Jack Conroy, Velo Performance U23 Development Team, underlined his growing pedigree on the Belgian kermesse scene with an excellent second place in Ichtegem Wednesday 7th October 2026.
The Velo Performance Racing Team rider finished second overall in the 113.4 km Elite2/U23 race, just two seconds behind winner Mathias Vanoverberghe, Wielerteam Decock-Mannavital-Van Mossel, winning the sprint from a group of 11 riders. Conroy also claimed the U23 category victory in a high-quality field that averaged a rapid 45.55 km/h.
High-Calibre Field
The result carries extra weight given the strength of the opposition. Winner Mathias Vanoverberghe is one of the most consistent and successful riders on the Elite2 circuit, with a long list of victories and a reputation as a tactical mastermind in the Flemish races.
Experienced campaigners filled the top places, including third-placed Cédric Defreyne, Shifting Gears, Sven Noels, Wielerteam Decock – Mannavital – Van Mossel, Kenneth Verstegen, Dovy Keukens – FCC, and several other seasoned Belgian Elite2 riders.
Building on Earlier Success
The Ichtegem podium follows Conroy’s breakthrough victory at the Moorslede Criterium in August and a series of consistent top-10 and top-20 finishes across the Flanders kermesse circuit.
His ability to repeatedly feature at the sharp end of races against experienced local riders highlights the value of the Belgian apprenticeship for young Irish talent.
Future is looking very promising. we’ll keep grinding over the winter with @paceoncoaching and see what happens in 2027 🙂
– Jack Conroy, Velo Performance U23 Development Team
As the 2026 season draws to a close, results such as this second place in Ichtegem confirm that Conroy is adapting well to the intensity, tactics and relentless nature of racing in Flanders.
This podium already stands as another marker in his encouraging 2026 Belgian chapter.
Ardfhear.
