Finishing 3^rd overall in the Ras na nOg was a huge confidence booster for me after crashing and breaking my collarbone last winter. Seeing the trophies was a delight on the final day and made me look forward to the presentation. As I stood on the podium on the final day, I felt so proud as it was my first time and I was so delighted to come home with my trophies and so many amazing memories.

14 Orwell Wheelers youths were in Bellewstown for Rás na nÓg, the start of the youth racing season. Super racing, great fun and some strong results for our super boys and girls. Here's Aideen's full race report.

2022 has been a hugely successful year for our youth section. Orwell Wheelers currently have 86 youth members (26 girls and 60 boys), and the massive growth in family cycling during the Covid pandemic is clear in the large number of U8 and U10 in this mix.

We were back to a full set of National Championships after two COVID-impacted years. There were two days of racing, over three different disciplines, in Hamiltonsbawn, Co Armagh, hosted by Orchard CC. Orwell Wheelers had 17 riders taking part, and had someone in almost every single race. I got to drive neutral service in the road races, so got to see a good bit of the action, and nearly every race was tough, fast and fair.