It’s Grand Prix Time For Lakeside Wheelers
6/28/20263 min read
Next Sunday, July 5th will be another extremely busy day for the club’s race organisation committee as the focus turns to the 2026 Mullingar GP.
Lakeside Wheelers has been promoting this race for several years and it is currently one of the best events on the domestic racing calendar. It retains its status in the Cycling Ireland National Grade series of races and will be round 12 of this year’s competition. The GP will be held on the usual 34km circuit that runs from Multyfarnham to Crookedwood, Castlepollard, Coole and back to Multyfarnham via the bog road. It has become a favourite with racers over recent years as it is a true test with a great mix of undulating roads through Crookedwood, plenty of flat roads through Castlepollard and then the finishing kilometres are almost always into a headwind across the bog from Coole which makes it a very hard race overall.
Racing starts at 10.00am and depending on category, the competing riders will face into varying distances with the four races scheduled to get underway on the circuit simultaneously by 10.15am. First off will be the C1 event which will be fought out over four laps (136km) followed very closely by the C2’s who will do three laps (1102km) then the C3’s and Ladies races will both complete two laps (68km) and hopefully by 3.00pm the 2026 winner of the Mullingar GP will be known.
A race of this standard cannot be held without the help and co-operation of many agencies. Race organisers are indebted to Westmeath Co. Council, Mullingar Gardai, First Aid services, the Moto marshalls, Multyfarnham Community Centre, the people of Multyfarnham, the riders who travel from far and wide to race in Multyfarnham, Cycling Ireland, and of course, the members of Lakeside Wheelers who, without fail, turn up every year to ensure the course is marshalled and the race is safe.
So, if you are not involved in the running of the race why not come out to the beautiful surroundings of Multyfarnham village next Sunday and witness a great sporting spectacle with some of Ireland’s top cyclists in action. Club members are reminded that there will be no official club spins on the day of the GP and all help will be much appreciated. If you have not already been assigned a role and you are available to help out please contact Shay O’Toole or Jack Nugent.
Don’t forget the post race BBQ which will be held in The Chambers Bar on Mount Street on the evening of the race. This annual social event is open to all members of Lakeside Wheelers so we will see you there from 7.30pm onwards.
Sprocket Rocket
The Sprocket Rocket programme is still ongoing in the grounds of Belvedere House and Gardens every Monday evening from 6.30pm. So far this year it has attracted record numbers of kids who are being tutored in the basic skills of cycling by the fabulous Lakeside Wheelers members more commonly known as Rocket Leaders. Sprocket Rocket will run for another seven weeks. See photos attached for a flavour of this wonderful volunteer led initiative.
Sportives
Club members are participating in sportives across the country each and every week. The Tour of the Burren was one which attracted a big crew in recent weeks and there are lots more to follow. Heartland Wheelers are promoting the Tour of Longford on Sunday, September 12th. The committee has selected the Lynx Cycling Club sportive on Sunday, September 27th as the nominated sportive for 2026 which means the club will pay the entry fee for any member who participates. Please keep an eye on all club WhatsApp and Email notifications in the coming weeks for more information.
