200m from the finish line of the 2024 Rás na mBan, Ireland’s premier women’s stage race, it could be anyone over the line first.

Here out in front is Netherland’s Noor Dekker. Hot on her heels is Great Britain’s Lucy Lee with Canadian, Anabelle Thomas on both their tails.

Three’s a crowd, and their can only be one winner. That final uphill 200m, to the finish outside Kilkenny Castle, was the crux of this race with Lucy Lee taking line honours.

Being here in Kilkenny for the final stage of the of the 2024 Rás na mBan was an unexpected surprise after coming here just to see an old castle.