Thousands expected at Cyclocross champions in Cavan
Thousands of riders, families, mechanics and fans will converge on Castle Saunderson this coming weekend for the National Cyclocross Championships. But for organisers, the goal goes beyond crowning champions - they hope the event can strengthen the case for major future investment in cycle sport locally.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” admits Enda Baker of Breffni Wheelers Cycling Club, who have previously used the forest venue to host rounds of the Ulster Cyclocross Series between 2022 and 2024. This year’s Castle CX showcase (Saturday and Sunday, January 10–11) however is the biggest event yet, bringing the season to a close and playing a key role in Irish selection for major international championships.
“This is effectively the biggest race of the Irish cyclocross season and one of the most important dates in the calendar,” says Enda. “It’s the end-of-year showpiece- a real tip of the hat to the sport. For us as a club, it’s brilliant to be able to bring that to Cavan.”
Tape, tyres and titles
Saturday’s racing focuses on both the future and the veterans, with youth categories from U8 through to U16, alongside Masters 50 and Masters 60 championship races.
Sunday delivers the heavyweight action, with Masters 40 men, junior men, senior–junior women, masters women and senior men all taking to the course. It’s a full slate of racing that will test riders’ skill, grit and winter legs.
Local riders to watch include 2025 U14 National Cyclocross Champion Ava Baker from Butlersbridge, along with her brother Nathan, who has already notched up wins in Emyvale and Belfast. Brothers Charlie Lord (U14 winner in Navan) and Billy Lord also feature prominently. Billy made headlines in 2025 after cycling 123km from Dublin’s Beacon Hospital to Cuan Cancer Care in Cavan, accompanied by his father John, in honour of his mother, Stephanie.
Other Cavan competitors to keep an eye on include Enda Baker, John Lord, Peter Gallagher and James Dourneed. From Monaghan, riders pushing for podium places in their respective categories are Declan McEntee, Dara McKenna, Barry Cassidy and Niall Murphy.
“We’re expecting around 330 participants,” explains Enda. “When you factor in families, supporters, team crews and volunteers, we could see 800 people or more on site across the weekend. This is very much a club-led event, and we’ve been delighted with how past races have gone. A huge amount of work goes into staging something like this, and it doesn’t get any bigger than the National Championships.”
Enda also credits the support of Cavan County Council, Coillte, Scouting Ireland and Cycling Ireland, along with local sponsors Total Scaffolding, Total Solutions, Channel and Plant Hire, Kent Homes (K&T) and Alan Traynor Engineers — with Alan himself a former chair of Breffni Wheelers.
Venue built for ‘Cross
Enda believes Castle Saunderson’s growing reputation as a premier off-road venue makes it a natural home for the National Cyclocross Championships - and hopes this weekend’s showcase will open more eyes to the site’s untapped potential.
“From a national perspective, it’s right up there with the best,” he enthuses. “The accessibility, the grounds themselves, the potential that’s here, and the facilities at the Scout Centre- it all stacks up.”
But ambitions extend well beyond the finish line. While this may not be the starting point, Enda hopes the championships can be a decisive final lap in convincing stakeholders that Castle Saunderson can become something much bigger.
“This is about showing what’s possible,” he explains. “The land and facilities here offer massive potential for off-road cycling - a safe alternative to the roads and a real opportunity for youth development and growing interest in the sport.”
He points to examples such as Mullaghmeen in Westmeath and the purpose-built trail networks in Sligo and Wicklow.
“That’s the next step for us,” Enda says. “Ideally, we’d like to see a long-term plan for Castle Saunderson, where cycling is properly incorporated - and hopefully the funding to make that vision a reality.”