Kia Ireland will continue its sponsorship of the Rás Tailteann cycling race that will be taking place across the country from 20th-24th May.
Now in its 71st edition, the Rás Tailteann is an annual, multi-day international cycling stage race that draws teams and riders and from all over the world.
As part of the sponsorship, Kia has provided race organisers with a fleet of fully-electric PV5 Cargo vans and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles to assist with preparation and logistics.
In addition, Kia is sponsors of the iconic yellow jersey for Rás Tailteann 2026. The yellow jersey is awarded to the overall race leader at the end of each stage and remains the most recognisable symbol of success in cycling.
Having previously supported the event through sponsorship of race numbers, Kia says the move to title sponsor of the yellow jersey marks a significant expansion of its involvement.
This year, the first stage of Rás Tailteann will commence in Portlaoise, Co. Laois on Wednesday, May 20th heading southwest over various climbs before finishing in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.
Stage two will feature six categorised climbs over a 193km route running from Rathmore, Co. Kerry and heading south before looping back to Banteer, Co. Cork. Stage three will be a fast and technical stage from Mitchelstown, Co. Cork to Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
The penultimate stage four runs from Carlow Town over the Wicklow mountains to Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow with the final stage running from Carlow Town to Dunboyne, Co. Meath where the winner will be crowned. This five-stage event will cover over 793km including 21 categorised climbs.
Cathal Kealey, head of marketing and PR at Kia Ireland commented: “Kia are delighted to return as sponsors of Rás Tailteann this year. Aside from supplying vehicles and sponsoring the yellow jersey, the Rás will cross eleven counties over five days and provide positive exposure for our brand throughout the route. We wish all participants, teams and volunteers the very best of luck and encourage as many spectators as possible to come out and support the race in your area.”
Ger Campbell, race director, expressed his gratitude to Kia Ireland for its support of Rás Tailteann, saying: “We are extremely grateful to Kia Ireland for their continued and increased support of Rás Tailteann. Stepping up to sponsor the yellow jersey is a major commitment and highlights the strength of the partnership. Their support, both through the jersey and the provision of vehicles, is hugely important in delivering the race each year.”
