Stage 4 of Rás Tailteann took the riders from Ennis to Mountrath over a distance of 128.1kms.
The stage was won by George Kimber of CC Isle of Man with Jamie Meehan (Team Ireland) in second. Dean Harvey (Team Ireland) rounded out the podium.
With the Stage win, George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) also takes over at the top of the general classification.
Sebastian Brenes (Canel's Java) takes over the green points jersey. Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) remains in the KOH jersey
How Stage 4 unfolded...
Stage 4 of Rás Tailteann 2026 brought fireworks and ferocious racing across 128.1km from Ennis to Mountrath, with attacks from the very start and relentless pace all the way to the final climb.
In the end, it was George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man) who conquered the decisive Wolftrap ascent and soloed to victory - taking both the stage and the overall lead in this 70th edition of the race.
The flag dropped under blue skies and high speeds, with 24km covered in just 28 minutes — an average of 51.4km/h. The bunch stayed together through Bodyke and Whitegate, with riders like Clay Davies (21) repeatedly testing the waters.
After numerous failed attack attempts from many riders, a break of six finally stuck near the 90km mark: Dom Jackson (1) – Foran CT, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Kim Satchel (60) – Good Guys Racing NYC, Cian Keogh (64) – Team Skyline, Gareth O’Neill (95) – Cycling Ulster and Evan Keane (117) – Pinergy–Orwell Wheelers.
"The race hit the Category 1 Wolftrap with 3km of climbing ahead — and that’s where the fireworks truly began.
With support from Banbridge CC Specsavers and Team Ireland behind, the peloton kept them within striking distance. The group entered Riverstown, and the lead hovered around 30–34 seconds, with Team Ireland driving the chase.
After 2 hours of racing, the average speed remained a searing 50.4 km/h.
The Wolftrap Decider
The race hit the Category 1 Wolftrap with 3km of climbing ahead — and that’s where the fireworks truly began. From the yellow jersey group, George Kimber, Dean Harvey, Jamie Meehan, and Adam Lewis surged clear.
At the summit, the KOH points were taken by: Dean Harvey (66) – Team Ireland, Jamie Meehan (67) – Team Ireland, George Kimber (41) – Cycling Club Isle of Man, Adam Lewis (61) – Team Skyline, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Maxime Richard (57) – Good Guys Racing NYC and Danylo Riwnyj (5) – Foran CT.
On the descent, Kimber, Meehan, and Harvey formed a lead trio. With the bunch splintering behind, Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) attacked in defence of yellow but was unable to bridge across.
Kimber rode away solo in the closing kilometres to take a brilliant win in Mountrath, with Meehan and Harvey completing the podium.
"They were going deep into the red at the bottom of the climb."
George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) takes over the Bective Stud Yellow Jersey classification.
Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) holds onto the Sport Ireland County Jersey.
Jamie Meehan (Team Ireland) is in the Spin 11 U23 Jersey.
Sebástian Brenes (Canel's Java) takes over the City Break Apartments Green Points Jersey.
Adam Lewis (Team Skyline) retains The Irish Independent KOH Jersey after stage four.
It was becoming clear that it was going to be very tight on the finish line.
George Kimber (CC Isle of Man) in the FBD Stage Winner Jersey.
Matthew Teggart (Specsavers Banbridge CC) wins the Festina Daily County Rider Award.
Most Aggressive Rider on Stage 4 was Tom Martin (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli), awarded the €250 prize sponsored by Mick Twomey, the Rás’s longest-serving official.
Full Stage 1 Results and Classifications.
Full Stage 2 Results and Classifications.
Full Stage 3 Results and Classifications.
