Dunlop Secures Big‑Bike Double at Tandragee 100 Circuit Return
By ArdeePost Reporter
Michael Dunlop marked a triumphant return to the Tandragee 100 after a 12-year absence, clinching both the Open and feature Superbike races in County Armagh. The historic road race, paused since 2022 for repaving, came alive again on Friday and Saturday with Dunlop riding his MD Racing BMW Superstock machine
In the five-lap Open race, Dunlop narrowly edged out Ireland’s Michael Sweeney by just 0.4 seconds, executing a tactical overtaking manoeuvre mid-race to claim top spot . That victory set the stage for the six-lap feature Superbike contest, where he extended his lead to 8 seconds, and stopped the clock with a historic lap at 111.584 mph, the first time the iconic course has been lapped above 111 mph .
Dunlop’s dominance followed his record-breaking 2025 Isle of Man TT campaign, where he secured four wins and pushed his career tally to 33 victories—the most ever in TT history . Freshly honoured with an MBE, Dunlop told Belfast Telegraph, “I’m riding faster than ever,” praising the MD Racing BMW and his dedicated team .
Michael Sweeney’s strong challenge, pushing Dunlop early and raising the bar with his own lap of 109.796 mph, ensured a gripping duel . Kilmarnock’s Conor Cummins also earned attention, finishing third in the Open race after overtaking Mike Browne in the final bend .
Dunlop’s return at Tandragee—a key event in the Irish national road racing calendar—is widely viewed as a critical boost. Observers noted that his presence helped reinvigorate the meeting, which has seen attendance struggles in recent years .
With the dramatic resurfacing now complete, the Tandragee 100 has regained its place on the circuit calendar. Dunlop’s commanding performance, underpinned by course mastery and a relentless lap record, reinforced his status as the benchmark of modern road racing .
Weekend Superbike Results
- Open Race (5 laps): 1st Michael Dunlop (+0.4s), 2nd Michael Sweeney, 3rd Conor Cummins
- Feature Race (6 laps): Dunlop victorious by 8 seconds, final lap record 111.584 mph
With Dunlop’s extraordinary return, the Tandragee 100 witnessed both spectacle and speed. The North Armagh MC & CC delivered an exhilarating revival of the “Mini TT,” leaving fans in awe and eager for more road-racing action.