Mark Murphy reports
Stage 2 of the 2026 Dornan Rás Mumhan produced dramatic racing today as riders tackled the queen stage of this year’s international event, covering a demanding route from Killarney across some of Kerry’s most iconic and challenging terrain.
The 116.1km stage took the peloton through Glencar, over Bealach Oisín, across the exposed roads of the Iveragh Peninsula and included the notorious Cuam an Easpaig climb before the finish in Portmagee, with strong blustery winds adding further difficulty throughout the day.
Dutch rider Nick Hoorsman of Team West Frisia emerged victorious after a hard-fought day in difficult conditions, taking the stage win on one of the most decisive days of the race so far.
The general classification also saw significant movement, with Danylo Riwnyj of Foran Cycling Team London moving into the overall race lead and claiming the yellow jersey. Liam Crowley now sits second overall, 1 minute and 3 seconds behind heading into tomorrow’s crucial third stage.
Stage 2 is widely regarded as the defining test of the race, with the exposed climbs and coastal roads traditionally creating major time gaps and rewarding aggressive racing.
Attention now turns to Stage 3 tomorrow, which starts in Millstreet, North Cork, before finishing atop the demanding climb of the Kerryman’s Table - another stage expected to have a major bearing on the final general classification.
