Cycling Ireland has named the para-cycling athletes who will represent Ireland at two upcoming UCI Para-cycling Road World Cups. Riders will begin their campaign in Belgium from 28 April to 1 May, before travelling to Italy from 7 to 10 May.
Both events will feature a strong Irish contingent competing across Road Race and Time Trial events, including reigning World and Paralympic Champion Katie-George Dunlevy, piloted by Linda Kelly. These Road World Cups mark the beginning of the qualification process for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
In addition to Ireland’s elite athletes, a number of riders from the Development squad will also compete, reflecting the continued growth of para-cycling in Ireland. These World Cups represent an important early-season opportunity as athletes build towards a busy and competitive year.
Speaking ahead of the events, Cycling Ireland National Para-cycling Coach Jamie Blanchfield said:
“We’re pleased to announce the team for the upcoming World Cups, which mark the first phase of qualification for the next Paralympic Games. It’s an important step in the new cycle, providing an early opportunity to benchmark ourselves internationally and continue building momentum for the year ahead.”
Para-cycling Development Coach Marcin Mizgajski added:
“For the Development riders, this selection reflects both their progress and the environment we’ve worked to build. Competing at World Cup level is an important step in their progression, and it’s great to see that pathway in action on the international stage.
“Sending this team to Belgium and Italy is a significant milestone in the development programme. It shows the progress made over the past two years and reinforces the value of investing in athletes over the long term. While the focus is on competition, it’s also an opportunity to continue learning and building for the future.”
UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup – Gistel, Belgium
Elite Team
Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly (WB)
Damien Vereker and Mitchell McLaughlin (MB)
Richael Timothy (WC3)
Development Team
Steven McGowan (MH3)
Allister McSorley (MH4)
Cormac O’Callaghan (MC1)
Heather Jameson (WC2)
Ciaran O’Toole and Conal Scully (MB)
Sinead Greenan and Alice Sharpe (WB)
UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup – Abruzzo, Italy
Elite Team
Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly (WB)
Damien Vereker and Mitchell McLaughlin (MB)
Richael Timothy (WC3)
Development Team
Ciaran O’Toole and Richard Barry (MB)
Jessica Kennedy and Alice Sharpe (WB)
Cormac O’Callaghan (MC1)
Allister McSorley (MH4)
Stephen McGowan (MH3)
Following the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cups, a number of Development Squad riders will compete at the Hetman Stage Race in Poland from 14 to 17 May.
Hetman Stage Race – Poland (Development Team)
Ciaran O’Toole and Conor Coleman (MB)
Ben Cussen and Richard Barry (MB)
Sinead Greenan and Claire Ní Reachtagáin (WB)
Cormac O’Callaghan (MC1)
Allister McSorley (MH4)
Heather Jameson (WC2)
