Lara Gillespie had mixed emotions after the elimination race at the UCI World Track Championships in Denmark yesterday, saying while her 5th place was a good result, it was so close to the podium the race was tinged with 'what might have been'.
It was the Irish rider's first outing in the event as a standalone race at a major championship. The elimination race - which involves the last rider across the line being eliminated at every sprint - is not an Olympic event but is included in the Worlds every year.
Gillespie
“I felt good in the race, although I did feel the gear was a bit big, so I was not so much in the same flow that I’ve been feeling in the past few weeks," she said of her high finish, from 22 starters.
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"Overall, I’m feeling strong for the coming races. It was my first elimination race in a major championships or standalone event, so happy with that result.
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"But mixed emotions because it’s really close to the podium. I think with just a few slight changes I was really close to that."
Gillespie recently returned to the road for a block of racing with her World Tour team UAE Team ADQ after making her Olympic debit on the track in Paris. And with those road events now under her belt, she said last night last she feels good for the rest of the Worlds, with several events to come.
“I’m already switched in straight away for tomorrow," she confirmed. "I’m really excited to give everything I have. I think my shape over the past couple of weeks and my races have been good so hopefully that will keep going.”
The Wicklow rider will compete in the omnium today, Friday, and is a genuine medal hope. On Saturday, Lucy Bénézet Minns takes on the individual pursuit while Gillespie and Griffin team up for the madison.
The Irish campaign at these Worlds concludes on Sunday when Gillespie competes in the points race.
