Cycling Ireland is thrilled to announce the participation of its Junior Women's National Team in the prestigious Watersley Ladies Challenge 2024.
The Watersley Ladies Challenge, scheduled to take place from 30th August-1st September at the Sports and Talent Park in Watersley, the Netherlands, is renowned for its challenging courses and high level of competition. The event is a key fixture in the international junior cycling calendar and offers an invaluable opportunity for young riders to gain experience and showcase their talents on a global stage.
This event, part of the Nations Cup series, marks a significant milestone as it has been several years since an Irish Junior Women's team has competed at an international race of this stature.
The team representing Ireland at this year's event includes four of the country’s most promising young talents: Lucy Bennezet Minns, Aine Doherty, Kate Murphy, and Aliyah Rafferty. Under the experienced guidance of team manager, Barry Monaghan, these riders are set to take on the best junior cyclists from around the world.
Michael Black, National Pathway Lead for Cycling Ireland, highlighted the significance of this participation:
"Competing in the Watersley Ladies Challenge is a tremendous opportunity for our junior women's team. The Nations Cup series represents the pinnacle of junior racing, and it's been some time since we've had a team at an event of this magnitude. The experience these riders will gain—both in terms of racing and the exposure to international competition—will be invaluable for their development. It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made in nurturing young talent, and we’re confident that Lucy, Aine, Kate, and Aliyah will make Ireland proud on the world stage."
The Watersley Ladies Challenge will see teams from across the globe compete in a series of races, each designed to test the riders' endurance, skill, and tactical acumen. For the Cycling Ireland Junior Women’s team, this event is not only about competition but also about growth, learning, and the continuation of a pathway that aims to develop the next generation of elite cyclists.