The Irish riders have described a big step up to Worlds level and racing run-off in conditions that made the challenge even harder. But they enjoyed their experience on the biggest stage (All photos by Toby Watson)
Maria Larkin, who represented Ireland in the elite women’s race, at the World Cyclocross Championships has praised the spectators who travelled to cheer on the team.
She finished 39th and, though disappointed with some early mistakes. she enjoyed it.
“It was the most special race I’ve ever ridden,” said US-based Larkin.
“The crowd, the atmosphere and the Irish fans were amazing. My first lap was tough and I made a few mistakes.
“I could hear the Irish fans cheering my name as well as some of my Chicago friends.”
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From top; Thomas Creighton, David Conroy and Glenn Kinning (Photos: TobyWatson)
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Glenn Kinning, who rode the elite men’s race, was 55th. He said the conditions were very testing, making for the most challenging race he had ever ridden.
“The last week has been great,” he said the Worlds experience in Valkenburg. “The support team has been excellent and so has the preparation.
“(My) race was probably one of the hardest I’ve ridden. Conditions like that would probably have been called off back home.”
Irish junior champion Thomas Creighton was 50th in his event. He said the step up in standard at the championships was obvious.
“The course was probably the toughest I’d every ridden,” he said. “But you’d expect that from a World Championship event.”
While a mechanical put a dent in David Conroy’s U23 race, his ride whetted his appetite for more.
“My race didn’t go to plan, however, my season as a whole has been a success,” he said.
“And I’m already looking forward to building towards next season.”
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