Ryan Agonisingly Close To Medal in Scratch Race at Track Cycling World Championships Cali 2014

There was disappointment for Ireland's Caroline Ryan in the Scratch Race last night at the Track Cycling World Championships, which are taking place in Colombia's Alcides Nieto Patino Velodrome. The determined Kildare rider rode a tactical race, and looked set to secure a silver medal, until she was caught on the last straight in the 10km race. Ryan's finishing position was 14th in the event that was won by Belgian rider Kelly Druyts, with Katarzyna Pawlowski (POL) winning Silver, and Evgenia Romanyuta (RUS) taking Bronze. Ryan was the first of the Irish riders to compete, with the Irish Team competing across six events over the four days.

Ryan demonstrated her top form throughout the race, making good tactical judgements, and racing strongly. Cycling Ireland Head Coach Brian Nugent was disappointed for Ryan saying "Caroline raced her heart out tonight. She stayed in the right place the entire race, and was active throughout, making good tactical decisions. She hit them hard with 5 laps to go, and got together with the girl from Belgium. It was the perfect move. I was sure that was it."

With 500m left in the race, the main bunch began to close on the break. Nugent said "Caroline was distanced in the final two laps and got caught by the bunch in the last 100m. I'm very disappointed for her, but she's in good shape, and will bounce back for her other events. She came here to compete for medals, and she's done just that."

The world ranked number one pursuit rider races in the Individual Pursuit on Friday; and in the Points Race on Saturday.

Racing continues today with Martyn Irvine and Ryan Mullen competing in the Individual Pursuit, with Irvine also racing in the Scratch Race, where he will be racing to defend his World Title. At last year's World Championships Martyn Irvine won a Gold Medal in this event, becoming Ireland's first World Champion in Track Cycling in over 100 years. He won the World Title within half an hour of winning a Silver Medal in the Individual Pursuit. Both events are once again on the same day.

Under 23 European Bronze Medallist in the Individual Pursuit and Scratch Race, Ryan Mullen, will also be competing in the Pursuit on Thursday, having impressed in his Senior Debut at the World Cup in Mexico this year, where he finished in 7th place.

The UCI Track Cycling World Championships take place in Cali, Colombia, from the 26th February to the 2nd March 2014.

RESULTS:
Women's Scratch Race:
1. Kelly Druyts (BEL)
2. Katarzyna Pawlowska (POL)
3. Evgenia Romanyuta (RUS)
14. Caroline Ryan (IRL)

SCHEDULE (All times are approximate):

Thursday:
12pm Local Time (5pm Irish Time): Men's Individual Pursuit, 4km (Martyn Irvine, Ryan Mullen)
7.25pm Local Time (12.25pm Irish Time): Men's Scratch Race, 15km (Martyn Irvine)

Friday:
2pm Local Time (7pm Irish Time): Women's Individual Pursuit, 3km (Caroline Ryan)
9pm Local Time (2am Irish Time) Men's Points Race, 40km (Martyn Irvine)

Saturday:
9pm Local Time (2am Irish Time): Women's Points Race, 25km (Caroline Ryan)