The Irish cycling season is gaining momentum, and this weekend, all eyes turn to Knocknagree, Co Cork, where the Sliabh Luachra Clasacai promises a thrilling day of racing. Already earning recognition from the cycling bible Sticky Bottle, the event is shaping up as one of the standout early-season fixtures, drawing riders from across Munster and beyond.
Promoted by Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, the Clasacai features four competitive races to suit all levels: the C1 Denis Sheehan Cup, C2 Willie Reen Cup, C3 John Fleming Cup, and a women’s race under the Sliabh Luachra banner. As Munster’s first national grade event of 2026, all races are chip-timed, ensuring accurate results for every rider. Registration is open until midnight this Friday, with no late entries accepted, so competitors are urged to secure their spot promptly.
Not far away, the racing action continues in Blarney, where the Donal Crowley and Kay Stratton Memorials, organised by Blarney Cycling Club, remain among the most prestigious races in Munster. These National Grade events for C1, C2, and C3-women offer riders the chance to measure themselves against strong competition, making it a key weekend in the Munster cycling calendar.
Cycling activity across the region continues to grow, with Kanturk Cycling Club also preparing for a busy year ahead. The club will host youth track racing this April and will welcome riders from across the country in August for the National Youth Track Championships. May will also be a major month locally, with the famous Rás Tailteann set to finish in nearby Banteer, while the club’s annual Kanturk Three-Day Festival of Cycling, catering for both adults and youth riders, will take place over the May bank holiday weekend.
With Knocknagree taking centre stage, Blarney providing another highlight, and Kanturk gearing up for a packed programme of events in the months ahead, the early 2026 season is already delivering top-class racing for both local enthusiasts and visiting competitors