick Twomey has given more than 60 years to the Rás. He is part of the race’s very fabric, and everyone from riders to organisers benefit from his wisdom and dedication.

It’s entirely fitting that we honour his legacy in the 70th edition with this stage."

STAGE 1 | STAGE 2 | STAGE 3 | STAGE 4 | STAGE 5

Stage 4 Timetable

Km Mile Location 36km 42km 48km
0.0 0.0 Ceremonial START Clare County Council Offices 11:53 11:53 11:53
0.0 0.0 0km START Sign 12:00 12:00 12:00
2.3 1.4 Cross of Spancil Hill 12:03 12:03 12:02
4.5 2.8 Clooney 12:07 12:06 12:05
24.2 15.0 Bodyke 12:40 12:34 12:30
28.4 17.6 Tuamgraney 12:47 12:40 12:35
29.2 18.1 Scarriff 12:48 12:41 12:36
35.8 22.2 START 'Lough Derg' KOH (CAT 3) 12:59 12:51 12:44
36.9 22.9 FINISH 'Lough Derg' KOH (CAT 3) 13:01 12:52 12:46
37.1 23.1 Mountshannon 13:01 12:53 12:46
41.9 26.0 Whitegate 13:09 12:59 12:52
62.2 38.6 START Portumna KOH (CAT 3) 13:43 13:28 13:17
63.6 39.5 FINISH Portumna KOH (CAT 3) 13:46 13:30 13:19
66.5 41.4 Portumna 13:51 13:35 13:23
69.8 43.4 Welcome to County Tipperary 13:56 13:39 13:27
80.8 50.2 FEED ZONE 14:14 13:55 13:41
89.6 55.7 Riverstown 14:29 14:08 13:52
90.5 56.2 Birr 14:30 14:09 13:53
104.4 64.9 Kinnity 14:54 14:29 14:10
105.3 65.4 START Wolftrap KOH (CAT 1) 14:55 14:30 14:11
114.1 70.9 FINISH Wolftrap KOH (CAT 1) 15:10 14:43 14:22
126.8 78.8 Mountrath 15:31 15:01 14:38
128.1 79.6 FINISH Mountrath 15:33 15:03 14:40

Stage 4 - Neutral Section


Stage 4 - Ennis (km0) to Mountrath