Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli heads to Ireland with high hopes.
Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are back in action in Ireland at the Ras Tailteann between 20th-24th May.
Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are sending a small but super-strong team of riders to the famous Ras Tailteann stage race in Ireland. The squad boasts a high level of collective experience which will serve them well during this demanding multi-stage race which plays out on some of Ireland’s most challenging roads. The talented squad features past Ras Tailteann stage winners, most notably Tim Shoreman who sprinted to win two stages of the 2025 edition along with experienced stage racers in the form of the two Toms who have both raced for continental teams in Europe.
Tom Armstrong, Mitchell McLaughlin, Aaron King, Tom Martin and Tim Shoreman bring strength and experience to the squad for Ras Tailteann.
Turning the clock back further to the 2024 edition of the Ras it’s worth noting that Shoreman took the overall Green Points jersey in another showing of strength and consistency which was backed up by some excellent teamwork throughout the race. Can he recapture that sort of consistency in 2026? Time will tell.
The tight-knit Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team can be relied upon to work selflessly for one another during the five day race.
With team riders on good form and following two recent podium spots for Tom Armstrong at the Cicle Cassic and the Lincoln GP confidence is high as the lads board the ferry over to Ireland. Stu Reid will be behind the wheel of the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team car again, sharing his tactical nous in what promises to be a stage race packed full of drama thanks to a challenging parcours, unpredictable weather and a peloton packed full of national and international racing talent.
Follow the team’s fortunes on Instagram @wheelbase_cabtech_castelli and @wheelbase.co.uk
The 71st edition of Rás Tailteann will take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2026. See full details HERE
Stage 1: Portlaoise, Co Laois to Kilmallock, Co Limerick
(Distance: 161.6 KM)
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
The race will get underway in Portlaoise before making its way to the historic Limerick town of Kilmallock which also hosted the Stage 1 finish in 2024 and produced a fantastic turnout of spectators.
The opening half of the stage will take place on mostly flat roads through the countryside of Laois and Tipperary. The race then tackles its first climbs of Rás Tailteann 2026, dipping into the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is sure to shake things up.
A fast final 20 kilometres could allow things to come back together — or provide an opportunity for a decisive move.
Stage 2: Rathmore, Co Kerry to Banteer, Co Cork
(Distance: 182.9 KM)
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Following a transfer to County Kerry, Stage 2 will start in Rathmore, close to the home of Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, who have made great strides since their foundation.
A long and demanding day awaits, featuring six categorised climbs. A Category 3 climb before Kilgarvan opens the action, followed by a run into Kenmare and onward into West Cork.
The race will then take in the famous Tunnel Road / Caha Pass, before descending into Glengarriff. A further Category 3 climb follows before the long ascent to Gougane Gap.
Two additional Category 3 climbs on the approach to Banteer complete the day.
Stage 3: Mitchelstown, Co Cork to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
(Distance: 155.6 KM)
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Stage 3 departs from Mitchelstown and, while shorter and less mountainous on paper, history has shown that these are often the days that can turn the general classification upside down.
The route features mostly flat roads on a twisting and technical circuit, with just two Category 3 climbs along the way. However, the final challenge comes in the closing kilometre, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy. Seconds gained or lost here could prove vital, and it is safe to say the final 3KM rule will not apply on this stage.
Stage 4: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Baltinglass, Co Wicklow
(Distance: 141.6 KM)
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Rás Tailteann returns to Wicklow for the first time in eight years. Much of this route was last used during the 2018 edition.
A huge and difficult day awaits, with eight categorised climbs, including the two Category 1 ascents of Drumgoff / Shay Elliott Memorial and the Wicklow Gap.
A very fast final 20 kilometres on the N81 into Baltinglass may allow some regrouping after the mountain but it is likely to be a heavily reduced peloton contesting the stage win. Baltinglass previously hosted a memorable stage finish with Eddie Dunbar taking victory there in 2016. The Wicklow Mountains have always delivered epic Rás stages and all eyes will be on this one.
Stage 5: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Dunboyne, Co Meath
(Distance: 142.4 KM)
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
(Including three laps of finishing circuit)
The grand finale starts in Carlow with a ceremonial roll-out before heading across mostly flat roads through Carlow and Kildare. The only classified climb is the Category 3 Hill of Allen, before the race heads towards Dunboyne.