2026 Opening Weekend Race Report

Orwell Wheelers
Mar 3
3 min read

Pinnery Orwell Wheelers – Opening Weekend Race Report, 2026 Season

The opening weekend of the 2026 season proved highly successful for Pinnery Orwell Wheelers, with riders competing across major open events and graded categories. The club demonstrated depth, tactical discipline, and strong teamwork throughout the weekend.

Mick Lally Memorial — Saturday, Summerhill, Co. Meath

Saturday’s Mick Lally Memorial marked the club’s first major outing of the weekend, and Orwell Wheelers immediately made their presence felt. With over 15 riders on the start line, it was great to see so many members kicking off the season, including some legends making their return to racing.

An early fourrider breakaway established a significant advantage and looked threatening. However, Orwell riders remained organised and committed to controlling the gap, keeping the race within reach. In the final kilometres, the team combined effectively at the front of the peloton to close down the break with around five kilometres remaining.

The race concluded in a bunch sprint. Although the victory went to another rider, Liam Crowley secured third place, earning an important podium result for the club. Evan Keane and Sean O’Kane were instrumental in the chase effort, contributing long turns on the front to ensure the race came back together and to support the sprint finish.

In the C3 race, Alex delivered a strong uphill sprint to finish 10th, supported by excellent teamwork from fellow Orwell riders.

Additionally, Luke Keaney represented the club on Saturday at the 2026 Travers Engineering Annaclone GP, hosted by Banbridge CC in Co. Down, further strengthening the club’s presence across the weekend.

Seamus Kennedy Memorial — Navan (Including Sunday Racing)

Sunday’s Seamus Kennedy Memorial in Navan showcased an even stronger performance from Orwell Wheelers. From the beginning, riders were active in covering attacks and ensuring they were present in the key moves. This collective effort created the foundations for success in the closing stages.

Liam Crowley produced a composed and tactical ride to take victory, supported brilliantly by his teammates throughout the race. His positioning and timing proved decisive and earned the club a standout win. Evan Keane once again featured prominently, spending much of the race in the main breakaway and finishing just outside the podium in fourth place. Sean O’Kane and Sean Landers contributed strong support early on, covering attacks and maintaining pressure near the front of the peloton.

In the other categories, Orwell continued their strong form. In the C1 race, Sean O’Kane finished 18th in a competitive field. In the C2 event, Matt Lynch rode well to claim 15th place. The C3 race produced one of the most impressive performances of the weekend, as Alexander Graham Smythe spent the entire race in the breakaway and held on for fifth place. Behind him, Dick O’Brien delivered a powerful sprint to take 12th, with Kieran Keegan and William Anton finishing close behind, rounding out a very strong team display.

The Orwell women also delivered excellent results. Claire Diffley secured 10th place, supported by strong efforts from Carmel Moran in 15th and Shelley Horan in 17th, all contributing to a consistent and committed team showing.

Conclusion

Across all events and categories, Orwell Wheelers delivered elitelevel performances and demonstrated impressive depth throughout the squad. The combined results from the Mick Lally Memorial and the Seamus Kennedy Memorial reflect a powerful and confidencebuilding start to the 2026 season.