Ireland’s cyclists get World Cup campaign under way

Following on from last month's European Championship track event in Guadeloupe, the Irish team is back in action this weekend in the opening round of the 2014/2015 World Cup.

Former world scratch race champion Martyn Irvine is one of a dozen Irish riders who have made the trip to Guadalajara, Mexico and will get their campaigns under way today.

Four out of Irvine, Ryan Mullen, Cormack Clarke, Thomas Fallon and Javan Nulty will ride the men's team pursuit, while the same number out of Caroline Ryan, Lydia Boylan, Lauren Creamer, Mel Spath and Josie Knight will do the women's event.

Irvine and Ryan will also ride the men's and women's omnium races, while Eoin Mullen will contest the men's keirin and sprint. Shannon McCurley is due to contest the women's keirin.

The World Cup is a qualifying event for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

In other news, concerns that next year’s Junior Tour of Ireland might have to be scrapped due to a lack of funding have been assuaged by what has been a huge response to keep the race alive.

A fundraising sportive is due to be held in the west Dublin/Kildare area on February 1st, with others also likely around the country. Further initiatives may also take place and a trust fund is being established.