12th Place for Women's Team Pursuit in London

Women’s Team Pursuit Finish London World Cup in 12^th Place

Cycling Ireland’s Women’s Team Pursuit performed strongly at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in London, finishing in 12^th position. The quartet featured junior rider Josie Knight, in her World Cup debut. The Men’s Team Pursuit finished in a time of 4.17.444, putting them in 22^nd place; the young team were focusing on building experience for the future. Lydia Boylan also competed in the Women’s Scratch Race, finishing 13^th, with Javan Nulty and Cormac Clarke finishing the Men’s Points Race in 16^th and 19^th place respectively. This is the second World Cup on the Track Cycling 2014/15 calendar, with more valuable Olympic qualification points available. The World Cup runs from 5^th – 7^th December.  

In the Women’s Team Pursuit the Irish team rode a solid, well-paced race over the 4km race against the clock, finishing in a time of 4.39.813, marginally outside their PB which was set at altitude at the World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, last month. Speaking after the race Head Cycling Ireland Coach Brian Nugent said “The women’s team performed really solid and displayed what they have been doing consistently in training; it’s always pleasing when you see that, and to place in the top 12 nations in the world we are really pleased with the progress.”

The Men’s Team Pursuit, which has a long-term focus, also rode a consistent race, Nugent was happy with their performance saying “The men’s team performed solidly as well, for the level of experience in the team. The way they delivered their ride technically in their first outing together in that formation bodes well for the future.”

With Boylan, Nulty and Clarke also performing well in the bunch race yesterday, Nugent is encouraged by the progress of the track programme “As a long term project it’s exciting really to see the growth in our programme in 12 months. To see the young riders getting into the moves and being competitive in the bunch events; the team have a good attitude and want to race, there’s a good atmosphere in this team.”

This morning Caroline Ryan is first in action, competing in the Women’s Omnium. Martyn Irvine will present himself to start, but due to his injuries may not start. Sprint specialist Eoin Mullen will also be competing in the Men’s Kierin throughout the day. Junior rider Josie Knight will also be competing, in the Women’s Points Race tomorrow evening, capitalising on her World Cup experience. Racing continues until Sunday the 7^th December.

Results:

Saturday Schedule:

Full Team: