You may have already seen the news at cyclingireland.ie, but Orwell Wheelers are proud to announce that we will be hosting the National Championships for 2016.

Cycling Ireland are delighted to announce that Dublin based cycling club Orwell Wheelers has been successful in its bid to host the National Road Race Championships from 23-26 June. The former club of Stephen Roche will use the Phoenix Park as a focal point for the championships, it being the planned location for the start and finish area, subject to licence. Orwell Wheelers is one of Ireland’s largest cycling clubs, along with being one of the most progressive, and having recently received sponsorship from Scott Bicycles, the club promises an exciting weekend of racing, which will incorporate the National Time Trial Championships, the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s Road Race Championships and the Masters Road Race Championships.

The National Road Championships are hosted by Cycling Ireland clubs every year, with the location being rotated between the four provinces. While the 2016 Championships were initially to be hosted by Clonmel CC, the Munster club who also held them in 2012 were forced to withdraw their application earlier this year, leaving way for new applications to be received. Orwell Wheelers were successful in securing the prestigious event. They have hosted many National Championships over the past 70 years, most recent of which was the very successful 2009 Criterium Championships held on the Meadowmount circuit in Dundrum.

Denis Gleeson, President of Orwell Wheelers said “It is a great honour for our club to be chosen to host the 2016 National Road Championships, particularly since it will be based in our heartland of Dublin City and the Phoenix Park. Our club, while only founded in 1948, boasts of having one of the first English speaking winners of the Tour de France. We have produced many national champions, a number of whom are still active members, and we are proud to be one of the largest and most active cycling clubs in the country. Come June we hope to see many of our racing friends from around the country and those travelling from abroad. We want this to be a special event. Safe journey.”

Orwell Wheelers Race Director and Event Organiser Stephen O'Shea added “I raced in the past in the Phoenix Park and loved the atmosphere associated with this unique location. I am honoured by my club Orwell Wheelers to represent them as their race organiser. Taking up the task of putting together a spectacular Championships this year will be challenging! However, I am comforted knowing that the club’s many members are supportive of the event and I thank them in advance. I wish to thank Ciaran McKenna, President of Cycling Ireland, for his commitment over the last few difficult months and in the coming weeks ahead. The OPW park officials have been most helpful and are satisfied with the progress to date. So all going well see you all in the Park in June.”

The National Championships take place from Thursday 23rd June – Sunday 26th June in Dublin.