World scratch race champion Martyn Irvine returns to high profile competition today when he lines out as part of a three person Irish team at the European track cycling championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.
The Ards rider made history last February when he became the first Irishman in 116 years to win a senior world title on the track. His victory in the scratch race came shortly after he picked up silver in the individual pursuit, with the medal double being regarded as one of the top achievements of those games.
Fractured femur
Sidelined for much of the season due to a fractured femur he suffered one month later, he is returning to strong form and hopes to make an impression in today's points race, plus the Omnium events tomorrow and Sunday.
The 2012 worlds points race bronze medallist Caroline Ryan will be riding the women’s points race this evening plus the Omnium events this weekend. The team is completed by Eoin Mullen, who will compete in the sprint races tomorrow plus the keirin races on Sunday.
He recently broke the Aigle velodrome record for the 200 metre sprint, and is in fine form.
Meanwhile, Dan Martin's second overall in the Tour of Beijing ensured he finished an excellent sixth in the final UCI World Tour rankings, as released this week. Nicolas Roche was 36th, with their combined totals putting Ireland a fine 10th out of 35 countries in the final standings.
In Ireland
Roche is in Ireland this week and in addition to his Nicolas Roche Classic Sportive ride tomorrow at Tayto Park in Co Meath, he will also take part in another event in Garryvoe, Co Cork, on Sunday.
The latter will be followed by a Q & A session, plus also a meal with the Vuelta a España stage winner.
Both are open to the general public, with rides for people of all ages. Further details can be found on www.NicolasRocheClassic.com and www.nicolasrochemidleton.com.
