Eoin Mullen, above, and first year junior Josie Knight look to be coming good after some promising riding at the UCI World Cup in London yesterday.
By Brian Canty
The stand-out performances from the Irish team at the UCI World Cup in London yesterday, Saturday, came from Eoin Mullen in the keirin event and Josie Knight in the points race.
Aran Islander Mullen was a whisker away from advancing to the semi finals from the opening round but came up short, despite besting the likes of Team GB star Jason Kenny.
Mullen was narrowly beaten by Poland’s Krzysztof Maksel and subsequently failed to progress out of the repechage in the next round.
In the omnium Caroline Ryan was set to start the second day of competition in 20th position after some below par displays in the scratch race, individual pursuit and the elimination race.
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Elsewhere, Martyn Irvine withdrew from the men's omnium race in the first event as had been the plan from the outset.
He needed to start to satisfy criteria to ensure he makes the entry requirements for the World Championships next year.
Meanwhile, junior rider Josie Knight clocked up more valuable racing experience, riding in the women’s points race, where she finished in 23rd position.
Cycling Ireland head coach Brian Nugent said it had been a tough day for his charges but a good learning experience.
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“Eoin showed a level that was not seen before,” he said of Mullen’s ride.
“He led from the front and stayed at the front the whole time and he was just was beaten by fractions on the line.
“When it’s done once before, it’s only a matter of time before he does it again.”
Nugent add Caroline Ryan was not at her best.
“Her pursuit time is her slowest indoor time since 2009, she’ll race on and get as much out of this event and get as much as she can,” he said.
“We can see she is way off her best, she had difficulties leading into the event, but we all know Caroline, being the tough competitor she is she will get as much out of this as possible.”
However, Nugent said he was very pleased with the performance of Knight, who is still a first year junior.
“One of the best things to see was Josie mixing and riding with good tactical awareness against world champions,” he said.
“I have not seen many people do that in the points race at this level at her age; definitely one for the future.”
Javan Nulty and Cormac Clarke competed in the men's 30km points race and they were well down the field, though are new to the international track fold and will need time to develop and find their feet.
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