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The 2024 Road National Series came to an end on Sunday, with Round 6 hosted by Banbridge Cycling Club.

The sun was shining as riders tackled the 133.4km course for the A1 and A2 categories, including the Open National Series. The Women’s National Series along with the A3 and A4 completed a 103.6km course around the Co. Down countryside.

Despite attacks throughout, the Open race remained closely packed. Lucan Cycling Road Club riders Ronan Killeen and James Delaney launched an attack in the final lap and the pair gained a significant lead before Delaney dropped back to the main group.

Killeen looked to be holding onto his lead well until 18-year-old Seth Dunwoody riding for Cannibal Victorious, joined by Ruairi Byrne of UCD came across from the main group.

Dunwoody, who was never far from the front throughout the day, and Byrne bridged the gap to Killeen.

As the riders came into Kinallen approaching the finish line, Dunwoody made his move. His power was unmatched as he crossed the line in pole position. Byrne finished second and Killeen was rewarded for his persistent riding with a podium finish. Ronan Grimes came across the line in fourth, capping off a week in which he was named as one of Ireland’s representatives for the 2024 Paralympics Games.

The Women’s race saw Marine Lenehan take the top step after a fast uphill finish. She was followed by Westport Covey Wheelers Abi Conway, and Linda Kelly rounded out the podium. Overall series champion Annalise Murphy came across the line fourth on the day.

Series Winners

Coming into the final round Annalise Murphy, for Longcourt Hotel – NCW Wheelers was guaranteed victory in the series, having gained a 44 point lead after round 5. The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist in sailing finished ahead of Abi Conway from Westport Covey Wheelers. Mary Corless from Challenge Cycling Club entered the day second in the overall standings, but Conway’s second place in the final round saw her leapfrog Corless, leaving the Challenge CC rider just 5 points adrift in third overall.

Series winner Murphy said after the race, “It’s great to win the series in the sunshine after starting back in March in hailstones! I’ve really enjoyed racing the series and racing so many great women all over the country.”

In the Open category there was more to play for, however, George Peadon of Team PB Performance, who sat in second place coming into Sunday’s race could not close the gap to Daire Feeley of All Human/Velo Revolution Racing. The 2022 Rás winner continued his season long consistency and a solid finish was enough to maintain his lead and take the Series win. Peadon held onto second place overall ahead of UCD’s Liam Crowley in third.

Speaking after the race, series winner Daire Feeley said, “The series really keeps the motivation alive from the start of the season right the way through to the end. It’s nice to have something worthwhile to chase all year. It makes for good racing and the designated National Series races are always hotly contested, and never easy to get a result in never-mind win, so to win the overall and to win two rounds of it, I’m very happy with that.”

Josh Calally of Lucan Cycling Road Club took the overall Series title in the Junior Open category. Coming into the final round Calally was tied on 41 points with Philip O’Connor from Dungarvan CC, but the Lucan rider’s 10 points on the final day in Banbridge saw him take the title.

Kate Murphy came away with the overall Junior Women’s title. She had a lead of 57 points coming into Round 6, as the Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club rider saw her season long consistency pay off.

Well done to everyone who took part throughout the series and to all the host clubs and organisers who make each event possible. Series prize winners will be contacted in due course.

Full series final standings are available HERE.