Home Roads, Home Win: PJ O'Riordan Memorial 2026

Athea isn't far from home. I grew up in Abbeyfeale, just ten kilometres down the road, so lining up for the PJ O'Riordan Memorial felt less like racing and more like riding on home roads. Two days, three stages, a points-based GC, but my one goal going in was simple: win a stage.

Stage one was a nice, short 16km circuit with a 2km drag uphill to the finish. On the third lap, a break of 11 riders went clear and I made sure I was in it. The gap held, just about, and with 400 metres to go I jumped before anyone had a chance to get organised behind me. I committed to the effort and held it all the way to the line for the win.

Everything after that was a bonus. Fifteen points for the win.

The evening TT out at Blaine Cross was a different story. I gave it a lash, but the stronger time triallists were simply better. I wasn't surprised not to have picked up a point. I really am rubbish at TTs.

Sunday morning I lined up fourth overall, behind Dylan Foley, Dillon Lynch and Darragh Lazenby, with bonus points up for grabs on the final stage. Same plan as Saturday: get into the move and then see what the legs would allow.

The roads out of Athea were rolling, with a strong tailwind pushing us along, and by the second lap the attacks were flying. Eventually another 12-rider break stuck, and I was in it. We built a lead of 2:40, but, just like Saturday, that advantage almost completely disappeared on the final lap as everyone started to gamble for the finish.

The finish made things interesting: a corner onto the main street, flat at first before kicking up hard to the line. Coming into that final corner, I made sure of one thing, second wheel. I opened the sprint and held it all the way up the ramp. Another stage win.

That result was enough to flip the GC and take the overall, with two stage wins from the three stages. To do it on home roads, just ten kilometres from where I grew up, and in front of family, made it even sweeter.

A big thanks to Newcastle West Cycling Club for putting on such a great race. The quality of the roads, the racing and the organisation made it a fantastic weekend, and it's a credit to everyone involved. If you're looking for a proper two-day stage race next year, I'd definitely recommend putting the PJ O'Riordan Memorial on your calendar. I'll certainly be back.

Photos from Sean Rowe