Aliyah Rafferty and Aoife O'Brien Star as Ireland Shines at 20th Rás na mBan in Kilkenny
Aliyah Rafferty of Cycling Ulster claimed the Best Irish Rider jersey and finished an impressive fourth in the general classification, while Aoife O'Brien delivered a stunning sprint victory on Stage 2 in Gorey, as the Ireland National Team secured the Best Team Overall prize at the 20th edition of Rás na mBan — a landmark anniversary edition of Ireland's premier women's stage race that was held across six stages in Kilkenny and produced some of the most compelling racing in the event's history.
Background
Rás na mBan has been the centrepiece of the Irish women's cycling calendar since its foundation in 2007, growing from a modest domestic event into one of the most respected women's stage races in Europe. The race attracts international teams from across the continent and beyond, providing Irish riders with the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world on home roads. The 20th edition, held from September 2 to 6, 2026, was a particularly significant milestone, and the organisers marked the occasion with a route that showcased some of Kilkenny's most spectacular cycling terrain.
The race has been a crucial development platform for Irish women's cycling, producing riders who have gone on to compete at the highest international level. Cycling Ireland's investment in the women's programme has been reflected in the quality of the national team's performances in recent editions, and the 2026 race continued that trend with a series of performances that demonstrated the depth of talent available to the Irish selectors.
Aliyah Rafferty, who rides for Cycling Ulster, has been one of the most consistent performers in Irish women's cycling over the past several years. Her ability to compete across different terrain — from flat sprint stages to mountain finishes — makes her one of the most versatile riders in the Irish peloton, and her fourth-place finish in the general classification at Rás na mBan 2026 represents one of the best results of her career.
Key Developments
The race was ultimately won by Danish rider Olympia Norrid-Mortensen of the Torelli team, who secured the magenta jersey after winning the Stage 5 individual time trial around Kilkenny Castle and defending a one-second lead over French rider Noémie Garnier of Vendée Féminine RVC. The margin of victory was extraordinarily tight, reflecting the quality of the competition throughout the six stages.
For Ireland, the highlights were numerous. Aoife O'Brien's Stage 2 victory in Gorey was a moment of genuine celebration, with the Ireland National Team sweeping the podium in a sprint finish that demonstrated the collective strength of the Irish squad. O'Brien, who also claimed the Cycling Ireland Points classification jersey, was one of the standout performers of the entire race. Rafferty's fourth-place finish in the general classification, combined with the Best Irish Rider award, confirmed her status as one of the most talented riders in the country.
The Ireland National Team's Best Team Overall prize was a fitting recognition of a collective effort that saw multiple riders contribute to the team's success across all six stages. Emma Jeffers and Emer Heverin were also prominent throughout the race, with consistent performances that helped to establish Ireland as the dominant team in the domestic classification.
Why It Matters
The 20th edition of Rás na mBan is a milestone not just for the race itself but for Irish women's cycling as a whole. Two decades ago, the idea of Ireland hosting a women's stage race that attracted international teams and produced riders capable of competing at the highest level of the sport would have seemed fanciful. The growth of Rás na mBan reflects a broader transformation in Irish women's cycling — driven by investment from Cycling Ireland, the support of Sport Ireland, and the dedication of riders, coaches, and volunteers who have built the sport from the ground up. The performances of Rafferty and O'Brien in 2026 are a reminder of what that investment has produced, and an incentive to continue building the structures that will allow the next generation of Irish women cyclists to reach their potential.
Local Impact
The race's base in Kilkenny for the 20th edition brought significant economic and cultural benefits to the city and county. The presence of international teams, media, and cycling fans generated considerable activity in local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, and the race's profile on social media and in cycling publications brought positive attention to Kilkenny as a destination. Cycling Ulster's success through Rafferty was particularly celebrated in the north, where the club has been a driving force in the development of women's cycling.
What's Next
Aliyah Rafferty and Aoife O'Brien are expected to continue their seasons with a series of autumn races before entering their off-season. Cycling Ireland will use the performances at Rás na mBan to inform its selection for upcoming international events, including the 2027 European Championships. The 21st edition of Rás na mBan is expected to be announced in the coming months, with organisers indicating they hope to build on the success of the 20th anniversary edition.
