Very strong heat but unlucky final at Manchester UCI World Cup for Caroline Ryan

Caroline Ryan in action at the UCI World Cup in Manchester this evening, where a strong scratch qualifier was followed by narrowly missing a decisive move in the final (Photo: Larry Hickmott www.velouk.net)

Caroline Ryan has gotten Ireland’s campaign underway at the UCI World Cup meeting on the Manchester velodrome, putting in a very strong ride in the qualifying race of the scratch event but missing out in the final.

Ryan was 2^nd in her heat, a ride that saw her progress with ease to the final this evening, Friday. However, after an unlucky ride she had to settle for 16^th place in that final.

She narrowly missed out on making the winning break in the 10km bunch race when four riders attacked, taking a lap. During that decisive move Ryan also attacked, almost making it across to the four leaders but unfortunately never making the juncture.

Cycling Ireland head coach, Brian Nugent said while closing down that winning move would have secured a completely different result to the one she was forced to settle for, he felt Ryan looked strong.

“Four riders went away, she got half way around, the four riders got a lap, but Caroline got caught. We are not disappointed; it was a good effort but just didn’t work out.”

“The result of the scratch race is out of our control, and she showed she is going strong. Now it’s time to refocus, and we feel she’s going well for tomorrow’s pursuit.”

Racing continues tomorrow, Saturday, with Ryan and Martyn Irvine competing in the individual pursuit. Irvine also rides the points race, while Eoin Mullen will be competing in the sprint.

Women’s Scratch Race (10km)

(Winners time - 12.29.544. Speed 48.029kmph)

1. Malgorzata Wojtyra (POL)

2. Kate Archibald (GBR)

3. Tetyana Klimchenko (UKR)

16. Caroline Ryan (IRL)