Banbridge CC took a momentous step and fulfilled many wishes by entering a team into this years Rás Tailteann, Ireland’s premier men’s international stage race which was enjoying its 70th anniversary in 2025. Despite a rich history in the race with overall and stage winners within Banbridge CC over the years, it was the first time the club had entered a team under its own colours in its 80 year history.
Held over 5 days, the riders would cover 760 km and tackle 13 categorised climbs. The Banbridge team had a mix of experience and rookies, from riders to the support team. The club were very proud that all riders were home Banbridge CC members who raced in Banbridge colours week in, week out. Most of them in fact had developed from youth riders, progressing from under 12 and under 14 age categories to accomplished elite competitors.
The team consisted of Matthew Teggart, Mark Downey, John Buller, James Curry and Johnny McRoberts. They would be supported by Team Manager Martin Duffy, Mechanic Simon Curry, Soigneur Austin Dennis, and team assistants Brian Hannon and TJ Wright.
Stage 1 began with a fast route from Drogheda to Boyle in Co Roscommon, featuring hot spot sprints and the first king of the hills (KOH) climb of the event. Despite a number of crashes in the final 5km all Banbridge CC riders made it home safe, with team caption Teggart in 16th place, closely followed by John Buller in 21st place of the 144 finishers.
Stage 2 was viewed as the ‘queen stage’, covering over 170km from Charlestown to Clifden, but with the category 1 climb of the Windy gap after 50km and a succession of four categorised climbs after 110km the riders would face one of the toughest days racing in the Irish calendar. With the field unsurprisingly split over several groups by the finale, it was again the experienced Teggart who led the team home in the front group. James Curry was next home in the 3rd large group, showing how well he was climbing. It was a strong team performance, and good enough for 2nd Irish County/Provincial Team on the stage with the team moving up into 2nd place in the overall Irish County/Provincial Team standings. Legs and bodies were tired, but sprits were high!
Stage 3 brought another tough stage: 164km from Cong to Miltown Malbay with three categorized climbs in the final 40km. Another fast run in for a bunch sprint and Teggart was once again to the fore, crossing the line an excellent 4th place. Downey was close behind in 11th place and unfortunately Buller got tangled in a crash on the final corner, but was thankfully unscathed. Both Curry and McRoberts also finished strongly and far enough up in the standing to reward the team with first Irish County/Provincial Team on the stage and moving up to leaders in that classification overall. Banbridge CC were now top of the pile of the home teams and very much in the hunt for glory!
Stage 4 was marked as a stage that was likely to shape the overall race standings with the category 1 Wolftrap climb in the closing kilometres of the 128 stage from Ennis to Mountrath. As predicted, it was the final climb where the racing splintered with riders spread out over several minutes on the narrow ascent of the Wolftrap. With the roads lined with supporting yellow Banbridge jersey shouting encouragement, the riders were spurred on and dug deep. A fast and wet descent dropped the riders off the climb at speeds in excess of 90km per hour. Taggart’s legs were clearly coming good and he stomped home in 5th place, and first of the Irish county/provincial riders. It was a significant result – for the very first time a Banbridge CC jersey and rider would be announced onto the stage of ‘the Rás’ from the booming voice of Cian Lynch, the ‘voice of the Rás in front of a cheering crowd. A former multiple stage winner and wearer of the leaders jersey he was given a hero’s return. He wasn’t the only Banbridge hero on the day however, with John Buller defying his sprinters frame and coming home in the 2nd group. Curry, Downey and McRoberts all followed close behind, clearly having fought hard to defend the team prize. They were so successful in doing so that they once again were awarded top county provincial team on the stage and had now extended their lead in the overall classification by a whopping 16 minutes!
Stage 5 was the home leg. 143km from Kildare town to Bective Stud, the sponsor of the race’s leader’s jersey. An aggressive day was predicted, with it being the last chance for many to leave their mark on the 70th edition of the great Rás Tailteann. The predictions were right and a large breakaway group had formed early on the stage and opened a significant advantage, threatening many of the classification jerseys. Banbridge man Mark Downey had infiltrated the move which was being chased hard by the fast moving main bunch. As the race entered the 12km finishing circuit for 4 laps the front group splintered once again. Team GB’s European Champion and world record holder for the 4km individual pursuit, Josh Charlton, lit up the front of the race with just over a lap to go. He had company however, Team Ireland’s Rauri Byrne and Banbridge CC’s Mark Downey! The trio worked well together, but when the European Champion attacked and went into pursuit mode there was no denying his class. He opened a 1 minute advantage solo and comfortably won the final stage to rescue Team GB’s Rás. The bunch came back together for a frantic mass bunch sprint behind – a great spectacle for the grandstand of spectators. With a large contingent of Banbridge CC supporters having made the trip down to greet the riders home, hairs were raised on the back of their necks as they screamed in delight at the sight of John Buller thundering towards the finish at the head of the field. Winning the bunch sprint and finishing 2nd on the stage he was comfortably the leading Irish county/provincial rider and would be treated with another visit to the podium.
Unfortunately it wasn’t all celebration as Johnny McRoberts crashed hard in the final 5km and suffered a broken collarbone and multiple cuts and abrasions. Despite his debut Rás ending within touching distance of the finish he rode a tremendous race and was key to the team’s success over the 5 days. Everyone wishes Johnny a speedy recovery and a return to racing soon.
Matthew Teggart also finished well up on the final stage in 9th place, rounding out an excellent Rás and moving him up to 5th place on General Classification. Mark Downey and James Curry both finished safely in the main bunch, meaning Banbridge CC had successfully secured the Irish county/provincial Team prize. A fantastic and momentous achievement for the club on it’s debut participation in the Rás, and testament to the performances given by all 5 riders. Of course it would not have been possible without the efforts of the support team who also delivered a winning performance, ensuring the riders were best placed to execute when needed.
Team Manager Martin Duffy was given the privilege of joining the riders on stage as they were presented to the crowd and crowned the top Irish county/provincial Team of the 2025 Rás Tailteaan. A hugely proud moment for the club and all those members watching on.
Commenting after the presentations and packing of team vehicles Martin reflected on the journey; ‘When the idea was first mentioned that we should enter a team little did I know what to expect. I totally under estimated the standing the event has in Irish cycling. I knew we had strong riders so was hopeful that we would snatch a podium. However the performance all week from all the riders was outstanding. The approach and professionalism by all including the support crew was superb. To close out the County/Provincial Team award was something special and the whole experience will live long in the memory. Hopefully this will not be the last time we enter.’
All of the team would like to pass on their gratitude to everyone who supported the team from the roadside and from afar, sending messages of support and well wishes. A massive thanks also to the sponsors and supporters without who the team would not have been in a position to embark on what was a truly unforgettable 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann.
Cover photo | Lorraine O’Sullivan
Photo | Lorraine O’Sullivan
Photo | Lorraine O’Sullivan
Photo | Toby Watson
Photo | Toby Watson
Photo | Sportsphoto Ireland
Photo | Paul Hannigan
