Heather Wilson qualified first in her heat in the Points race at the Manchester World Cup, to make the final. She finished in 14th position overall, after an aggressive ride in the final.

Track World Cup – Manchester 30.10.09 – 1.11.09  Last weekend Team Ireland rode the first of four Track World Cup events which will span the Winter months. Manchester hosted the first World Cup, which was a very competitive event, dominated by Great Britain. A number of new faces to the squad brought with them some great performances at the world level. 

In the women’s points race, current National Road Race Champion, Heather Wilson, won her heat to qualify for the final in her first ever points race series. This superb result was achieved when the Belfast girl lapped the field with a New Zealand rider, and winning one of the sprints. In the final Wilson put in some attacks, and eventually finished a credible 14th position, in a race won by Britain’s Elizabeth Armitstead.  

The newest member of the Irish Track Squad Matt Brammeier (also in the AN Post Team) scrapped through qualification but excelled in the final by taking a lap with 4 other riders. Matt rode well to survive constant attacks to claim an excellent 4th at the finish – so close to a medal.

The Team Pursuit Squad is a work in progress, and was a mix of old and new faces, the quartet finished 13th in a competition won by the formidable GB team. These results along with the professional way all the riders conducted themselves during the week provide a positive way forward and valuable information prior to the next track world cup events. For more photos please check out  www.henryiddon.com