Rás na mBan is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and joining with Ireland’s premier international stage race throughout that journey have been the Irish Veterans Cyclists Association, long time backers of the Queen of the Mountain classification through their popular Wicklow 200 sportive.
It’s one of the most enduring partnerships in the history of Irish cycling, an important collaboration which has helped secure this iconic event, and has helped to promote one of Ireland’s longest running leisure events in the process.
The Wicklow 200 Queen of the Mountains Classification is among the hardest fought jerseys in the race and former winners include Olympic Track medalist Elinor Barker and U23 & Junior European Track Champion Kate Richardson. 2016 World Road Race Champion Amalie Dideriksen has also claimed the jersey in the past, while Noémie Abgrall, Ladynamips RVC, took the honours in 2025.
Riders accumulate points by being among the leading riders on climbs of varying difficulty on four of the five days of racing.
At the end of the week the final Wicklow 200 Queen of the Mountains jersey is awarded to the rider with most points who has proven themselves to be the most adept at conquering the gradients presented.
This year’s route will see a particularly intense battle for the jersey with new stages alterations to existing stages in Kilkenny and Wexford, and two completely new stages in Tipperary and Carlow, with a summit finish on the latter.
Speaking on the announcement of the continuing Wicklow 200 partnership with the event, Race Director Valerie Considine said, “We’re delighted that our partnership with the IVCA continues to remain strong after 20 years of support, it’s something that we’re particularly proud of at Rás na mBan.
“The Wicklow 200 is one of Ireland’s longest running sportives and many of our Rás na mBan race volunteers are active racing members of the IVCA and have ridden or volunteered at the Wicklow 200.
“The battle for the Queen of the Mountains jersey is always particularly exciting and well fought. The changes to this year’s route should make the competition even more interesting as the week unfolds, especially with the return of a summit finish at Corrabut Gap. With a different twist on this year’s opening stage, we’re sure it will be a fight from the opening day for the climber’s jersey.”
