Lara Gillespie has said a new indoor velodrome in Ireland, which has been promised for years, would be a “huge asset” in helping national team riders better prepared for major races.
The 21-year-old is currently in Mallorca with the Irish team training there ahead of the World Track Championships in Paris later this month. That base in Mallorca has been used by Cycling Ireland for years as there is no suitable venue in Ireland.
“It would be a huge asset if we had (an indoor velodrome) and we could knuckle down on all the little small parts we maybe are lacking right now,” she said on RTE 2FM.
“But we’re definitely getting there and the track in Mallorca is such a life saver for us but in future, once we get kids (on the track) younger and getting those skills and just getting people used to it, it would just make such a huge difference.”
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Gillespie said she had been in Mallorca for 10 days and would remain the for another five days before traveling on to Paris for the Worlds.
“We spend a lot of time here. Between road racing and track you’re kinda never really at home,” she said, adding it gets tiresome traveling abroad to train.
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“You’re not around your family, not around your loved ones or your friends. And thar’s a factor that maybe other people wouldn’t think about. But we’re definitely grateful that we have this opportunity. But, yeah, I can’t wait until we have (a track) at home.”
Gillespie said the national team has been on the road for a “couple of hours” each morning in Mallorca and then going to the track each day for “about three hours” for hard efforts.
When they travelled to Paris for the Worlds Gillespie said the Irish team would have three days of training on the velodrome before racing, which would allow the riders the opportunity to get used to the track.
She described as “class, a great week” her recent Rás na mBan, where she claimed two stage victories as part of the Irish team.
“My form is now coming around after a few rough years so that was really nice; to be at home, the crowds were great, it was just a great week overall.”
Looking ahead to the Worlds, she was hopeful the team pursuit line-up she will be part of will ride a personal best and finish in the top eight. She was also hopeful she would get to ride a bunch race, though the selection for those events was not yet confirmed.
