2026 Week 2 Race Report

Orwell Wheelers
4 days ago
2 min read

Boyne Grand Prix & Sliabh Luachra Clasaicí

The second weekend of the 2026 season saw Orwell Wheelers riders in action across two major events: the Boyne Grand Prix in Rathkenny, Co. Meath on Saturday, and the Sliabh Luachra Clasaicí in Knocknagree, Co. Cork on Sunday. The club maintained its strong early-season momentum, highlighted by a standout victory in the C1 race in Cork.

Boyne Grand Prix — Saturday, Rathkenny, Co. Meath

Saturday’s Boyne Grand Prix, promoted by Drogheda Wheelers, attracted large and competitive fields across all categories.

C1 Race

Liam Crowley delivered an aggressive and committed ride, frequently featuring in the decisive moves and helping to drive the pace throughout. Despite his efforts, he narrowly missed out on a top‑10 finish but continued to show excellent early-season form.

C2 Race

Matt Lynch was unfortunate to suffer a puncture that disrupted his race at a crucial moment, preventing him from challenging for a meaningful result.

C3 Race

Kieran Keegan gained valuable experience in the C3 event, using the race to build strength and form as the season gets unway.

Sliabh Luachra Clasaicí — Sunday, Knocknagree, Co. Cork

Sunday’s racing shifted to the hills of Cork, where Orwell Wheelers delivered one of the headline performances of the weekend.

C1 – Denis Sheehan Cup

The highlight came in the C1 race as Evan Keane secured a superb victory after a tactically complex contest. Early climbs reduced the peloton to a select group, and a decisive five-man breakaway eventually formed — with Keane the sole Orwell rider represented.

The break established a comfortable advantage, but repeated attacks on the final lap kept the race on edge. Keane held his position expertly and proved the strongest in the final sprint, taking an emphatic win and continuing Orwell’s excellent start to 2026.

Behind the leaders, Liam Crowley played a crucial team role, policing the chase group and covering attempted bridges to protect Keane’s advantage. He later sprinted to an impressive 8th place, giving Orwell two riders inside the top ten.

C2 – Willie Reen Cup

In the C2 event, Matt Lynch put in a strong performance to finish 13th in a competitive and hard-fought field, adding another solid result to the club’s weekend tally.

C3 – John Fleming Cup

Orwell also reached the podium in the C3 race thanks to an excellent ride from Matthew Lane, who finished 3rd after a committed and well‑judged effort.