Ryan 13th in Points Race at UCI Track Cycling World Cup Mexico

Caroline Ryan has qualified a place in the Points Race at the UCI 2014 Track Cycling Championships, following a strong ride at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where she finished in 13th place. The Women's Points Race was won by Stephanie Pohl (Germany), with Jasmin Glaesser (CAN) and Jarmila Machacova (CZE) taking silver and bronze. The main goal for the Irish team in Aguascalientes is to gain qualification points for the World Championships next February.

The Points Race is a 20km bunch competition, with points being awarded at sprint lines throughout the event. The eventual winner is the person who has accumulated most points. Ryan rode a calculated race in this event, and was in one of the main moves in the middle of the race.

Speaking from Mexico, Cycling Ireland Head Coach Brian Nugent said "Caroline's strong ride today has ensured that she has qualified herself a slot for the World Championships in this event. Caroline is riding with intelligence now, and on another day the move that she made today, at the right time, with the right people, would have worked out. We are looking forward to Caroline's Pursuit and Eoin's sprint competition in the morning."

Ryan has already qualified to race in the Women's Individual Pursuit in the World Championships, and is currently ranked second in the World in this event. A strong performance this weekend could see her return to the number one spot, as Australia's Rebecca Wisiak leads her by just 10 points.

The World Cup runs from the 5th - 7th December in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

RESULTS:

Women's Points Race:
1. Stephanie Pohl (GER) 20 points
2. Jasmin Glaesser (CAN) 13 points
3. Jarmila Machacova (CZE) 12 points
13th Caroline Ryan (IRL) 3 points

Schedule:

Friday 6th December:
Women's Individual Pursuit (3km): Caroline Ryan
10.00 local time (16.00 Irish time) Qualifying Round
19.45 local time (01.45 Irish time) Finals

Men's Sprint: Eoin Mullen
11.00 local time (17.00 Irish time) 200m Qualifying Round
21.13 local time (02.13 Irish time) Finals

Saturday 7th December:

Men's Keirin: Eoin Mullen
12.55 local time (18.55 Irish time) Qualifying Round
20.08 local time (02.08 Irish time) Finals