Photos courtesy of the https://www.facebook.com/3joursdaigle & Feature BP Media & Caroline Kerley, and report CI with thanks!
Getting the three-day race meeting off to a strong start, Gillespie claimed victory in the Women’s Elite Omnium. She won the Scratch race, finished second in the Tempo Race and the Elimination Race, and won the Points race.
Griffin added to the Irish success. She won the Women’s Elite Scratch Race on the second day of racing. Gillespie followed this up with another victory for Ireland, this time in the Women’s Elite Elimination Race. Gillespie and Griffin also teamed up for the Women’s Elite Madison, an event which they will be riding together in at the World Championships. They finished second, only losing the Italian team of Martina Alzini and Martina Fidanza by one point.
Luca Holmes and Phillip O’Connor gained valuable track time and experience. On the second day they both finished ninth, Holmes in the Men’s Under 19 Scratch Race and O’Connor in the Men’s Under 19 Elimination Race. O’Connor and Holmes both recorded their best result of the event when they both finished eighth. O’Connor in the Men’s Under 19 Scratch Race and Holmes in the Men’s Under 19 Points Race. Holmes and O’Connor also competed in the Madison competition every evening, a key part of the event to introduce developing riders to the traditional 6-day format. The highlight was the pair recording their first Madison finish on the second night, no mean feat in a race run off at more than 56kph.
Luca and Phillip receiving their bursary this year, Lara receiving hers a few years ago, so did Mia …so proud of them for sure!!
Very important news…looking at the future!!
After the great performances at the Paris Olympics, CI is looking to expand & strengthen the women’s track endurance team. Click below to register your interest https://cyclingireland.pulse.ly/fcfcqldt3p