Rás Tailteann 2025 - Stage 3

Rás Tailteann 2025 – Stage 3 Report

Cong to Miltown Malbay | 164km |

Chaos in the West 🌧️

Stage 3 delivered another brutal test in this year’s Rás Tailteann, taking the riders on a 164km journey from Cong to Miltown Malbay. Featuring three categorised climbs in the final 40km and some of the most challenging weather conditions seen all week, it was a day that demanded grit, resilience, and sharp instincts.

As the riders rolled out under pouring rain and into flooded roads, the racing was aggressive from the gun. After 20km, a breakaway had formed, but Evan Keane wasn’t content to let it go so easily.

Teaming up with George Peden, Evan launched a long-range attack. The duo carved out a 30-second gap on the peloton and closed to within 40 seconds of the lead group, but ultimately were unable to bridge across. Still, it was an impressive and determined move.

The conditions deteriorated further, making visibility and control increasingly difficult. Around the 85km mark, Ronan O’Flynn was caught up in a crash on a sharp turn. Thankfully, he escaped uninjured and was able to remount, though it disrupted his rhythm and cost precious energy.

Disaster struck again at the 115km mark as the race approached the base of Corkscrew Hill. Luke Keaney suffered a front tyre blowout after running over a nail. A fast bike swap by mechanic Donal Loughrey got him moving again, but while navigating back through the convoy, Luke was forced up onto a ditch by another team car. Miraculously, he managed to stay upright, but the incident caused another puncture—his fourth stop in five minutes.

Despite his efforts, there was no rejoining the bunch. Luke regrouped with three Ulster riders and the quartet battled extreme crosswinds through the Burren to reach the finish together, showing incredible resilience.

Meanwhile, Sean O’Kane, battling fatigue throughout the day, rolled in with the grupetto, determined to conserve energy and reset for Stage 4.

At the front, Patrick O’Loughlin rode a measured and intelligent race. Well positioned all day, he waited for his moment and delivered a powerful sprint to take 18th on the stage—Orwell’s first top-20 finish of the Rás and another step forward for the young rider. He also placed 6th in the Irish County Rider standings on the day.

Evan Keane, despite his earlier attack and the chaos of the final corner crash, was again in the mix and finished strongly in the main bunch. His consistency continues to impress.

🏁Team Standings and Classifications

The combined efforts of Patrick and Evan earned Pinnery Orwell Wheelers a fantastic 3rd place in the Irish County Team standings for the stage. There was further movement across classifications:

Patrick O’Loughlin now sits 5th in the Irish County Rider overall standings

Evan Keane made gains on General Classification with another strong performance

Luke Keaney holds 6th in the C2 classification

Ronan O’Flynn remains in the hunt, now 8th in C2, despite the crash

Looking Ahead 🔮

After a chaotic and physically demanding day, the riders regrouped and debriefed with Neal Hudson, the team’s Director of Sport, whose analysis and calm leadership continued to set the tone for recovery and readiness. With two stages remaining, the riders are motivated to build on this momentum, chase more results, and show their true colours across the country.

📸Sean Rowe