Emma Jeffers is definitely shaping up as an exciting rider for Ireland, track and road, and Cycling Ireland's coach, Dan Henchy, says the new generation's ambition is just as big as those ahead of them at present (Photo: Toby Watson)
Some of the Irish riders selected onto the national team for the upcoming UCI Track World Cup meetings may be only starting their journeys in the top tier of the sport, but one of Cycling Ireland's key coaching personnel has said their ambition is just as big as the more established riders.
At the Paris Olympics, four leading riders became the first ever Irish quartet to make it to Games in the team pursuit event. And with some of those riders having now stepped away from the international scene, Cycling Ireland must make progress with others in a bid to maintain momentum.
And that means a new-look, younger, team pursuit line-up has been representing Ireland on the world stage, with that set to continue at the upcoming World Cups in Hong Kong Malaysia.
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While Ireland's most decorated female rider ever, Lara Gillespie, is part of the team for the Malaysia World Cup, she will not be part of the team pursuit.
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Instead, takes on the elimination, the race she won at last year’s Worlds, and the omnium. The team pursuit line-up is comprised of U23 riders Emma Jeffers, Aoife O'Brien, Erin Creighton and Esther Wong.
“The upcoming World Cups are a key part of our build towards this year’s Worlds and the major events in the coming seasons," said Cycling Ireland coach, Dan Henchy, of the next races as the Worlds later this year effectively kickstarts the Los Angeles Olympics qualification process.
"The last time we raced in Hong Kong was the final race for our Paris team pursuit squad before the Games and the silver medal won there was the result that secured our qualification.
"This time we’re returning with a team of Under 23 riders, much earlier in their track careers but no less ambitious. The track calendar has a very ‘Eastern’ feel to the next few years and learning how to manage the travel demands will be just as important as developing their race skills.
"For the final round in Nilai we’re joined by Matti Dobbins looking to build on his strong showing at the track Euros and Lara Gillespie who will be racing in the rainbow jersey for the first time in the elimination race.
"Lara’s made an impressive start to her road season and will be looking to show that form on the track, with both the elimination and omnium in her schedule.”
