Ruairí Woods was part of one of the strongest teams of the season in Burren CC. He produced good podiums throughout the year and showed a high level of consistency while contributing to the success of teammates Daire Feeley and Paul Kennedy, who finished 1st and 2nd overall on the rankings.
It feels like every week it’s getting closer and closer.
– Ruairí Woods, Burren CC
Covering, stalling, and shutting down chases to give your teammates breathing space out front just some of the unheralded work that goes on in the peloton. Not to mention being part of early breaks forcing other teams to chase.
Woods came close on a couple of occasions to climbing higher himself. A standout moment came with the Burren CC 1-2-3 podium at the 2026 Brian & Cora McNamara Memorial, where he finished 2nd behind Daire Feeley and just ahead of Paul Kennedy.
He also just missed out on a medal when finishing 4th in the Leinster Elite Men’s Road Race in Clonard.
Key Results and Consistency
Woods raced a solid domestic programme and collected points across a wide range of C1 events. His results included:
- 2nd – Boyne GP
- 2nd – Brian & Cora McNamara Memorial 2026
- 4th – Leinster Elite Men’s Road Race
- 5th – Moynalty GP
- 5th – Ras Luimni 2026
- 5th – Mondello Series 2026 Round 6
- 6th – Wicklow Classic
Further solid placings: 8th Emyvale CC GP, 11th Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar GP, 14th Seán Nolan Meath Grand Prix, 14th Bobby Crilly Classic, and 16th Seamus Kennedy Memorial Race.
These performances underpinned his final total of 103 points and 18th place on the C1 rankings.
Teamwork and Support Role
It cannot be understated the amount of work Woods did on behalf of his team, regularly covering moves and riding in support of breaks.
The support behind the scenes from parents, wives, managers… everybody, is very special.
– Ruairí Woods, Burren CC
This selfless approach played its part in Burren CC dominating large parts of the domestic season. Feeley and Kennedy finished 1st and 2nd overall in the rankings respectively.
Woods is another rider with clear potential who is more than capable of winning at this level when things go right on the day.
Looking Ahead to 2027
A season of consistency, strong podiums and excellent team contribution leaves Woods well placed heading into 2027. Irish Cycling Hub looks forward to seeing him in action again next year as he continues to develop.
This is the next article in the series highlighting the riders who finished inside the 2026 C1 Top 20.
