29/08/2026
This year’s Savills Orwell Monday Night Youth Racing series was another cracking edition, for once run (mostly) in summer sunshine and not deluges of rain and thunderstorms. Hosted by Orwell Wheelers and generously supported by Savills and Joe Daly Cycles, Monday Night Racing remains one of the highlights of the youth cycling calendar, running from April through to August each year and giving young riders a safe, fun and competitive environment in which to develop their racing skills weekly. Over 60 riders took part across 15 weeks of racing, with riders ranging from 6 to 16.
There were some new advances on the results front, with Brian’s AI-assisted efforts to make the results-taking entirely automated largely successful. Perhaps next year, drones will fly overhead and fulfil the results taking, be the commissaire, give push starts, manage the handicapping, offer rider encouragement and chase errant rollerbladers off the track and the organisers will have nothing to do at all! An organiser can dream…
As ever, the racing saw great competition, huge improvements from many and plenty of friendships blossom over the summer weeks. While the podium finishers get a well-earned mention below, they were only part of the story. Many riders showed enormous progress over the course of the summer, whether that meant moving up through the field, gaining confidence in the bunch or simply discovering a love of racing.
In the U10s, Ollie O’Sullivan came out on top, but was run close all year by Naoise Cunningham. Padraig Marshal finished a deserving third, while Isabel Lopez was the leading girl.
U12 was a deep category and among the boys Ben Cunningham, Ruben Otto, Jaxon Jennings and Conor Whelan pushed each other on all year. In the end it was Conor Whelan who amassed the most points over the 15 weeks to win, with Jaxon edging out Ben and Ruben a fast-finishing fourth. Polly Bates took a tight win from Molly Turner among the girls with Bailey Carr claiming third place. New to the sport this year, Bailey gave every race her best effort and steadily grew in confidence over the course of the series. Polly was one of the riders to show considerable improvement over the course of the season and was a worthy winner for her consistency. Molly Turner’s appearances were more sporadic, but when she came she burned like a firecracker, mixing it with the best of the lads and often beating them.
William Hance made a late burst for the podium in the U14s but couldn’t quite reel in an impressive Jake Govan or the irrepressible Ashton Foley-Doran, whose willingness to attack every race never let up all summer. It was a deep and competitive field of girls in the U14s and while they all got on terrifically off the bike, once the flag dropped no quarter was given. Eleanor Refferty, another to make huge strides this season, edged out a quality field for the last podium spot, with Sophia Woods taking an impressive second. But there was no stopping Vicky Sevastopulo, who won by 100 points. An aggressive and dynamic racer, following in the footsteps of her powerhouse sprinting brothers, she was the class act in the field.
The U16s was a sparser field, but huge credit to the gutsy Chloe Moran, who was far and away the biggest points-getter among the age group. Caoimhe Marshall was the second girl and among the boys Aaron Foley-Doran was a clear winner.
Also on the night, the Noel O'Neill Trophy for 2026 was awarded to Vicky Sevastopulo. Presented each year to a rider who best embodies the spirit of Monday Night Racing, the trophy recognises qualities that go beyond race results alone. Vicky's fearless racing style, willingness to take a chance and infectious enthusiasm made her a popular and deserving winner. She received the trophy from last year's winner, Ashton Foley-Doran.
Let’s hope for another heatwave next year and that the riders keep coming down for what continues to be a great facility for children to learn the art of bike racing and have some fun in the process.
The season concluded with one final showdown as organisers Brian Crinion and Shane Murphy lined up on their daughters' bikes for a winner-takes-all exhibition race. Brian emerged a clear victor, although Shane was adamant the result was influenced by a highly questionable gearing advantage. With no commissaire present to hear his protest, his appeals fell on deaf ears and Brian's victory remains recorded in the history books. Whether Shane returns to seek revenge in 2027 remains to be seen.
Finally, a huge thank you to all the parents, supporters and volunteers who helped make another successful season possible. Week after week, people gave their time, encouraged riders, cheered from the sidelines and contributed to the fantastic atmosphere that makes Monday Night Racing so special. Youth cycling is very much a community effort, and the series simply wouldn't be possible without your support. Thank you for everything you do.
If this report has inspired any young riders (U8 to U16) to give bike racing a try, Orwell Wheelers is always delighted to welcome new youth members. Whether your ambition is to race, improve your bike handling skills or simply enjoy riding with friends, there is a place for everyone. Contact [email protected]
We'll be sharing plenty more photos and profiling some of the riders from this year's series over the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye on the website and social media channels.
See you all next year!
Any prizewinners not there on the night can arrange to collect their prize by contacting: [email protected]
24/08/2026
24/08/2026
21/08/2026
21/08/2026
17/08/2026
13/08/2026
12/08/2026