2026 May 09-10 Race Report

Shay Elliott Classic

The 2026 edition of the Shay Elliott Classic delivered another brutally hard day on Wicklow roads, with strong winds, aggressive racing and a revised course that removed the traditional summit finish on the Shay Elliott climb due to ongoing roadworks.

For Orwell Wheelers, the race was marked by committed and aggressive riding throughout the day, with the club represented prominently in attacks and breakaway moves from the opening kilometres.

Joe Nathan and Padraig Moran were particularly active during the first half of the race, constantly present near the front and attentive to dangerous moves as the pace surged around the demanding Wicklow circuit. Their efforts helped ensure Orwell remained represented during a hectic opening phase where the bunch repeatedly split under pressure from the rolling terrain and crosswinds.

As the race developed and Liam forced his way into a key move up the road, Evan Keane responded with a determined bridging effort. Although he never quite managed to make contact with the front group, Evan delivered one of the strongest rides of the day, spending long periods chasing across gaps and remaining aggressive throughout the race despite the relentless pace.

The revised route may have removed the iconic mountain-top finale, but the race remained a true test of endurance and positioning. The exposed roads and repeated accelerations steadily reduced the field, with riders needing to stay switched on constantly to survive into the closing stages.

Late in the race, Sean O’Kane successfully infiltrated a decisive move and rode strongly to the finish, securing an excellent 15th place after a hard day in the saddle. Up front, Liam capped off an impressive ride by winning the bunch sprint for 3rd place after surviving the decisive selection.

Ken Duff Memorial (98km)

In the Ken Duff Memorial, Orwell also enjoyed a strong performance through excellent teamwork. Alex rode selflessly on the front during the closing stages to help position Matthew Lane for the finale, with Matthew converting the effort into a strong top-10 finish.

Overall, it was an encouraging day for Orwell Wheelers, with aggressive racing, strong teamwork and performances throughout the field. With the Rás just two weeks away, the lads are clearly hitting good form at exactly the right time.

Photos - Sean Rowe / Caroline Kerley Photography