Eng. Annaclone GP will once again host the opening road race of the Irish cycle racing calendar for 2026 on Saturday 28th February. Often cited and used as an indicator of what the riders have prepared adequately for a successful season, but it is an event that also has a habit of discovering talent that can cause upset to seasoned performers.

In 2025, the flagship race catering to C1 and C2, seasoned international rider Mitchel McLaughlin of the UK-based Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team took victory ahead of former internationals Kevin McCambridge and Bryan McCrystal. In the C3 Support race young sensation Curtis McKee made headlines with a dominant debut win. Banbridge CC rider John Ervine led the pack home ahead of Killinchy CC’s Richard Topping.

As in previous years, 2 races will be hosted by Banbridge CC on the day. The main feature race will follow tradition and offer riders a sports handicap over 6 laps of the Rolling Co Down handicap circuit for a total race distance of approx. 50 miles / 80 km, with the winner awarded the Eddie Sands Memorial Cup. This race will welcome categories C+, C1 & C2.

The support race will cover 4 laps of the same course giving a total distance of approx. 32 miles / 51 km. In addition to the Eddie Sands Memorial Cup for the feature race winner, the support race winner will be awarded the Travers Cup. The support race will welcome C3 category riders.

The event is classified as Regional B grade under Cycling Ireland’s revised event classification structure, offering points to the top 8 riders in both races. The usual circuit starting from the Hawthorn Inn will be used, while Richies Bridge before the sharp left through Annaclone Village, Mays Corner and Katesbridge before returning to the Hawthorn Inn via Ardbrin Rd. A detailed course profile can be found here.

Entry to the 2026 edition of the Travers Eng. Annaclone GP will open via Eventmaster on Thursday 12 February at 12:00. The event is strictly pre-entry only, with entry closing at 21:00 on Thursday 26 February.