TU Dublin Hits Cycling Milestone with Record Teams and President Participation in National Challenge
TU Dublin has announced the successful conclusion of the National Transport Authority’s Ready, Set, Cycle Challenge 2026, marking a milestone year for the university with record-breaking participation. This year’s event saw TU Dublin field its highest-ever number of teams, with seven groups taking part in the nationwide initiative.
We are delighted to announce the final leaderboard positions:
1st place: Focus Fam: Rebecca O’ Hora, David Trevaskis
2nd place: Rolling Family: Deirdre Mullen Mc Guinness, Tony Mc Guinness
3rd place: Park House Wheelers: Barra Hanrahan, Tómas Shields, Nick Skelly
The success of the challenge was a collective effort and it is important to recognise the wider community of participants who contributed to this achievement. Among those acknowledged are the individuals and teams from across the university, including the other four teams:
TU Dublin Titans: Heidi Kelly-Hogan, Deirdre Lillis, David O’Connor and John Walsh,
TU Dublin Freewheelers: Damian Bruce, Collette Burns, Pamela Butler, Lorraine DArcy
Tallaght Titans: David Magil, Tom Murray, Ciarán Stone, Zuzana Tesarova
The Eoin O’Kennedy Wheeler Dealers: Hugh McCabe, Liam McGlynn, Benjamin Toland, Brian Watters
Strengthening the sense of community was the participation of TU Dublin President, Dr Deirdre Lillis, who led a team based in Grangegorman and Bolton Street. Speaking about her involvement, Dr Lillis emphasised the broader benefits of cycling beyond competition.
“Cycling has always been a great way for me to clear my head, stay active and make time for wellbeing in a busy schedule,” she said. “That’s why I was really looking forward to taking part in Ready, Set, Cycle this year. It was a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to support one another, try something new or get back on the bike again, while also helping to create a healthier and more sustainable TU Dublin community.”
Participants echoed this positive sentiment. David Trevaskis, Dispensing Optician in the School of Physics, Clinical and Optometric Sciences, described the challenge as both enjoyable and motivating. He said:
“It was a great initiative — I love cycling year-round. Nothing like a bit of friendly competition!”
The challenge plays an important role in promoting healthier lifestyles and environmentally friendly commuting habits among staff and students. The Ready, Set, Cycle Challenge is organised annually by the National Transport Authority to encourage workplaces and institutions across Ireland to adopt cycling as a mode of transport. TU Dublin’s strong showing this year highlights its ongoing commitment to sustainability and wellbeing initiatives.
With participation continuing to grow year-on-year, organisers are optimistic that even more staff and students will take part in 2027, further strengthening TU Dublin’s culture of active travel and environmental responsibility.