A Look Back at 2025 – National Events
In the sixth part in the ‘A Look Back at 2025’ series, we review the national events calendar in 2025. National Events across all disciplines provide elite competition for some of Ireland’s best cyclists and for many, act as a stepping stone for those going on to compete on the international stage.
Over 550 event applications were submitted to Cycling Ireland with 505 events being approved for 2025. 272 of these events were competitive events and 233 were leisure.
National Championships across various disciplines once again proved the pinnacle of calendar with 184 National Champions crowned throughout the year.
National Series
Once again National Series events took place across various disciplines in 2025. A new extended format with 11 rounds in the Para-cycling National Series proved popular.
The BMX National Series kicked off in April with two back-to-back rounds in Lisburn, it then moved to Ratoath, Lucan and Courtown for a round each. The series finished up in September with two rounds in Cork.
The Cyclo-cross National Series once again attracted high entries across all age groups. Equally as popular was the Downhill National Series, which increased to four rounds in 2025. Ravensdale was due to host the additional leg but was unrideable due to storm damage so two rounds took place in Bree.
Gravel Events
2025 saw the official introduction of Gravel Events to the Cycling Ireland calendar, following initial trial demonstration events in 2024.
Cycling Ireland reached an agreement with Coillte to allow Gravel Cycling Events on Coillte’s forest road network. 2025 saw the successful first phase execution of these events by our Clubs and Approved Promoters during the second half of 2025.
A total number of seven gravel events took place, attracting cyclists from around Ireland. This growing discipline is proving popular and Cycling Ireland is planning the roll out of phase 2 of the scheme.
Phase 2 will take place in 2026 and will be used to further test and improve the application process that leads to successful events that promote both organisations including:
- Building a sustainable model for future Gravel Cycling events in Ireland.
- Offer high-quality gravel riding experiences for Cycling Ireland members.
- Be managed in a sustainable manner that considers other recreational users and Coillte objectives, including management of forest operations, biodiversity and reaction infrastructure.
- Support local Cycling Clubs and Cycling Ireland members across the country.
Speaking about the year, Paul Watson, Sport and Operations Director said:
“It has been fantastic to see the National interest in Gravel Events grow in 2025 like we are seeing all over the world. The agreement we have made with Coillte has been a game changer for us opening up their substantial estate has been amazing. We have more applications already for 2026, and look forward to seeing Gravel continue to flourish.”
Road Racing
Following the review of road racing at the end of 2024, significant changes and improvements were implemented. The changes included setting up three competitive categories, and a three-tiered race system – National Grade, Regional Grade and Local Racing.
There was an overall 8% increase in entries at National Grade level. The Sliabh Luachra Classic saw the biggest increased in entries, up 69% on 2024.
Entries for National Grade races in Munster, Connacht and Ulster all rose in 2025, while there was a slight decline in entries for National Grade races in Leinster.
There were seven stage races in 2025, attracting large entries of both national and international teams.
2025 saw a significant reduction in the number of race cancellations, just four races were cancelled in 2025 versus 22 in 2024.
Read More
A Look Back At 2025 - Para-cycling
A Look Back At 2025 – Off-road
Road National Championships – Saturday
Road National Championships – Sunday
Criterium National Championships
Cyclo-cross National Championships