Jack Conroy, Velo Performance U23 Development Team, produced a transformative 2026 season packed with domestic victories, a home-turf podium and a highly productive Belgian kermesse campaign that confirmed his rapid progress.
At 22 the Wicklow rider accumulated more than 8,500 kilometres of racing, a workload that placed him among Ireland’s most active competitors and close to the mileage of several established professionals.
His year mixed sharp early-season form at home, a first appearance in the Irish national jersey at the 2026 Rás Tailteann, and a sustained late-season presence on the demanding Flanders kermesse circuit.
Key Results and Consistency
Conroy’s 2026 results underline a rider who repeatedly featured at the sharp end:
- 1st – Bobby Power Memorial
- 1st – Alan Towell Memorial
- 1st – Moorslede Criterium (Belgium)
- 2nd – Shay Elliott Memorial
- 2nd – Ichtegem (plus U23 category win)
- 3rd – Des Hanlon Memorial
- 4th – Coombes Connor Memorial
- 4th – Stephen Roche GP
- 5th – McGinty Autumn Classic
- 5th – Westkerke-Oudenburg
- 5th – Cycleways Kermesse
- 14th – Irish National Elite Men’s Road Race
These performances delivered the points total that secured 13th place on the final C1 rankings and earned him a place on the 2026 Paudie Fitzgerald ‘Mol an Óige’ Award shortlist.
Early Momentum and Domestic Highlights
The season began with an emphatic statement at the Bobby Power Memorial. Conroy forced the pace early, then launched a decisive solo move roughly 20 kilometres from the finish into a fierce headwind. He held the gap to the finish for a clear victory.
That early success was followed by another win at the Alan Towell Memorial and a series of strong placings. At the Coombes Connor Memorial he finished fourth after a high-speed race averaging around 46 km/h, attacking late and then contesting the sprint.
Looked behind and saw a huge gap so said I’d better commit now… and got the win.
– Jack Conroy, Velo Performance U23 Development Team, after the 2026 Bobby Power Memorial
Home roads brought further reward at the Shay Elliott Memorial. Conroy finished second behind Conn McDunphy after the team had helped shape the break. On the final lap he could not quite match McDunphy’s move but still produced a strong finish in front of the local crowd.
I just put the head down and gave it everything. Got second.
home race so it was good to get that in front of the home crowd.”
– Jack Conroy, after his 2nd at the 2026 Shay Elliott Memorial
Irish Jersey Debut at Rás Tailteann
Conroy received his first senior international call-up for the Rás Tailteann. Riding in the service of team leader Liam Crowley, who claimed the King of the Mountains jersey, he completed the five-day race and finished 68th overall.
On Stage 1 from Portlaoise to Kilmallock he described the windy conditions and the learning experience of racing for Ireland for the first time.
racing for Ireland is a really nice opportunity.
never done this before so happy to do it…
– Jack Conroy after Stage 1 of the 2026 Rás Tailteann
The week provided valuable exposure to the intensity of Ireland’s premier stage race while contributing to a successful team performance.
Belgian Kermesse Campaign
The second half of the season saw Conroy base himself in Flanders for an extensive kermesse programme.
He claimed a breakthrough victory at the historic Moorslede Criterium and later took second overall (and the U23 win) at Ichtegem in a high-quality field averaging over 45 km/h.
Multiple top-ten finishes, including several fifth places and consistent Top-20 results against seasoned Belgian Elite2 riders, demonstrated growing race craft, positioning and recovery ability in one of cycling’s toughest finishing schools.
Looking Ahead to 2027
A season of genuine progression with early solo wins, a prestigious home podium, national-team experience and proven form on the Belgian circuit that leaves Conroy well positioned for further gains.
Shortlisted for the 2026 Paudie Fitzgerald ‘Mol an Óige’ Award, the young Wicklow rider has shown clear upward trajectory.
Continued development through the winter should see him challenge even higher on the domestic ranking and push for more international opportunities in 2027.
This is the next article in the series highlighting the riders who finished inside the 2026 C1 Top 20. The previous article covered 14th place Ronan O’Connor’s 2026 season.
