The 2023 Senior Track National Championships took place on Saturday and Sunday, August 26th and 27th, as Ireland's best track riders showcased their talent.
Sundrive Velodrome played host as sprint, keirin, individual pursuit, madison, scratch races took place, as well as the rescheduled men's (open) 1km time trial - postponed earlier this month due to weather conditions.
In the women's sprint and keirin races, Orla Walsh once again dominated the racing as she won both categories, but faced strong opposition in Deirbhle Ivory, Ellen Ni Cleirigh and Autumn Collins.
The scratch races provided some fine entertainment as Niall McLoughlin's strong sprint proved decisive as it came to a bunch sprint in the men's (open) race while Gabriella Homer improved on her silver in the individual pursuit to take gold in the scratch race.
A great day at the Senior Track National Championships ✅
Some brilliant racing today at Sundrive Velodrome as a host of new national champions were crowned 🤩
Well done to all riders today 👏 pic.twitter.com/wBijsmGfA7— Cycling Ireland (@CyclingIreland) August 27, 2023
It was Annalise Murphy who came out on top by just 0.13 seconds over Homer in Saturday's individual pursuit, the Olympic silver medalist in sailing has continued to impress on the track.
UCD Cycling Club, Longcourt Hotel - NCW Wheelers and Spellman-Dublin Port proved the strongest teams when it came to the madison races, with both races providing excellent entertainment and intriguing battles at the front of the race.
In the women's race, Longcourt Hotel - NCW Wheelers (Annalise Murphy and Ellen Ni Cleirigh) and UCD Cycling Club (Jennifer Neenan and Clodagh Ni Ghallchoir) stayed together for much of the race. However, Murphy and Ni Cleirigh's relentless pace soon told as UCD Cycling Club lost contact slightly in the final ten laps, with the duo as they took on the final sprint alone at the front to seal victory.
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Full results can be found here.
