22-year-old Lara Gillespie sprinted to victory in the elimination at the UCI Track Champions League Grand Finale in London last night, notably defeating Great Britain’s Katie Archibald, the two-time Olympic champion and multiple Worlds champion.
Norway’s two-time European champion Anita Stenberg stayed with Gillespie until the final sprint but ultimately finished in second, so Archibald was forced to settle for third.
It was a thrilling conclusion to a strong day for Gillespie, as the recent UCD graduate finished second in the scratch race, behind only GB’s two-time world champion Neah Evans. Lithuania’s Olivija Baleisyte placed third.
Lara Gillespie picks up a brilliant victory in the @UCITCL Elimination Race! 🥇
What a performance 🤩pic.twitter.com/ZQlRXsqyvv
— Cycling Ireland (@CyclingIreland) November 11, 2023
Gillespie has more than shown she is able to take on the best in the world.