UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Junior Races Preview
Aine Doherty (right) during the first round of Cycling Ireland Cyclo-cross National Championships (Credit: Atom Creates)
The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin is fast approaching and with two elite races the main attraction for fans, men’s and women’s UCI junior races also takes centre stage.
The star names of the elite men’s and women’s races might attract all the headlines, but it’s the youngsters that will kick off the day on Sunday, December 11th.
Junior riders will take on the same course as the elite fields on Sunday morning, providing fans with a glimpse at what lies ahead for that afternoon.
The junior women’s race kicks off the day’s action at 9.30 am while the junior men’s race follows at 11 am.
Ahead of all the action, we’ve taken a look at some of the riders to watch in the men and women junior races:
Aine Doherty
The 16-year-old is certainly one to watch for Irish cyclo-cross fans and has been in fine form in recent weeks – winning the opening two rounds of the Cycling Ireland Cyclo-cross National Series at senior level and putting in some strong performances in the UK.
Oliver Akers
The 17-year-old British rider comes to Dublin in fine form, picking up several wins including the junior race at Cross Clonmel in October, he has already competed in junior races at UCI Cyclo-cross World Cups and in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.
Cat Ferguson
The British rider is a high-profile name in the women’s junior race having already performed well in the UK and earning a fourth place finish in the junior race at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Maasmechelen. At 16-years-old, she has also raced a handful of elite races on the continent.
Liam O’Brien
The Irish national junior champion competed at a UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup junior race last season and will be hoping for a strong performance on home soil, he’s been consistent across National Trophy Series stages this season and took third place at Cross Clonmel.
All riders will compete in their trade team kits.
The UCI will publish official start lists in due course.
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin Fan Guide