The 2026 Triathlon Ireland Duathlon season got underway in style at Punchestown Racecourse on Sunday, 18th January with athletes lining up for the first of three Galco Naas Duathlons for 2026, hosted by Naas Tri Club. As the first race of the 2026 Duathlon National Series, anticipation was high, and the strong turnout reflected the enthusiasm of competitors eager to kick off their racing year.
Conditions on the morning were cool but bright with only a small threat of rain, offering good racing conditions for the run on the flat and rolling Punchestown Racecourse circuit and undulated bike course on the surrounding roads. With a mass start overlooking the racecourse, spectators were able to watch from the stands and be treated to exciting racing from start to finish.
Killalea wins the Open Category
The Open race got off to a fast start, with Evan Tosh and Ross Killalea setting the early pace on the opening 3.2km run. Coming into T1, in just under 10 minutes, setting up for the challenging 19km bike leg just as the rain began.
Out on the bike, just 30 seconds behind, Evan Tosh put in the quickest ride of the day at 00:32:15 but with a close gap, a tight battle developed for the number one spot as the field prepared for the final leg of the race.
Coming out of T2 in just 45 seconds, On the closing run, Killalea held the 30 second gap to secure the win, while Evan Tosh and Cian Connolly fought it to the finish line with just 23 seconds between them.
Open Podium: Ross Killalea (20-24) 00.55.03; Evan Tosh (16-17) 00.55.56; Cian Connolly (20-24) 00.56.33
Cork’s Maura Barry leads the Female Field
The female race delivered another thrilling contest, with Grainne O’Hagan (40-44) leading the field on the run, with Maura Berry in second (45-49) heading into T1 with a 12:43 first split. Close behind was Fiona Riordan keeping the pressure on from the early stages.
A strong bike leg from Maura Barry (45-49) proved decisive, as she powered through the course to take the lead with a split of 00.34:29 heading into the final run. Despite determined efforts from the Martina McIntyre (55-59) with well practiced transitions coming in at 40 seconds and 52 seconds respectively, Maura maintained her advantage to take the first win of the 2026 duathlon season.
Behind her, the battle for the remaining podium spots went right down to the line, with McIntyre edging out Grainne O Hagan by three seconds.
Female Podium: Maura Barry (45-49) 01:03:49; Martina McIntyre (55-59) 01:08:41; Grainne O Hagan (40-44) 01:08:44
Strong Performances across the board
With strong performances across all categories, the Galco Naas Duathlon once again proved to be a standout event and a fitting opener to the 2026 Triathlon Ireland Duathlon National Series.
Congratulations to all athletes who took to the start line, to returning athletes and to those competing in your first multi sport race. A special mention to Ann Margarete De Vegara who participated in her first duathlon – having come straight off the hospital nightshift.
A huge thanks to Naas Tri Club, Race Director Gary Brophy, and all the volunteers alongsideTriathlon Ireland Technical Officials David Power and David Murphy, for delivering another excellent race.
We look forward to returning to Naas again in February for the third Duathlon National Series round.
Get inspired
If the Galco Naas race inspired you to take part, there are plenty more duathlons coming up this season. Check out the full Triathlon Ireland Race Calendar for upcoming events.
