As the dust settles on the recent Rás Tailteann that saw the overall title go to Kilcocks Conn McDunphy, all eyes will turn to County Clare for the next international stage race, the Quanta Capital Junior Tour of Ireland.
Underway since 1978, this will be the 12th edition held solely in the Mid-West of Ireland which takes place from Tuesday 7th until Sunday 12th July.
The race continues with the usual format of six road stages totalling almost 560 kilometres of County Clare Roads.
Stage 1 on the evening of Tuesday 7th July remains unchanged from previous years with a 63 kilometre stage taking in the climb of Mahera and finishing into Barefield.
Stage 2 on Wednesday 8th July also remains unchanged from last years edition as the race travels 96 kilometres westbound along the Shannon Estuary towards Kilrush, Carrigaholt and the Kilkee Cliffs offering a stunning backdrop on the Wild Atlantic Way before finishing on the promenade in Kilkee.
Stage 3 on Thursday 9th July is a new stage taking the riders into East Clare to complete a circuit between Feakle and Tulla before racing onwards through Tuamgraney and Mountshannon to finish into Whitegate after 102 kilometres.
Stage 4 on Friday 10th July is the traditional 122 kilometre queen stage of the event which remains unchanged from pervious years with the riders travelling into the north of the county towards Bellharbour before entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Burren while then joining the Wild Atlantic Way towards Fanore and Doolin before climbing Doonagore (Castle Hill) and finishing out the stage with a fast 21 kilometre approach into Kilfenora.
Stage 5 on Saturday 11th July is a new 108 kilometre stage for the 2026 edition with the riders taking a similar approach to Bellharbour the previous day but then racing into Ballyvaughan and traversing the opposite direction across the Burren towards Corofin and Ruan to finish on the shores of Ballyallia Lake on the outskirts of Ennis.
Finally, stage 6 on Sunday 12th July is the traditional conclusion to a tough weeks racing with a 79 kilometre stage consisting of eight laps of a circuit between Ennis, Ballyea and Clonroadbeg.
International teams from the USA, Canada and the UK have already confirmed their intent on travelling to County Clare in July. Time will tell if history can repeat itself after the 2025 overall win by Matthew Walls of Cycling Leinster.
Entries are now open to teams and individuals who can register through the this link.
