With just over a week to go to the start of the season, it's a great time for rattle through the first weeks of the 2026 road campaign. In this piece we outline what races are on - when and where - and which riders they are open to for the first weeks of the season.
And then we'll do more comprehensive individual pieces on these races. This is just a summary of what's on for the first weeks to St Patrick's Day, and how to enter, with more to come.
Sat, February 28th
Dublin Wheelers Open Races 2026, Sponsored by stickybottle.com
The Dublin Wheelers fixture has long been the Leinster season-opener and this season is no different. Racing out of Summerhill, Co Meath, the race is being promoted on Saturday, February 28th. There are three races - Mick Lally Memorial Race (C1), Ian Gallahar Memorial Race (C2) and Willie Marks Memorial Race (C3). You can enter by following this link.
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Travers Engineering Annaclone GP, by Banbridge CC
One of the big clubs on the domestic scene, Banbridge CC is wasting no time in promoting the first of its multiple open races this year, with the Travers Engineering Annaclone GP getting the Ulster season started on Saturday, February 28th. Starting from the Hawthorn Inn, Annaclone, there are two races fown for the decision; one of C1-C2 riders and a separate event for Cs. You can enter by following this link.
Sun, March 1st
Seamus Kennedy Memorial, by Navan Road Club
Like Banbridge CC, Navan Road Club also promotes several races through the season and the first of those is up early; the Seamus Kennedy Memorial on Sunday, March 1st. With race HQ at Navan Racecourse, there four separate races being held on the day - events for C1s, C2s, C3s and Women - with the finish at Wilkinstown Community Centre. You can enter by following this link.
Lacey Cup 2026, by Manor West Tralee BC
Munster gets its 2026 campaign started with the ever-popular Lacey Cup, promoted by Tralee Manor West BC, on Sunday, March 1st, from St Michael's GAA Club. It is one of just two fixtures on the opening Sunday of the campaign as the Phoenix GP moves to slightly later in March. Based in Tralee, there are two races down for decision - one for C1-C2 riders and one of C3s. You can enter by following this link.
Sat, March 7th
Boyne GP, by Jons Drogheda Wheelers
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Jons Drogheda Wheelers - another of those clubs that organises events through the season - opens its 2026 account with the Boyne GP on Saturday, March 7th, from Rathkenny GAA Club. It's the only race on that day so a bumper crowd is expected, especially as there are three races on offer - one of C1s, one for C2s and one for C3s. You can enter by following this link.
Sun, March 8th
John Haldane Memorial, by Newry Wheelers CC
Newry Wheelers always make a great contribution to the domestic scene with the many races they organise and they are out of the traps this year with John Haldane Memorial on Sunday, March 8th. Held on the Tandragee Circuit in Co Down, there is a race for C1-C2 riders, with small handicap, and a C3 race. You can enter by following this link.
Sliabh Luachra Clasacai, by Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club
The four-race Sliabh Luachra Clasaici, takes place in Knocknagree, Co Cork, on Sunday, March 8th, and is promoted by Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club. While the entry link is not yet available as it is several weeks away, we will come back to it. However, last year there were races on for C1s, C2s, C2s and women, so there really is something for everyone. As we say, we will come back to this one - and other races - in the days and weeks ahead.
Sat, March 14th
Lucan Grand Prix, by Lucan CRC
Always a really competitive fixture that attracts a big turn-out, the Lucan GP is being run on Saturday, March 14th, from Dunsany GAA Club in Co Meath. Promoted by Lucan CRC, there are now fewer than four races on the day - for C1s, C2s, C3s and women. We'll have the entry link for you shortly.
Sun, March 15th
Donal Crowley-Kay Stratton Memorials, by Blarney CC
Organised by Blarney Cycling Club in Blarney, Co Cork, the Donal Crowley and Kay Stratto Memorials are always a big day of racing in Munster. There are usually four races - for C1s, C2s, C3s and women. We will bring you the entry link as soon as it is available.
Tues, March 17th
Bobby Power Memorial, by Carrick Wheelers
Another of the big Irish clubs, Carrick Wheelers are back this year with the only race being held on the island on St Patrick's Day, March 17th. The Bobby Power Memorial promotion in Clonea Power, Co Waterford, usually features the headline event for C1-C2 riders, a race for C3s. We will have the entry link for you shortly.
