With the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics captivating our screens over the summer, Irish cycling also has much to celebrate. From historic performances in the Olympic road races to the continued dominance of Ireland’s Paralympic champions, this year’s games were filled with moments that will inspire future generations.
Let’s take a look at the standout achievements of Ireland’s cycling stars and what these successes mean for the future of Irish cycling!
Paralympic success: Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly shine again
Ireland’s dominance in Paralympic cycling continued in Paris, led by the unstoppable duo of Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly. Competing in the women’s B road race, the pair claimed a silver medal, adding to their already impressive collection of Paralympic accolades. This was followed by an even greater triumph in the women’s individual B time trial, where they secured their third consecutive Paralympic gold medal in the event.
Dunlevy and Kelly’s performance in the time trial was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of the challenging 31.2 km route, they powered to victory, cementing their status as one of the top tandem cycling teams in the world. Their win in Paris continues a remarkable run of success that began in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and their ability to perform at the highest level across multiple Paralympic Games is an inspiration to both current and future athletes.
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Lara Gillespie: A promising Olympic debut
Enniskerry native Lara Gillespie, one of Ireland’s rising stars, delivered a remarkable performance in the women’s omnium. Finishing 10th in her Olympic debut, Gillespie showed her ability to compete at the highest level. The omnium, a demanding multi-discipline event, tests riders’ endurance, speed, and tactical skills. Gillespie’s consistency across the four events, particularly in the points race, demonstrated her versatility and potential for future success.
While she may not have medalled, finishing 10th in such a competitive field is a testament to her hard work and talent. Gillespie’s result places her firmly on the map in international track cycling, and as she continues to develop, there’s no doubt that she will be a key figure for Ireland in future Olympic and world cycling competitions in the near future.
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Ben Healy: A record-breaking road race finish
Fresh from his Tour de France debut, Ben Healy also made history in Paris by securing Ireland’s best-ever finish in the men’s road race. Healy, who is known for his climbing ability and aggressive racing style, finished 10th in an exceptionally challenging race. The men’s road race at the Olympics is one of the most prestigious events in cycling, and Healy’s performance is a significant achievement for Irish road racing.
The demanding 271.5 km route featured multiple climbs and a highly technical finale in the heart of Paris. Healy positioned himself among the world’s top cyclists, keeping pace with some of the biggest names in the sport. His top 10 finish not only marked a personal milestone but also set a new benchmark for Irish cycling, raising hopes for even greater achievements in the future.
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Ryan Mullen: A solid time trial debut
Ryan Mullen also made his Olympic debut in Paris, competing in the men’s individual time trial. Known for his power and speed against the clock, Mullen delivered a strong performance, finishing 12th in the 44.8 km race. This is a notable result for the Irish rider, especially in a discipline that features the world’s best time trial specialists.
Mullen’s ability to finish in the top 12 on his Olympic debut highlights his potential in the discipline. With his experience growing, Mullen is poised to become a regular contender in major international time trials, adding depth to Ireland’s representation on the global stage.
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The future of Irish cycling is bright
The achievements of Ireland’s cyclists at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics mark a significant moment for the sport in Ireland.
These stellar performances not only bring pride to the nation but also inspire the next generation of Irish cyclists. With these results, Ireland has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. As investment in cycling continues and new talent emerges, the future looks bright for Irish cycling!
The history of Irish cycling stretches back more than 150 years, so let’s revisit a handful of the faces and races that have shaped cycling in Ireland over the years.
