Paralympic champion Linda Kelly secured a podium finish at the 2026 Cycling Ireland Criterium National Championships, taking third place in the women’s race at Grand Canal Dock in Dublin.
Kelly, who competes internationally as a tandem pilot for Ireland, lined out in the national criterium event as part of a strong women’s field. The race took place on a fast and technical circuit around Dublin Docklands, with wet conditions adding further difficulty for riders.
The women’s title was won by first year junior Emer Heverin, who claimed victory in a sprint finish ahead of defending champion Aine Doherty, with Kelly completing the podium in third place.
The National Criterium Championships formed part of Bike Fest, a wider day of cycling activity held in the city during Bike Week 2026. The event brought elite racing into the heart of Dublin, with riders competing on a short circuit around the Grand Canal Dock area.
Kelly’s result adds to a strong period of racing for the Wexford cyclist, who is best known in Para cycling as pilot to Katie-George Dunlevy. The pair won gold in the Women’s B Individual Time Trial and silver in the Women’s B Road Race at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Kelly has also previously represented Ireland as pilot to Josephine Healion, with the pair winning bronze at the 2022 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.
Her third place finish in Dublin marks another strong domestic result as she continues to compete across both national racing and Ireland’s Para cycling programme.
