Lara Gillespie has spoken of her delight, and gratitude, at having won the gold medal in the elimination race at the European Track Championships in Zolder, Belgium.
The 23-year-old, already a multiple European champion on the track as a junior and U23 rider, proved by far the strongest in a race that always proves a war of attrition and wits.
When it came down to a two-up fight for the gold medal, between herself and Belgian rider Helene Hesters, Gillespie proved full of racing until the very end while Hesters had nothing more to give for the final sprint.
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A delighted Gillespie, who kicked with a lap to go and shrugged off Hesters, celebrated as she crossed the line and did a lap of honour, waving about the Irish tricolour for good measure.
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"I had a lot of fun today, I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time," she said, adding she was on a strong day at the right time.
"I felt really good today, my legs felt good, my mind was good and relaxed. And I just want to say a huge thank you to Cycling Ireland and Sport Ireland and, of course, my team and my family and everyone.
"Today was really special. This was a really special race for me… I'm so proud to do it for my country," she said, adding her road team, UAE Team ADQ, had supported her on the way to the Europeans.
