Cycling Ulster Women Shine at Mondello 24-Hour Challenge
Cycling Ulster’s Women’s Commission proudly fielded three all women teams at this year’s Mondello24hr Challenge, held from 12pm on Saturday, 21st June.
Building on last year’s success, when two teams were submitted, the 2025 event saw even greater demand, prompting the addition of a third team, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for women’s cycling across Ulster.
Riders came from clubs province wide, including Ballymena Road Club, Emyvale Cycling Club, Carn Wheelers, Apollo Cycling Team, DB Cycling Club, Omagh Wheelers, Castlereagh Cycling Club, Agivey CC, and Newry Wheelers. This initiative was proudly part-funded by the Women’s Commission of Cycling Ulster, helping remove barriers and create opportunities for more women to experience the joy of cycling.
More Than a Race – It’s About Taking Part
At its heart, Mondello24 is about being part of something bigger – a team, a community, and a shared challenge. While the teams delivered strong performances on the track, the real victory was in the atmosphere: supportive, inclusive, and pressure-free.
Each rider took to the track for 30 minutes every four hours, and in that time, the only goal was to do the best you can, with zero expectations.
There were no podium pressures, just a collective effort where every lap mattered because it was done together. For many, this was their first experience of a competitive event and the format provided the perfect stepping stone.
As one rider put it, “You go out there, ride your heart out for half an hour, then cheer on your teammates, chat, eat, laugh – it’s about doing something for yourself and for each other.”
Disco Balls and Determination
This year, the Ulster teams didn’t just ride, they stood out! With their garage decked out in a full disco theme, they were without doubt the most eye-catching and spirited crew on the circuit. It was a joyful reminder that cycling doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful, it can be expressive and fun while still being challenging and empowering.
Behind the sequins and sparkle was solid teamwork and commitment:
- Team 1 completed 732km
- Team 2 clocked 669km
- Team 3 rode 635km
Together, they swept the podium with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the 8-women category but more importantly, they created an experience that welcomed women and built confidence in a truly unique environment.
A massive thank you to our generous t-shirt sponsors, Blok51 and Deirdre McAuley, whose support helped bring unity and style to our teams.
And once again, our sincere thanks to Oisín and the team at Mondello 24hr for their warmth, support, and for hosting such a welcoming event.
The Mondello24hr Challenge is a highlight of the year, and it’s events like this that show how powerful, positive, and fun women’s cycling can be.
We’re already looking forward to 2026! More new faces, more unforgettable moments, and more women proving that cycling can be whatever you need it to be: a challenge, a team effort, a laugh, or a personal triumph.