Para Development Squad to Take on French Stage Race

Cycling Ireland’s Para-cycling Development Squad will once again be in stage race action at the end of August.

A team of three tandems, two hand bikes and one solo bike will make the trip to France to race in the Challenge Breton, a four-stage race held from August 25th to 31st.

The athletes attending have all continued to gather international experience throughout 2025, including a strong showing for several of this squad at the Hetman Stage Race in Lublin, Poland.

Solo bike:
Heather Jameson

Tandems:
Jessica Kennedy and Shauna Finn
Ciaran O’Toole and Alan Lyne
Ben Cussen and Richard Barry

Hand bikes:
Steven McGowan
Allister McSorley

This will be the fourth edition of this race, and the largest Irish squad to date.

Para-cycling Development Coach Marcin Mizgajski said: “Challenge Breton is a key milestone in our development pathway, and I’m proud to be bringing our largest squad yet. With a mix of returning athletes and first-time racers—across hand bikes, tandems, and a solo bike—this race offers vital international experience. It’s an exciting step for these riders as they build toward elite competition and, ultimately, the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. Our dedicated support team, including a mechanic and physiotherapist, ensures the athletes can perform at their best and continue progressing on this journey.”

More information on the event, including tech guide for all stages, is available here
available here.

Team Announced for Para-cycling Road World Championships

Issued: 15th July 2025
Cycling Ireland is pleased to announce the riders traveling to the upcoming UCI Para cycling Road World Championships in Belgium.

Reigning World Champions Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly will attempt to defend their title on the tandem. The pair won both a Paralympic gold and a World Championship in what was a landmark year in 2024, in addition to a World Championship won in 2023. Dunlevy has previously won world titles with pilot Eve McCrystal, and transitioned seamlessly into her partnership with Kelly.

Damien Vereker and Mitchell McLaughlin will ride together again at this World Championships. The pair also rode in last year's Paralympic Games in Paris.

The final Paris Paralympian making the trip to Belgium for this event is Richael Timothy, riding in the WC3 class.

Cormac O’Callaghan will return to World Championship action, having previously ridden in Scotland in 2023, and will ride the MC1 class.

Para-cycling Coach Jamie Blanchfield said: “We're proud to announce a strong and focused team for the upcoming World Championships in Ronse, Belgium. With a blend of experienced riders and emerging talent, this group reflects the hard work and commitment across the programme during a year of refocusing and rebuilding following the Paris Paralympic Games. After some strong performances at recent World Cups, we're excited to see this team build on that momentum and continue progressing on the world stage.”

The championships take place from August 28th-31st, for more information - click here