Change of Plan for Irish Juniors who will Race in the Gorey 3 Day this Weekend


This weekend will see a change of plan for the National Junior Team, who will now race in the Gorey 3 Day instead of Gent Wevelgem Junior Nations Cup in Belgium. This decision has been made in light of the attacks in Brussels last Tuesday. Ireland will still field a team in Gent Wevelgem U23 Nations Cup. The Gorey 3 Day takes place from the 26-28th March between Dublin and Wexford. Gent Wevelgem U23 Nations Cup is a one day race, taking place in Belgium on Easter Sunday the 27th March. Meanwhile Ireland will also have a team in Rás Mumhan, Co. Kerry which runs from 25-28 March, Gent Wevelgem is a one day race, taking place in Belgium on Easter Sunday, the 27th March.


Speaking about the team selection National Junior Coach Frank O’Leary is very encouraged by the depth of talent in the Junior Ranks this season, saying “We have a very talented panel of juniors on the squad this year, and this year’s team is a mix of first and second years, with a good mix of international experience. Each year the junior performances go up another level. This was one of the most difficult selections we have made; the talent of the riders at home is very strong.”


Ireland is fielding a strong U23 team in the Gent Wevelgem Nations Cup, which includes talented youngster Eddie Dunbar alongside Michael O’Loughlin, Sean McKenna, Matthew Teggart, David Montgomery and Angus Fyffe. Rás Mumhan will feature a young team made up of mostly U23 riders along with senior rider Ian Richardson.


Brian Nugent, Technical Director with Cycling Ireland said “It is encouraging to see 17 riders represent Ireland over the Easter period and get a valuable opportunity to develop as riders and gain international experience. Each of the teams have differing goals and are at different stages in their development. The U23 Nations Cup Team will start their campaign for World Championship qualification and this period marks an instense three weeks of racing for them. Rás Mumhan will see a development team where our youngest U23 riders can gain valuable experience under an experienced tutor like David McCann.”



The racing takes place over the Easter Weekend, from the 25-28 March.


Gorey 3 Day 26-28TH MARCH


Junior Team:


Jake Gray

Luke Smith

Marc Heaney

Robert O’Leary

Tom Knight

Xeno Young


Manager – Frank O’Leary


Gent Wevelgem Nations Cup U23 Team:


Eddie Dunbar

Michael O’Loughlin

Sean McKenna

Matthew Teggart

David Montgomery

Angus Fyffe


Manager – Neil Martin


Rás Mumhan Team:


Ian Richardson

Fintan Ryan

Craig McAuley

Darragh O’Mahony

Chris McGlinchey


Manager – David McCann