The Irish riders will take on the junior version of Gent Wevelgem on the same day as the pro men, above, battle the elements.
Three of Irish cycling’s most promising young riders are set to take on the junior version of the Gent Wevelgem Belgian classic in March.
The female team is travelling to the race a little under two months away as part of the IrishCycleSport development programme.
Orla Harrison, Orla Desmond and Katie Armstrong all ride for TC Racing and they are being sent to Belgium to get a taste of international riding after already enjoying success at home.
Orla Harrison is only cycling two years but in that time the Westport teenager has won three national titles on the track and won many more road races in the youth ranks.
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The Co Mayo teenager has competed for the Sundrive Track Team and the Neenan Travel Talent Team, as well as representing Ireland in the UK.
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Orla Desmond has ridden for the Neenan Travel Talent Team for the last two seasons and as well as winning three national titles the Cork youth has worn the pink race leader’s jersey at the Errigal Youth Tour.
Katie Armstrong is a great find and the Bangor teenager has won the U16 national crit championships as well as taking bronze in both the time-trial and the road race.
Announcing the news that the riders would be travelling to Belgian for the race on March 26th, IrishCycleSport explained the trip was being made possible due to an international partnership.
“The girls will be competing as guests of our partners Team Cannibal racing and form a team of six riders with three other international females to complete the line up,” it said.
“(The Irish riders) will come to the race with an impressive CV to date... something that will no doubt stand to them as they come up against some top international talent on race day.”
The girls will be travelling to Belgium with TC Racing owner and mentor for the weekend Tom Clogher.
He said he was delighted to have the opportunity to bring the riders abroad, adding the trip was part of TC Racing’s plans to develop young female riders by exposing them to racing overseas.
The junior race is on the same day as the pro event meaning the sense of occasion should be at fever pitch.
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