Irish Independent backing Rás Tailteann with sponsorship of prestigious jersey

Awarded to the rider who accumulates the most points at the top of each categorised climb on the race’s 785km five-day odyssey around the country, the Rás’s mountains classification jersey is one of the most prestigious jerseys in Irish sport and to wear it for just one day etches the rider’s name into the annals of the race.

Mountain passes at the Tour de France were originally graded according to whatever gear the race organiser had to use to get his car up them, with first category being the toughest and earning the most points. This year’s Rás tackles 18 categorised climbs over its five stages.

The first points towards the Irish Independent King of the Hills jersey will be contested early, on the third category climbs of ‘BikePark’ and Birdhill on the opening stage between Tullamore and Kilmallock on Wednesday, May 22.

After that, the mountains come thick and fast with no less than six climbs on the high road from Kanturk to Sneem on day two including the first category slog to Ballaghisheen, followed closely by the second category ascent in Waterville.

Three more third category climbs feature on day three from Kenmare to Cahir, while the penultimate day from Horse and Jockey to Kildare finishes with a sting in the tail provided by the first category ascent of Gorton, followed by a double whammy of category two climbs at Corn West and Clogrenan on the roads between Castlecomer and Carlow.

If the destination of the newly-designed mountains jersey isn’t decided by then, the final day from Maynooth to Bective features another points battle on Cromwell’s Bush and the Hill of Quillan to determine who will be crowned this year’s Irish Independent King of the Hills at the race end in Bective, Co Meath.

“We are delighted to welcome The Irish Independent as the sponsors of this year's KOH jersey,” says race director Gerard Campbell for organisers Cáirde Rás Tailteann. “The Irish Independent has always been extremely supportive of the race through their publications, and we are incredibly thankful to them for their vote of confidence in the efforts of Cáirde Rás Tailteann”.

Much like the Irish Independent, the Rás Tailteann covers the length and breadth of Ireland and since its inception its stories and legends have been woven into the fabric of the nation, making the newly designed king of the mountains jersey a perfect fit for both parties.

‘’Our commitment extends beyond the jersey,” Arlene Regan, Marketing Manager of Mediahuis Ireland says of the Irish independent’s sponsorship of the mountains classification. “Through our ‘Written All Over Ireland’ campaign, we’ll engage with communities, capture stories, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Irish cycling. From Tullamore to Kilmallock, Sneem to Cahir, and Kildare Town to Bective, we’ll be there as communities, participants, and spectators write their story.’’