Banteer cyclist Dillon Corkery lined up for his first race as a World Tour rider last Friday in West Flanders, Belgium, the realisation of a long-held dream to cycle at the top level. Dillon was cycling for Picnic Post NL, a Dutch team, and having secured a spot with a World Tour team, he now hopes to feature in future high-profile races such as Paris-Roubais. His family and many friends are delighted for Dillon, who at the age of 26 is finally racing with the top professionals after many years of racing.
Dillon has produced excellent performances on the continent in recent times, with an 8th place finish at the Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers Souvenir Bruno Comini (1.2) and La Roue Tourangelle Centre Val de Loire – Groupama P.V.L. (1.1). He also placed 6th in Grand Prix de Denain-Porte du Hainaut (1.Pro), where he was part of an eight-man group in the 197km race. He was also 3rd in a stage of Région Pays de la Loire Tour (2.1).
In Ireland, Dillon has had a lot of success, winning Rás Tailteann in 2023, taking runner-up spot at the National Road Championships in Athea, and representing Ireland at U23 and elite level, including riding Tour de l’Avenir as an U23 and being selected for the UCI World Road Championships in Glasgow two years ago.