GALLERY Ulster Hill Climb Championships
Slieve Rushen provided a dramatic backdrop for the 2026 Ulster Hill Climb Championships recently, with the event hosted in the Cavan/Fermanagh area for the first time.
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Michael Corrid, 72 years’ young competitor with Karen Hull. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 2 of 11
Ulster Hill Climb Championship Race Director Gary O’Donnell. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 3 of 11
A cyclist gets the legs moving on the warm up bike ahead of the Ulster Hill Climb Championship. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 4 of 11
Alex Lowry of Smugglers Cycling Club prepares for the Ulster Hill Climb Championships dressed for the challenging weather conditions. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 5 of 11
Competitors relax and enjoy some well-earned refreshments in Market House, Ballyconnell, followiing the Ulster Hill Climb Championship.PHOTOS: ISABEL DUGGAN ROFÉ ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 6 of 11
Frankie Freehill, Robbie Tosh with Michael Gilmartin keeping them sheltered from the rain before the start of the Ulster Hill Climb Championship at Mannok’s Derrylin Plant. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 7 of 11
Gerry Brady and Alex Lowry of Smugglers Cycling Club. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 8 of 11
Imelda Rose Gartland of Smugglers Cycling Club gives the camera a smile as she pedals her way uphill during the Ulster Hill Climb Championship. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 9 of 11
Jim Doyle tackles the upward climb. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEImage 10 of 11
Race Director Gary O’Donnell; Alan Watson, third; John Madden, winner; Robbie Bryson, second, with Claire Young, chairperson of Cycling Ulster.Image 11 of 11
Stewards Darren Brown and Kevin Brady. ISABEL DUGGAN ROFEOrganised by Smugglers Cycling Club, the championship saw competitors tackle a gruelling 3.2km climb on Mannok's private road at its Derrylin Cement plant, providing a unique traffic free course.
Rain added to the challenge, as cyclists battled their way up the demanding slopes of Slieve Rushen Mountain.
Event Director Gary O'Donnell was instrumental in bringing the championship to the area, with Smugglers Cycling Club and its team of volunteers putting in a huge effort behind the scenes to deliver the event.
The landmark event showcased Slieve Rushen and the Cavan / Fermanagh area to cyclists from across Ulster and proved a memorable day.