Irish Team Announcement for UCI Road World Championships

Team Announcement for Junior, U23 and Elite World Championships in Italy

Eleven Irish riders will compete across the Junior, U23 and Elite Men and Women categories at the UCI Road World Championships in Toscana, Italy at the end of the month. The Championships run from the 22nd – 29th September, with Ireland entering strong teams across these events.

Following an outstanding year for junior cycling in Ireland, three riders have been selected for the Junior Men’s Road Race, and one for the Time Trial. Junior Tour winner Eddie Dunbar will be joined by winner of the Gorey 3 Day, Dylan Foley, and Mark Downey. Downey will also compete in the Time Trial. Belgium based Matthew Doyle has been named as first reserve.

In the Elite Women’s Road Race, Irish riders Olivia Dillon and Melanie Spath will compete. Both riders will be honing their preparations for the World Championships on the Irish Team in Rás na mBan, which takes place in Ennis, Co. Clare, next week.

Four men will compete in the Elite Men’s Road Race team. Daniel Martin, Nicolas Roche and Philip Deignan have been named on the team, with the final position to be decided shortly. Four riders are being considered for the last position on the team. A decision on participation in the Time Trial will be made after this weekend.

Two U23 riders will compete in the Time Trial. Ryan Mullin, who won two Bronzes at the European Track Championships, will take one spot, and the second place will go to either Conor Dunne or Marcus Christie. Dunne and Christie will both be competing in the Port Talbot TT in the UK this weekend, and the decision will be made following this event.

Team:

Junior Men:
Eddie Dunbar (RR)
Dylan Foley (RR)
Mark Downey (RR & TT)
Reserve: Matthew Doyle

Elite Women
Olivia Dillon (RR)
Melanie Spath (RR)

U23 Men
Ryan Mullen (TT)
TBC (TT)

Elite Men
Daniel Martin (RR)
Nicolas Roche (RR)
Philip Deignan (RR)
TBC (RR&TT)

Official European Championships Website: http://www.toscana2013.it
Cycling Ireland Website: www.cyclingireland.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyclingireland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IreCyclingFed or @irecyclingfed