he talent of our riders is undeniable, with many of our young riders coming through the domestic scene before being dominant on the world stage. The below nominations have been submitted by the Cycling Ireland Provinces and Commissions.
Eve McCrystal - Garda Cycling ClubAfter a brilliant 2016 when she focused on her Paralympic commitments, McCrystal dovetailed her 2017 tandem racing with Katie George Dunlevy with a domestic solo programme on the road. The Dundalk women dominated the Joe Daly Cycles National Road Series, winning the title despite missing the final double points round in Laragh while she was busy winning two world para-cycling road titles in South Africa.
McCrystal then turned her focus towards An Post Rás na mBan where she finished a career-best fifth overall, taking the Kilkenny CoCo Best Irish Rider green jersey along the way.
Jodie Lynch - East Coast Raiders BMX Cycling Club
Jodie was the dominant force in her age group this year, securing the 2017 National BMX series with two rounds to spare. The East Coast Raiders rider from Larne, Antrim performed consistently at a high level throughout the season and continues to go from strength to strength. If she manages to maintain and improve upon this level of performance, Jodie will no doubt have a very bright future in the sport.
Katharine Smyth - Team Madigan Cycling ClubKatharine has had a prolific year winning several medals in the Paralympic World Cup as a Tandem Pilot. She has also had plenty of success individually with strong performances in the national championships and national road race series. Smyth finished a fine 11th overall in the An Post Rás na mBan which topped off a solid year for the Team Madigan cyclist.
Lara Gillespie - Scott Orwell Wheelers Cycling ClubThe 16-year-old from Wicklow certainly had a 2017 to remember, the highlight being her silver medal in the 10km time trial European Youth Olympic Festival in Gyor, Hungary, where she was a mere three seconds from Gold. The Scott Orwell Wheelers rider has also been highly competitive in the Corkagh Park Ladies League in Dublin, which has played a crucial role in nurturing and developing our best cyclists.
Leah Maunsell - Team BallyhouraOne of Ireland’s most exciting off-road talents, Leah Maunsell completed a national championships double in 2017 becoming both the Irish Elite Enduro and Downhill champion. The Cork native has also made an impact on the international stage in the under 21 Enduro World series with three second place finishes including one at the Irish round in Carrick Mountain, Wicklow culminating in a fantastic fourth overall in the U21 World Series standings.