Cycling Ireland head coach,
Brian Nugent, said the Irish team was now entering the key time of the Olympic
qualification phase on the eve of the European Championships.
Nugent’s charges now face
into a challenging championships and full track season during which they must
qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“The squad has worked hard over the summer to ensure they are ready for
this crucial qualification period over the winter months,” Nugent said.
“We
have brought a large squad to the European Championships as it is a big
opportunity and very important that we are ready to compete at the highest
level.
"We have made massive gains over the summer period, I am sure other nations will have done the same, but we are focused on ourselves and how we can be better.
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“We hope to see the benefit of the work done in our performances on the track throughout the week.”
The most decorated rider of the Irish team going into the
Europeans, Mark Downey, said he was feeling good
ahead of the championships, which get underway in Holland on Wednesday.
“I have prepared well with a long, steady build-up, so I am looking to
start well at the Europeans,” he said.
“I’m
more excited than anything to get going… I am going all-in for the madison and
hoping that with a positive result it can be our stepping stone towards a
successful winter.
“It’s going to be a busy year with Olympic Qualification on the line.
"But I am hopeful the whole team can bring the same positive attitude we had at the World Championships back in February and deliver in all of our events.”
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