JB Murphy returned to the European Track Championships today, two years after winning a bronze medal, and went on the attack in the elimination race in a bid to gain a lap and take more silverware.
However, while the Co Kildare rider opened a big gap on the field and went close to latching onto the back of the peloton, he did not make it all the way. And once his big effort came unstuck, he was slowly reeled in by the chasing pack.
The 23-year-old, who won bronze in the same event at these championships in 2021, was caught and paid for his efforts as he was one of eight riders, in the 19-man race, who did not finish. The European title was won by Great Britain's Oliver Wood from Roy Eefting (Netherlands) and Donavan Grondin (France).
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Lara Gillespie - a prolific medal winner at Europeans and Worlds in the junior and U23 ranks - was also in action today for Ireland. She rode the four-race omnium in Grenchen, Switzerland, and finished in 13th place.
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The 21-year-old placed 13th in the scratch race, 9th in the tempo race, 15th in the elimination race and 12 in the points. British track legend Kate Archibald won all four events to claim gold - her 19th European title - from Daria Pikulik (Poland) and Lotte Kopecky (Belgium).
Conor Rowley was in action today for Ireland in the men's sprint. His time of 10.091 in qualifying saw him finish 17th of the 27-rider field. The top five riders qualified for the 1/8 finals with those 6th to 27th going into the 1/16 finals.
Rowley faced Dominik Topinka of Czech Republic in the 1/16 finals, missing out in the match sprint finishing 0.013 behind Topinka.
Tomorrow, Saturday, Orla Walsh competes in the women’s 500 TT qualifying while Erin Creighton - an 18-year debutant in a senior championships - and Kelly Murphy ride the individual pursuit. JB Murphy rides the men’s omnium while Mia Griffin takes on the points race.
