Oct 21,2024
Lara Gillespie has won the bronze medal in the Points Race at the Track Cycling World Championships in Denmark.
The gold went to home favourite Julie Leth on 43 points, silver to Belgium's Lotte Kopecky on 40 points and Gillespie took bronze with 39
The 23-year old from Enniskerry, who also races on the road, has a very good record in the Points discipline having won the European Junior gold in 2018 and European under-23 gold last year.
In other disciplines this week, she finished fifth in the Elimination Race, eighth in the omnium and seventh in the Madison
She was also part of the Irish quartet that finished ninth in the team pursuit at the Paris Olympics, where she herself finished tenth in the Omnium.
Gillespie spoke of her relief at claiming a medal at a majour championships.
"I am so relieved with this medal because I knew I could do it and I have the legs and every time I'm racing, I’m getting closer and closer.
"This medal means a lot to me and I’m so proud to do it for Ireland, we have a small but mighty team and all of us and the staff have put so much effort this year prepared for the Olympics and for our performance and development.
"I felt my coaches, and everyone here believed in me and that really drive me on the extra bit. I’m very grateful."
