Offaly cyclist all set for Ras Tailteann

On Wednesday May 22nd the prestigious Rás Tailteann starts in Tullamore.  The start of five hard days of racing across the length and breadth of the country, this year sees Ferbane cyclist Mikey Flaherty take to the start line alongside the best international and Irish riders. 

Mikey started his racing career at under 12 level for Lynx cc in Kilmessan.  He raced with the talented youngsters in the Mullingar club Lakeside Wheelers for a number of years, winning his first prize at the Waller Cup in Bohermeen in 2018.  The following  year he raced his cx bike, building up power and strength that he has used to great effect, to move up the ranks. 

In his first year as a junior he was 3rd in the Leinster junior championship road race and time trial in Wicklow, a huge achievement against the top racers in the country.  Mikey continued to work hard and his dedication paid off as he raced the best of international teams in the Junior Tour of Ireland, a feat he was very proud of having followed the race as a young lad.  He was 10th in the national road championships in 2022 and he crowned the year by winning the A category of the Midlands League.  A fantastic achievement for the young rider. 

2023 saw Mikey finish 3rd overall at the Gorey 3 day stage event and race his way to A1 level, ensuring he was competing against the best this country has to offer week in and week out.  All at Lynx cc are incredibly proud of Mikey.  From his days at the Sprocket Rocket Course organised by then-chairman Shane O'Regan, Mikey showed great promise and enthusiasm for what is a tough sport.  Shane encouraged Mikey and his dad David, also a talented cyclist, to join the club and from the first 100km spin to his first race Mikey has been a joy to watch.  Always pleasant and modest, he has shown wonderful dedication and mental grit to get to where he is today. 

Mikey will guest ride with Challenge cc, a Galway based club, where he is a university student.  His clubmates in Lynx cc and all in the area would like to wish Mikey and his team the very best of luck.  He can be sure to see plenty of orange and black jerseys over the course of the 5 days of racing.