Ireland On Track For UCI Nations Cup Hong Kong Round 


The Irish National Team claimed six medals after a successful participation in the Australian Track National Championships from March 1st-5th.  


Following the Adelaide Track Nations Cup last month, the team completed a Brisbane training camp as they tailor preparations for the second round of the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup in Hong Kong from March 15th-17th.  


With the Hong Kong Track Nations Cup round forming an important fixture in Ireland’s calendar as they target Olympic qualification. Irish riders competed across a series of women’s endurance events at the Australian National Championships – including a one-off run in the women’s team pursuit. 


Lara Gillespie enjoyed a successful weekend as she swept up gold in the Scratch and Elimination races as well as bronze in the Points race.  


In the Individual Pursuit, Kelly Murphy claimed gold after a provisional national record – subject to approval – in qualifying as Mia Griffin claimed silver, Alice Sharpe came fifth and Erin Creighton eighth.  


The Women’s Team Pursuit unit of Gillespie, Griffin, Sharpe and Murphy put in a strong performance to earn a time of 4:17.670 and pick up a gold medal. The time sees the quartet come less than a second short of their national record set just over one year ago.  


Ireland kick off the Hong Kong Track Nations Cup in the early hours of the morning on Friday, March 15th. A full schedule and preview will be published in due course.  


Results 


Friday, March 1st  

Scratch Race 

Gold - Lara Gillespie 

5th - Erin Creighton 


Saturday, March 2nd  

Individual Pursuit 

Gold - Kelly Murphy 

Silver - Mia Griffin 

5th - Alice Sharpe 

8th - Erin Creighton 


Sunday, March 3rd  

Women's Team Pursuit 

Gold - Lara Gillespie, Mia Griffin, Alice Sharpe, Kelly Murphy  


Monday, March 4th  

Points Race 

Bronze - Lara Gillespie 

5th - Mia Griffin 

8th - Erin Creighton 


Tuesday, March 5th  

Elimination Race 

Gold - Lara Gillespie 

6th - Erin Creighton