Rás Tailteann boost for village

BLACKROCK has gained a major attraction that will put it into the world spotlight with the finale of this year’s Ras Tailteann cycling race to take place in the village.

The renowned event will be staged over five days in June with the final stage ending with the cyclists crossing the finishing line in the centre of the village on Sunday, June 15

It is a major coup for the local Tourism and Development Group who have worked very hard over the past few years to develop and promote the village, central to which is the hosting of a programme of events throughout the year, starting with the now annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Fingers crossed the parade will survive the quickly spreading Covid virus.

The field for the race will comprise eight international teams, 30 national teams, over 170 professional cyclists and will be accompanied by a cavalcade of 44 vehicles consisting of Gardai, support crew, media and marshals.

The Tourism and Development Group say they are delighted to welcome the 67th Rás Tailteann.

The 5th and final leg of the race on day 5 will commence in Kinnegad and will race 135 kilometres to Blackrock.

The race will comprise 170 cyclists and a support team of over 40 vehicles who will complete 4 laps of the village with the final lap crossing the line around 3:00pm on the day.

‘ This is a superb opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful village to the national and international media which will be reporting on this race on a daily basis. The fact that the race finishes in Blackrock village will mean that the eyes of the cycling world will be on us for this thrilling race as it crosses the line on the main street in June,’ said Aine Corcoran of the Blackrock Tourism and Development Group.

The event will require significant organisation by the RÁS committee who are working in cooperation with County Councils, The Gardai, Support Teams and stewards as they move around the country over the five days.