CYCLING:FOLLOWING AN excellent performance in the last round of the track World Cup in Cali in December, Irish riders are preparing for the Beijing round, which runs January 21st-23rd.

Confidence has been boosted by the team’s showing in Cali, Columbia.

“Taken as a whole, I was tremendously pleased with the performance of the Irish team as it was unquestionably the best overall team performance in the history of the track squad,” said coach Andy Sparks, an experienced American and former US Olympic track team coach.

“Our Irish women, in particular, had some stand-out results, including Caroline Ryan’s sub-3:40 individual pursuit and our women’s team pursuit knocked six seconds off their previous best. In addition, Martyn Irvine’s 1:03 kilo within the omnium was brilliant.

“Of course, there remains a lot of work to be done, but I’m happy with our development since the European Championships and the team has confirmed itself as a serious and focused world-class squad.”

Former rower Ryan impressed greatly, taking fourth in the individual pursuit. In addition, she went almost five full seconds quicker than the time Sparks had said was a target.

“Caroline is now legitimately a world-class track rider and I would expect a continued progression, as she is not only clearly talented but also exceptionally focused and professional,” he said.

Encouragingly, Sparks thinks Olympic qualification could be on cards for some of the riders.

“The World Cup results provide us with a good picture of our advancement in the big picture of Olympic points,” he said. “The women’s team pursuit had a fantastic ride with perfect execution and that resulted in a top-10 performance. The ladies were the fifth-placed European team at the Cali World Cup and, if that trend continues, they have a good chance of lining up for London.”

Meanwhile, Robin Seymour had a superb showing in the National Cyclocross Championships last Sunday. He was a level above his rivals and pulled clear on the first of seven laps, eventually finishing a full four minutes 23 seconds ahead of closest rival and WORC team-mate Evan Ryan.

The victory was his 17th gold medal in the cross championships, and added to his stunning haul of 15 mountainbike XC golds plus one downhill championship victory.

Ciara McManus was best of the women, Gerry McCabe was first veteran while Matt Adair beat Robert Scanlon to the junior title.

Fixtures – Sunday: Connacht MTB League, Moore Hall Wood, 11am.