The most recent statement from Cáirde Rás Tailteann has put the staging of the 2020 event beyond doubt and speculation and has moved it onto the 2021 cycling calendar.
Castleisland, in common with all the towns on the Rás 2020 map, loses its afternoon stage end and morning restart which were originally planned for June 11th. and 12th.
Former Rás cyclist and now Race Director Eugene Moriarty said that Cáirde Rás Tailteann has expended significant energy to safely put An Rás Tailteann on the road in September/October 2020.
Situation Monitored Daily
“The group has monitored the evolving situation daily and digested publicly available roadmaps, health guidance, sporting and crucially, Rás volunteer stakeholder input.
“Cáirde Rás Tailteann has decided to definitively postpone the 2020 Rás Tailteann which was originally due to return to the roads of Ireland last month, until 2021,” said the Listowel native.
“Notwithstanding quicker relaxation of restrictions than anticipated, the opportunity to safely put the race back on the roads around Ireland before the end of the 2020 road cycling season has contracted rapidly on us.
Postponed Until 2021
“Cognisant of the related planning and especially the lingering public health concerns, it was unanimously agreed that the safest, healthiest and most prudent course of action at this time would be to postpone running the 2020 event until 2021,” said Mr. Moriarty.
“The group shares the disappointment that circumstances beyond anyone’s control conspired to prevent the Rás happening this year, but the health, well-being and safety of all our volunteers and athletes as well as the general public continue to remain our primary concern. The good news is, that the plan is for the Rás to return in 2021.
Planning for 2021
“The group will now take a well-earned break for a few weeks into August, when planning and arrangements will get underway for the 2021 edition.
“Cáirde Rás Tailteann would like to thank everyone for the continued large volume of messages of support and well wishes received to date.
“We would also like to thank the following for their continued unwavering support: Cycling Ireland, Sport Ireland, Rás volunteers and supporters, Cumann Rás Tailteann, the media, the public, Rás stage end organisers, county councils, stage end accommodation providers, health experts and An Garda Síochána.”
