Dean Harvey claimed his fourth consecutive national cyclo-cross title - Photo credit: Toby Watson

Dean Harvey Claims Fourth Consecutive Cyclo-cross National Championship

Castle Saunderson, Co Cavan provided an excellent backdrop for the first National Championships of 2026.

Over 300 riders took part in the Cyclo-cross National Championships, which took place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of January at the Co Cavan location, hosted by local club Breffni Wheelers.

Harvey Retains National Champions Jersey

In what was the final race of the weekend, Dean Harvey, riding for McConvey Cycles, set out to make it four from four consecutive national titles. Conditions around the purpose built track which included steps, tricky technical sections and a purpose built bridge, were at the worst for the Men’s race and he faced tough competition, notably from Chris Dawson of Dawson Racing.

With two laps to go and the rain starting to come down once again, Dawson had Harvey in his sights as he continued to narrow the gap to the reigning champion. Harvey’s experience shown through as he maintained his lead into the final lap and across the finish line.

Caldwell Powerhouse Racing’s Darnell Moore completed the podium and Travis Harkness for Lyon Sprint Evolution was the highest placed Under 23 rider.

Speaking afterwards Harvey said:

“It was a tough race. Conditions and the course made it really heavy. It was hard from the start. A close race as well with Chris, I was always on my limit from start to finish.”

Comparing today’s victory to that of previous years he added:

“I think today is definitely the toughest I’ve had, I sort of knew it was going to be like that. The course is not really the best for me. I was bit out of my comfort zone, I prefer a bit more fast stuff. I’m happy I knew it was possible so it’s good to get it done.”

Victory for Whiteside

The women’s race included three categories – Senior Women, Junior Women and Masters Women.

Riding for Simpson Nouvelles, Freya Whiteside dictated the race from early on. In what was described as a masterclass Whiteside seemed unphased by the conditions and technical track. The result never looked in doubt as she comfortably came home ahead of her rivals.

It may have been her first year as a Senior but Greta Lawless looked very much at home and put in a strong performance to finish second for Dawson Racing. Despite a good performance, last year’s champion Esther Wong had to settle for third.

Reflecting on the race Whiteside said:

“It was brutal, I think I had not an ideal start – I missed my pedal. The start straight was quite long so I managed to move myself up into second. And then Esther made a small mistake within the first couple of minutes and I just went straight past her.

“I held the gap from there, I didn’t really expect to go from the start. I expected it to be more tactical but it was a very hard race. Going from the very start, doing the best I could was all I could do. It was so much fun!”

Jean Wilson successfully defended her Master’s title for EPIC MTB, with Aishling O’Connor (Orwell Wheelers) and Helen White (Stamullen RC) completely the podium.

Following a competitive season in the Cyclo-cross National Series Ffion Dolan was the highest place Junior rider for TC Racing with a strong performance around the Co Cavan venue.

Killeen Claims Junior Title

Fionn Killeen flew somewhat under the radar in the run up to the championships, but he certainly made his presence known in the Junior Men’s Race. Following a bright morning forecasted rain began during the race, making for challenging conditions.

This did not hamper Killeen who claimed his place at the front of the race. Reigning champion Ryan Daly, riding for Scott Racing IRL, kept the pressure on Killeen but failed to bridge the gap.

It was a successful day for Kilcullen Cycling Club, with Killeen topping the podium and Conor Regan in third.

Talking about how the race played out Killeen reflected:

“I just went out at the start and got a gap in the first lap and I just kept going, trying to keep going with it for the whole race. I did that so it was good.”

“The course was good, it was slippery and muddy, and you could run a few sections, so it was good. It was technical.”

Cycling Ireland National Cyclo-Cross Championships 2026 - Day 2
Hosted by: Breffni Wheelers, Venue: Castle Saunderson, County Cavan
Date: Sunday 11 January 2026

RESULTS SUMMARY

Senior
1 HARVEY, Dean McConvey Cycles 1:00:35
2 DAWSON, Christopher Dawson Racing 1:00:58
3 MOORE, Darnell Caldwell Powerhouse Racing 1:02:26
4 MONTGOMERY, David Spellman-Dublin Port 1:03:34
5 BOYD, Graham McConvey Cycles 1:04:22

Senior U23
1 HARKNESS, Travis Lyon Sprint Evolution 1:04:30

Senior Women
1 WHITESIDE, Freya Simpson Nouvelles 46:58
2 LAWLESS, Greta Dawson Racing 47:58
3 WONG, Esther Spectra Racing 49:11

Junior Women
1 DOLAN, Ffion TC Racing -1 lap (Junior)

Junior men
1 KILLEEN, Fionn Kilcullen Cycling Club Murphy Geospacial 40:01
2 DALY, Ryan Scott Racing IRL 41:03
3 REGAN, Conor Kilcullen Cycling Club Murphy Geospacial 41:18

M. women
1 WILSON, Jean EPIC MTB 45:26
2 O'CONNOR, Aishling Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club 46:08
3 WHITE, Helen Stamullen RC 50:52

M40
1 KINNING, Glenn Un-Attached Ulster 51:50
2 McCARTER, Darragh Caldwell Powerhouse Racing 52:13
3 O'FLYNN, Ronan Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club 52:40

Full results links

DAY 1 - click here

DAY 2 - click here