Orla Hendron added to hers, and Ireland’s medal haul at the World Masters Track Championship in Manchester when she sprinted home third in the 45+ Scratch Race last night.

The Orwell Wheelers rider added to her Points Race silver medal with a hard fought bronze following a typically energetic performance in the 20-lap, five kilometre race during which she attacked repeatedly but still retained enough strength to hang on for a medal.

Hendron’s second medal adds to the 45-49 pursuit silver won by her Orwell clubmate Stephen McNally and a bronze annexed by Terry Mackin (Banbridge) in the 35-39 kilometre

McNally’s World Masters ended prematurely with a nasty crash in the 45-49 Points Race qualifier on Wednesday when he hit the boards hard breaking three ribs, partially puncturing a lung and damaging shoulder ligaments.

He is currently in Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital but is hoping to be able to travel back to Ireland within the next few days.

Hendron goes again in the 500m Time Trial this evening followed by the 2km Pursuit tomorrow.

Other Irish riders in action so far this week include Paul Swenarton (North Down CC), Sean Curtis (Sundrive TC), Susie Mitchell (Sundrive TC), Greg Swinand (Usher IRC), Hugh Mulhearne (Carrick Wheelers), Aideen Collard (Orwell Wheelers), Tom Daly (Kanturk), Brendan Whelan (Lucan CRC), Mark Kiely (Sundrive TC) and Brian Coonan (Naas CC).

They will be joined by Scott McDonald and Sinead McBreen (Orwell Wheelers) for tomorrow’s final day of competition.

McNally, Mackin and Hendron in the Medals

Irish riders made a superb start to the World Masters Championships in Manchester with a haul of three medals from the first of six days of competition.

Stephen McNally (Orwell Wheelers) was first of the Irish in action and the European Masters Champion produced a great ride in the qualification ride for his specialist event, the 45-49 3km Pursuit with second fastest time, just 18 hundredths of a second slower than Daniel Casper from Minnesota.

McNally set off like a steam train in the evening final, establishing a gap of over two seconds in the opening kilometre, before throttling back in the middle of the race as Casper raced into a two second lead.
Reacting to Casper’s surge, McNally powered through the final kilometre but fell short by just under half a second in a thrilling climax.

Earlier in the evening session Terry Mackin (Banbridge CC) stopped the clocks at 1m06.956s in the 35-39 Kilometre Time Trial to annexe the medal. Mackin’s time in his first international track competition was eight tenths of a second off the time set by gold medallist Ben Elliott of Great Britain.

Orla Hendron had to wait until almost 11pm to defend her world points crown in the 45-49 age group which she won in Portugal last year. Hendron put up a very spirited performance starting with an attack from the gun and several other forays off the front while also annexing points at every sprint.

It all translated into a fine second place finish behind Janet Birkmyre of Great Britain and another trip to the podium at a world championships for the Orwell Wheelers rider.

Also in action last night were Orwell’s Aideen Collard (35-39 Points), Paul Swenarton from North Down CC (50-54 2km Pursuit), Brian Coonan of Naas CC (40-44 750m TT) and Brendan Whelan (40-44 750m TT).

Cunga sweep up at the racing on Sundrive – Women’s Omnium, Team Sprint and Team Pursuit.

A busy weekend at the track of intense competition for the Women Track Riders who not only competed in our first attempt at running an Olympic Omnium over the full distance and 6 events that make up this event, but many also competed in both the Team Sprint on the Saturday and the Team Pursuit after the 2nd Day of Omnium events on the Sunday.

The inclusion of the Cunga Track Team also raided the bar but our domestic riders gave them a good run and went on the offensive in all the group races. New Outdoor records were set in the Pursuit, Team Pursuit and Team Sprint by the Cunga riders and remarkably the Silver Medal performance by the Lucan riders would have won last years event by a considerable margin – such is how far track racing has progressed.

Caroline Ryan was the clear winner, setting three National Records along they singly and with her Team but the battle for 2nd place between her Teammate Sinead Jennings and Irelands Masters Point world Chapion, Orla Hendron was settled by a mere half point.

Many other riders achieved personal bests in their timed events but even more importantly the assembled supported were treated to a super level of skill and non stop action in the bunch and over the multiple sprints in the points race not forgetting the skill shown by all in the execution of the elimination race. Yes indeed Women’s Track Racing continues to progress!

2011 Womens Track Omnium
Saturdays Events : Flying 250m TT, 20k Points Race, Elimination Race (then Team Sprint)
Sundays Events : 3km Pursuit, 10k Scratch, 500m TT (then Team Pusuit)

Womens Omnium Result

1. Caroline Ryan (Cunga) 7 points
(Incl New Outdoor record for Pursuit)
2. Sinead Jennings (Cunga) 21 points
3. Orla Hendron (Orwell) 21.5 points

4. Aideen Collard (Orwell) 26 points
5. Ailbhe Ivory (UCD) 31 points
6. Rachael Withers (VC St Raphael) 39 points

Team Sprint Result

1. Cunga (Caroline Ryan / Sinead Jennings) 38.06
(New Outdoor Record)
2. UCD (Ailbhe Ivory / Heather Boyle) 41.16
3. Orwell ‘A’ (Aideen Collard / Orla Hendron) 41.68

Team Pusuit Result
1. Cunga (Caroline Ryan, Sinead Jennings, Sarah Piner) 3.59.91
(New Outdoor Record)
2. Lucan (Roisin Kennedy, Bronagh Rogers, Sandra Fitzgerald) 4.14.42
3. Orwell (Aideen Collard , Orla Hendron, Sinead McBreen) 4.38.64

Women’s Omnium Training Day  (Sun 24th July)

** Please also note the the Women’s Omnium and supporting events have been moved to the Sundrive Track for logistical reasons **
We are running a training day on Sunday 24th July (Sign on 12am)  for those preparing for the Women’s Omnium on the following weekend. We will also include training & practice for Team Pursuit and Team Sprint.

We will be giving instruction on all the events involved, running mock racing across all the events in order, answering questions and giving feedback – all that is required to ensure you are adequately prepared. This day is for accredited riders and would be a good follow on for those who attended the first training session and essential for those who didn’t. Our Monday and Saturday training sessions at Sundrive and indeed our Track League will also cover the disciplines needed prior to the Omnium Weekend. We need the support from all accredited women track riders to make the Omnium and Team weekend a success!  Team Pursuit – one guest allowed if unable to field three riders.  Team Sprint – both must be from the same club

Youth Training/Accreditation Day (Sat 23rd July) 
For our youth riders (esp.. female!) , we will be running a training/accreditation day on the Saturday 23rd July  from 1230 to 1500 to prepare them for their own Nationals on August 6th. This year for the first time we will be running separate events for Boys & Girls and we want to ensure that we have the required numbers to make this possible. Bike hire available for both days. Bikes fitted with Look Delta or Toe strap

Women’ Omnium, Team Sprint and Team Pursuit (Sat 30th/Sun 31st July)
Open to Senior & Junior Female accredited Track Riders
Racing or Track Licence required
Entry Fee €10 per event or €20 for all three (i.e..team events)

Team Sprint – both riders from same club
Team Pursuit – one guest allowed if unable to filed three
(Note that next year all events will be senior only and no quest riders).

**Pre Entry Required**
Pre Entry, incl Team for TS & TP is required by e-mail to trackcyclingireland@gmail.com
Fees can be paid on the day.

We need 5 teams minimum and 20 individual riders.
Queries to Hugh Byrne by e-mail at above address or 086-3488708

Dates for your Diary

Sat 23rd 12.30  Youth Accreditation / Training Day

Sun 24th 12:00  Women’s Omnium Training Day
Sign on 12.00 -12.30 in Clubhouse

Sat 30th July    Women’s Omnium Day 1 (250m/Elimination/Points)
Women’s Team Sprint
Sign on 10.30 -11.00
Open Track 11.00 -11.30

Sun 31st July   Women’s Omnium Day 2 (Pursuit/Scr/500m)
Women’s Team Pursuit
Sign on 10.30 -11.00
Open Track 11.00 -11.30

Sat 6th Aug      Youth Track Nationals (U12/U14/U16)
Separate Championships for Boys and Girls
Also Training Mondays (7pm)  and Track League Wednesdays at Sundrive

Read on for a report on the Ladies Track Training Camp from Orwell’s Natalie Grieve.

LADIES TRACK TRAINING DAY – 26TH JUNE 2011

After missing out on last year’s track season due to injury, I decided to go along to the Ladies Track Training Day last Sunday for a refresher accreditation and an introduction to omnium racing.  18 of us signed on for the day and the newcomers went through the accreditation (learning how to ride safely on the Track), passing with flying colours.

We were then given a chance to try the starting gate and everyone managed this successfully except for one male rider who will remain anonymous to preserve his dignity!  Following a quick lunch break we started off the omnium with a flying 250m which was tough enough due to the nice breeze on the Track.  This was followed by an elimination race, which is never easy with sprints every lap.  Next up we had a points race over 12 laps, a 4 lap 4 person pursuit, a 10 lap scratch race and a 500m TT using the starting gates.  The informal racing provided us with a fun way to gain track experience and a chance to figure out what events we are most suited to.  At the end of the session we were given feedback from the coaches and our times for the 250m and 500m TTs.

The Track at Sundrive has been greatly improved over the last few years and the pavilion is a great addition to the facility.  I had a great day, learned a lot and we even got some sun!  The standard of riding was very high and we should see some exciting women’s track racing in the future.  Many thanks to Aideen, Dave, Hugh, Stephen, John, Owen and everyone who gave up their Sunday afternoon to help us out.

Natalie Grieve, Orwell CC

We look forward to seeing more riders at our next Ladies Track Training Day on Sunday 24th July for a mock Omnium racing day in prepartion for the demo National Omium Championships in Orangefield, Belfast on 30th-31st July – to express your interest and for further information, please contact Aideen Collard on 087 4179967, E-mail: aideen.collard@gmail.com.  For more info on the Women’s Omnium, see http://www.trackcycling.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=594:womens-omnium-whats-it-about&catid=41:womens-news&Itemid=60

International Track Grand Prix
Eamonn Ceannt Stadium,
Saturday 2nd July

Please see below event programme & prize list
Mens Omnium (Flying 200 – Scr  – Kilo Dash – 500m TT)
1st €100, 2nd €75, 3rd €60, 4th €50, 5th €40, 6th €30

Womens Omnium (Scr – Points - Kilo Dash – 500m TT)
1st €60, 2nd €50, 3rd €40, 4th €30, 5th €20, 6th €20

Mens Elite 10k
1st €50, 2nd €40, 3rd €30

Womens Elite 6k
1st €50, 2nd €40, 3rd €30

Mens Invitational Keirin
1st €50, 2nd €40, 3rd €30

Womens Invitational Keirin
1st €50, 2nd €40, 3rd €30

Cash Prizes for Stadium Records
€50 for anyone breaking a Stadium Record in either 200 or 500 which will be extended to €100 if set targets reached. Women not racing flying 200 but top thre in the 500 will be invited to have a record attempt at the 200.
Flying 200 Stadium Record Men :          11.84sec (Standard for €100 11.50sec)
Flying 200 Stadium Record Women :     13.25sec (Standard for €100 12.70sec)
S/S Stadium Record 500m TT Men        36.23sec (Standard for €100 35.00sec)
S/S Stadium Record 500m TT Women : 39.09sec (Standard for €100 38.00sec)

Event Timetable
11.00am – 11.45am – Sign on
11.45am – 12.25pm – Open track
12.30pm – Racing Starts

Event 1: Elite Men 200m TT
Event 2 :Women – 10 lap scratch
Event 3 :Elite Men – 12 lap scratch
Event 4: Women’s – 12 lap points (points every 3 laps – 3 2 1pts)
Event 5. Elite Men 1km Dash (Max 8 per heat) *
Event 6. Women 1km Dash (Max 8 per heat) *
Event 7. Elite Men 500m Standiing Start TT
Event 8. Womens 500m Standiing Start TT
Event 9: Women’s 6km scratch
Event 10: Elite Wheel 10km scratch
Event 11. Women’s Invitational Keirin**
Event 12: Elite Men’s Invitational Keirin **
* Kilo Dash Heats  will be 1 round only and seeded by 200 times
** Keirins (Invitational) will be run over 2 heats of  6 with top 3 to final

Races 1 to 8 will be run as an sperate 4 event Omniums for Men & Women
Races 9/10/11/12 will be seperate races

Entry fee €10Track (Payable on the day)
Accreditation required
Entries in advance to trackcyclingireland@gmail.com

This is an elite level event for experienced track riders equatable to the A/B standard of the Sundrive League

Orwell Wheelers CC in conjunction with the Women’s Commission and Sundrive Track Club is delighted to announce two Ladies Track Training Days on Sundays 26^th June and 24^th July 2011 at Sundrive Road Track, Eamon Ceannt Park, Dublin 12.  The Training Days are open to female riders of all ages and fitness levels.  Sunday 26^th June will be devoted to accreditation and introducing riders to the new and exciting Olympic Omnium event, Team Pursuit & Team Sprint.  Sunday 24^th July 2011 will comprise of a mock racing day including all six Omnium events (flying lap, 500m TT, Pursuit, Scratch, Elimination and Points Races) and depending on numbers, this may be divided into ability groups.  This will be run in the format of a national racing event without the pressure of competition.  In order to obtain the maximum benefit, it is recommended to attend both days.  Those are already accredited but have not ridden on the Track for some time are also advised to go through accreditation again.  Accreditation comprises of learning Track etiquette and how to ride on the track safely.  These training days are aimed at preparing riders for the forthcoming International Track Grand Prix on Saturday 2^nd July, Women’s Two Day Omnium & demo Team Pursuit & Team Sprint on 30^th-31^st July and National Track Championships on 2^nd-4^th September 2011.  Riders who are serious about track racing are also encouraged to compete in the Wednesday evening Track League and partake in some of the Saturday morning & Monday evening training sessions.  For further information on track racing and training events in Ireland, please see www.trackcycling.ie.

The Programme for Sunday 26^th June is as follows:

11.30am         Sign-on for those requiring accreditation & collect/set-up rental bikes

12pm              Accreditation

1.30pm           Sign-on for those not requiring accreditation & collect/set-up rental bikes

1.45pm           Break for riders who obtained accreditation

2pm                Warm-up

2.30pm-4pm  Introduction & run through of the six Omnium events, Team Pursuit & Team Sprint using start gate.  Note: New riders will be confined to the time trial events and experienced riders with a Club/full racing licence may partake in all events.

The Programme for Sunday 24^th July 2011 will be finalised nearer the time.

Entry is €5 to include coaching & bike hire (which is subsidised by the Orwell Wheelers & the Women’s Commission), an ordinary Cycling Ireland Membership Licence will suffice for 26^th June but a racing or one-day licence will be required for 24^th July.  Bikes are equipped with either Look Delta pedals or have toe-straps for runners. Pedals may not be changed over.  Properly fitting helmets are compulsory.  Bikes are available in most sizes and saddles may be adjusted to suit the riders.  There are new shower facilities available.  Please bring a snack, drink and a warm jacket with you.  To confirm your place and for further information, please contact Aideen Collard, E-mail: aideen.collard@gmail.com, Tel: 087 4179967.

Aideen Collard, Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club

Despite making huge leaps in progress in just one year, the funding for the women’s Team Pursuit Squad has been withdrawn. This announcement was made last week following confirmation that the HP funding received a 40% cut.

Congratulations to all the members of the team who represented us well on the World stage, knocking chunks off their time on every outing, before running out of time in gaining adequate qualifying points for the World Championships and Olympic Games.

Hopefully this is a temporary set back and we will hear the High Performance Unit announce an alternative women’s programme of racing to nurture the talent that was evident at at the World Cups and other International Meets over the last year.

Caroline Ryan put in  a strong performance to get 9th overall in the women’s individual pursuit at the World Track Cycling Championships today. Report HERE

This Friday Caroline Ryan will be competing in the Women’s Individual Pursuit at the World Championships, an event in which she marginally missed out on  a bronze medal at the World Cup in Cali last December.

Apeldoorn, Holland

23-27 March 2011

IRISH CYCLISTS COMPETE IN THE WORLD TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

This weekend two Irish track cyclists, Martyn Irvine and Caroline Ryan, compete in the World Championships in Holland, with their sights set on top performances in the Men’s Omnium and Women’s Individual Pursuit. Both riders will be competing on Friday 25^th March.

The first Irish rider to race is Ryan in the Women’s Individual Pursuit, who will compete on Friday afternoon. The Kildare rider will be looking to build to her medal collection, having narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the ride off at the World Cup in Cali. The individual pursuit is a 3km time trial, with the rider racing against the clock. The rider has one chance to produce a time fast enough to qualify for a medal “ride off”. The top 4 finishers contest the medals.

Irvine’s Omnium bid kicks off with the Flying lap on Friday. The Omnium is a new event to the Olympic Programme, comprising of 6 events, with points awarded to riders depending on where they finish. Throughout the World Cup Series Irvine has consistently produced top ten results in highly competitive fields, being particularly strong in the individual efforts like the pursuit and 1km time trial. Irvine will be hoping for a good result in the Omnium, as Olympic points achieved in the World Championships are worth more than those achieved in any other event.

The squad have been preparing for the World Championships in Majorca with their coach Andy Sparks. Racing starts on Wednesday 23^rd March and finishes on Sunday 27th

Team:

Men’s Omnium: Martyn Irvine

Women’s Individual Pursuit: Caroline Ryan

Coach: Andy Sparks

Mechanic: Ken Farrar

Physical Therapist: Karen Doyle

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE WORLD TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS SEE BELOW:

Official Website: http://www.worldchamptrackcycling.com/

Tissot Timing for instant results: http://www.tissottiming.com/

TV Coverage: Eurosport and BBC – check TV listings for times.

Saturday 19th March – 1pm -3.30pm.

Women’s Elite development Track Camp
Saturday 19th March 1pm to 3.30pm
Eamonn Ceannt Stadium, Sundrive Road
Hire bikes available but there will have 82 inch gearing which cannot be changed
For those with their own bikes – Max Gearing 88 inches max (49×15)
Accreditation (prerequisite) on the day at 1030

Riders may fit their own pedals to hire bikes
(after April this concession will no longer be permitted as all bikes will then be fitted with Look Delta)
If you wish to use our pedals you will need Look Delta cleats on your shoes.
We do have those cleats available for sale locally

Pretension of Pedals must be be turned up full and cleats must be in good condition (nearly new).
No MTB type or Look Easy pedals allowed.
If you wish to use our pedals we have Look Delta (or toestrap)
Change of gearing not permitted on hire bikesCosts
Hire Bikes Cost €5 Senior, €2 Junior/student/Unwaged
Accreditation cost €10 Senior, €5 Junior/student/Unwaged

*Club Kit must be worn (no Ireland kit)

*Gloves required

* Shower & changing facilities now available at Sundrive

————————————————————————————-

Timetable for Development Squad Session on March 19th

Accreditation
From 10.15 – Accreditation and bike hire /set-up.
10.30 – 12.30 Accreditation & Normal Saturday Training

Track Camp
12.15 – Bike Hire for those who weren’t attending accreditation

12.30 - Sign –on. – Pavilion.
13.00 – Introduction and briefing for the Session – Pavilion
13.30 – Session Start – Track
15.15 – Session Ends followed by de-brief. Pavilion

We will however record some times and make notes on what may need improvement and all riders will be judged on how they progress over the coming months with obviously bigger improvements expected from those coming from a lower base. The next track camp will be in Orangefield in about 6 weeks time

Questions or queries to Hugh Byrne 086-3488708 or trackcyclingireland@gmail.com

In the final round of the track cycling World Cup series in Manchester, the women’s team scored a new National Record of 3.30.3, in a time competititive with the best in the world. Unfortunately in the shuffle for positions the time which was close to getting them 6th place overall, resulted in 8th European Nation, and 15th overall.

The team of Caroline Ryan, Ciara Horne and Jennifer O Reilly have been constantly improving, and the squad is increasing in strength and depth, with top roadie Siobhan Horgan acting as reserve for the weekend, and Sinead Jennings coming back to form  after the birth of her baby Clodagh last December.

In the recent Irish Sports Council funding announcement the endeavours of the squad was rewarded with funding of €36,000 being granted to the team pursuit team, and Caroline Ryan being awarded €12,000 on the back of her individual pursuit silver medal in Cali.

The women’s team pursuit raced on Friday morning, and the race was dominated by the home  GB team of Sarah Storey, Joanna Rowsell and Northern Ireland’s Wendy Houvenagall (Olympic Silver Medallist in the Individual Pursuit). The impressive British team were .2sec off breaking the world record in a time of 3.19.7min.

Over the rest of the weekend Caroline Ryan competed in the scratch race and Jennifer O Reilly competed in the Women’s Omnium. The Omnium is a recent addition to the Olympic Games and is a highly competitive event. It tests the rider over 6 events. In a brave Points qualifier for the event O Reilly made a burst for the finish line with 7 laps to go and hung on for fourth place on the finish line, one crucial point, and more importantly a place in the final. O Reilly finished 19th overall in the omnium, an impressive result for the rider who prioritises team pursuit training over bunch racing.

As for the rest of the team – very impressive riding from Martyn Irvine in the Omnium and Felix English in the Individual Pursuit. Irvine qualified for the Omnium comfortably, and with top results in the Individual Pursuit and Time Trial he finished an overall 9th place. The points race demonstrated the guts and determination of the Irish rider, who just missed out on one of the crucial moves of the day. English in the Individual Pursuit demonstrated his talent, emptying himself on the track and gaining some crucial experience for the young rider in his first year as a senior.

Video on facebook here: Irish Team in Women’s Team Pursuit

excuse the manic shouting from me on the sidelines!

The Criteria for the track is here: Women’s Development Track Squad Criteria 2011

and for the road is here: Women’s Development Road Squad Criteria 2011

The current Elite Team (Track and Road) members are as follows…in alphabetical order…*drumroll*

Australian based Shannon McCurley is a member of the Irish Elite Track Team, and represented Ireland in the Track Cycling World Cup in Melbourne.

TRACK CYCLING REPORT #1 – SHANNON McCURLEY IN AUSTRALIA

Let me introduce myself, my name in Shannon McCurley and I have been given the wonderful opportunity at my ripe old age of 18 to represent Ireland.     This is a most exciting time for me and it will prepare me for future major events by giving me the experience of competing on the world stage at such a young age.

I have been asked to give a short report on each of my events in Australia, so here goes:-

World Cup (Hisense Arena Melbourne) – December 2010

Well I didn’t start off with too good a result. I was extremely nervous and over-awed by the whole event.    What a baptism!!   I was in the first heat of 2 heats for qualifying for the Women’s Omnium.    My legs just couldn’t stop shaking and I felt a bit intimidated in such a field of experienced international riders.     Looking back I know that I was very unlucky as I just missed out on points in each sprint, finishing 5th in 4 of the sprints and points were only given to the top 4.

Australian Madison Championships (Melbourne) – December 2010

The following week I competed in the support events at the Australian Madison Championships.    There were a few women riders who remained in Melbourne from the World Cup and also competed in these support events.  Of note were  Marianne Vos and Amy Pieters from the Nederlands.    My results were a lot better here as I brushed off my nerves and gave it all I could.     I ended up with a close 2nd Place in the Elite Women’s Scratch Race the winner Marianne Vos with  Amy Pieters also from the Nederlands 3rd.  Then I got a 3rd Place in the Elite Women’s Kieren,  Winner Kaarle McCullough from Australia who is a current world champion.  There was also a wheelrace that night and I came home with a great 2^nd place with Vos  finishing 3^rd.   For some photos and an interview report go to www.womenscycling.net – Support Events- Australian Madison Championships 2010

Victorian Senior Track Championships (Melbourne)  – December 2010

The Elite Women’s Victorian State Points Race Championships were held as part of this event and I was the winner of that race and took out the State Title.

Christmas Cycling Carnivals (Victoria) – December 2010

Well there is always an abundance of racing here in Victoria over the Christmas period.     We travelled to northern Victoria where its extremely hot  to compete in the Horsham, Bendigo and Shepparton events.   I had a great series and won a lot of races, the highlight for me was winning the main women’s wheelraces at each event.     I was very happy with my performances in the wheelraces as I was off scratch for all 3 and for the Shepparton event, I was the only rider off scratch.  This then lead to me being the overall aggregate elite women’s winner for the whole series.

Victorian State Women’s Omnium (Melbourne) – January 2011

January 16^th saw the staging of the Victorian Women’s Omnium.     This was held at the DISC Velodrome in Melbourne.   The event catered for women riders from JW15 through to Masters.      Each age group had their own races and distances for events.      The Elite Women had 9 entries with one rider from the USA.      First we had a 500m TT (2^nd place – 39.008), then a 200m flying, (Ist place, 12.606), 5k scratch (1^st place), 2k pursuit (2^nd place 2.36.363),  and 40 lap points race (2^nd place).   In my pursuit, rather than work on a time, all I had to do was match race the other rider as she was sitting 2^nd overall, as it turned out, she must have been more of a sprinter as I caught and passed her.     With my overall places, I took out the State Title, again a very happy girl.

Till next time.    Shannon McCurley.

NOTE – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ON SHANNON – HERE

The Irish Team continue on their Olympic Voyage with a training camp in Palma in preparation for the Beijing World Cup.

Irish Team Race Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing – 21-23 January 2011

A strong Irish team will be travelling to Beijing this weekend to take part in the third leg of the World Cup series. The team have been putting the final touches to their preparation at a training camp in Palma, Majorca and are hoping to build on their superb showing in Cali, Colombia last month.  This is the fourth qualifying event of 12 towards qualification for the London Olympic Games next year that includes the European Championships, 4 world cup events and the World Championships over a 2 year period.

Martyn Irvine will be racing in the Omnium event; this is a multi-event competition that is being introduced in the 2012 Olympics. Irvine has been impressive with top ten results in the European Championships and the World Cup in Cali in 2010 that has kept him in contention for a top 8 (European) place that will qualify him in London. The women’s team pursuit team will be boosted by the presence of Siobhan Horgan, who has been Ireland’s top international road racer in recent years. While new to track cycling, Horgan brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team, who have been going from strength. Felix English at 18 is the youngest member of the track squad and will be competing in the points race.

Irvine is one of Ireland’s top Olympic hopes in cycling, and has been steadily improving  his times and placings in the 6 events that make up the Omnium over the past few months, clocking up crucial qualifying points towards securing a place in  London.

The team has just completed a 10 day training camp in Palma where the Paralympic Team were also present preparing for the Paracycling World Championships in March (11^th-13^th); combining road and track training. Unfortunately, due to illness, Ciara Horne who rode in Cali was unable to attend the camp, so for Beijing Siobhan Horgan will replace Horne in the women’s pursuit team. Horgan new to the team pursuit discipline said “I am really excited about the new challenge that the track will bring,  I have already learnt so much from the girls and am really looking forward to working with and learning from Andy. It is a new and exciting prospect for me and I am relishing this opportunity” on her selection. The trio of Ryan, O’Reilly and Horgan will look to improve on the excellent 3.31.708 and the National Record they achieved in Cali. While unable to improve on her formidable 4^th place in the individual pursuit as this event is not held in Beijing, Caroline Ryan is aiming to lead the team pursuit squad to another record time.

Jennifer O’Reilly will race in the Team Pursuit and Omnium events. O’Reilly was forced to withdraw from this event in Cali due to concussion that she suffered following a fall in the qualifier. She will be looking to improve the form that she had at the European Championships in early November (5^th-7th) and is aiming for a top 10 finish.

Performance Director Phil Leigh is confident the team will continue to show improvements in Beijing, he commented, “This team is still relatively new and the riders continue to learn and gain confidence in all the disciplines and events they ride at each of the World Cup’s. The squad are coming off a solid training and tapering block in Majorca and Beijing is another opportunity for Martyn Irvine to secure an Omnium top 10 finish and show improvement in the bunched events; while Felix English can claim a top 10 in the points race. The women impressed a lot of people in Cali and I expect this improving trend to continue, we have introduced Siobhan Horgan for this event and I am confident she will make a positive impact on the team.”

Racing starts on Friday 21^st January and finishes on Sunday 23^rd January. The team will arrive back in Dublin on Monday 24^th January.

Riders and events

Martyn Irvine – Omnium

Felix English – Points race

Women’s Team Pursuit: Caroline Ryan, Jennifer O’Reilly and Siobhan Horgan

Women’s Omnium – Jennifer O’Reilly

Staff:

Track Coach – Andy Sparks

Mechanic – Ken Farrar

Soigneur – Beth McClusky