Rás Tailteann 2025 - Stage 5

Stage 5 was the home leg.

143km from Kildare town to Bective Stud, the sponsor of the race leader’s jersey. An aggressive day was predicted, with it being the last chance for many to leave their mark on the 70th edition of the great Rás Tailteann. The predictions were right and a large breakaway group had formed early on the stage and opened a significant advantage, threatening many of the classification jerseys. Patrick was part of this and emptied himself for 75 mins. Luke, Sean and Evan were working well together as the race was strung out. Ronan was just off the lads as rain and wind pounded the lads. After the lashing conditions settled, the race entered the circuit phase of the race. With the breakaway pulled back, it was anyone’s to win. Evan smelling blood in advance attacked to bridge across to the break away. Luke and Sean were only 20 secs off this as the racers entered the final lap. Josh Carlton of Team GB put in a huge effort to TT his way to stage victory. In the bunch sprint Evan got 20th on the stage and Pinergy Orwell’s second top 20 finish. Luke, Sean and Patrick were just 30 secs off the peloton. Evan took 5th in the county rider classification on the stage, rounding off a savage day in the saddle. The club finished 4th on the stage showing positive signs for the future. Overall Patrick finished 7th in the Irish county rider classification, 8th in u23 and 33rd on GC. Ronan O Flynn in his 3rd RAS had a powerful week taking 8th in c2 overall. In his first Rás, Evan had a strong week showcasing his talents in sprint finishes and breakaways, top class performance with savage form going into the Stephen Roche GP. Sean O Kane, the youngest of the group, was active all week and will take many lessons away from his experience which he can iron out in Belgium over the coming summer months. Luke while in his first year of racing got around well in the peloton and was strong over the 5 stages. He will definitely be looking to build on the tough lesson at the top of Irish cycling.

Special thanks to all for the support over the week