World Track Cycling Championships

This weekend two Irish track cyclists, Martyn Irvine and Caroline Ryan, compete in the World Championships in Holland, with their sights set on top performances in the Men's Omnium and Women's Individual Pursuit. Both riders will be competing on Friday 25th March.

The first Irish rider to race is Ryan in the Women's Individual Pursuit, who will compete on Friday afternoon. The Kildare rider will be looking to add to her medal collection, having won a silver medal at the World Cup in Cali. The individual pursuit is a 3km time trial, with the rider racing against the clock. The rider has one chance to produce a time fast enough to qualify for a medal "ride off". The top 4 finishers contest the medals.

Irvine's Omnium bid kicks off with the Flying lap on Friday. The Omnium is a new event to the Olympic Programme, comprising of 6 events, with points awarded to riders depending on where they finish. Throughout the World Cup Series Irvine has consistently produced top ten results in highly competitive fields, being particularly strong in the individual efforts like the pursuit and 1km time trial. Irvine will be hoping for a good result in the Omnium, as Olympic points achieved in the World Championships are worth more than those achieved in any other event.

The squad have been preparing for the World Championships in Majorca with their coach Andy Sparks. Racing starts on Wednesday 23rd March and finishes on Sunday 27th