Kia Ireland has announced that it will extend its sponsorship and support of the Rás Tailteann cycling race. The Rás, which has been around for 71 years now, is an annual cycling race that whizzes its way across the country each year. This year's event takes place from 20-24 May. You can think of it as the Tour d'France. Only, you know, Irish…
What does Kia do to support the Rás?
Obviously, any event of this sort of size needs some logistical backup, so Kia will be providing a fleet of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for use by the Rás' organisers, including some versions of the new PV5 fully electric van (click here to read the Kia PV5 Passenger van review).
Kia is also the official sponsor of the Rás' iconic yellow jersey, worn by the race leader each day - it's the most recognisable element of any cycling race, and Kia's sponsorship of the yellow jersey shows that its work with the Rás is moving up a gear.
Where can I watch the Rás?
This year, the first stage of Rás Tailteann will commence in Portlaoise, Co. Laois on Wednesday, 20 May, 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.
Anything else to know?
Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing & PR at Kia Ireland, said: "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 their support of Rás Tailteann: "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.”