Shannon McCurley reflected on a challenging Olympic debut as the Australia-born Irishwoman exited from the Keirin first round.

The 24-year-old, whose parents are from Dublin and Belfast, was competing in the Keirin, which begins behind a motor-paced Derny bike, on day three at the Rio Velodrome.

She was fifth in her first-round heat, dropping into the repechage, which offered a second chance at progressing, although she failed to take advantage.

“It’s been great. I’m stoked to just be here,” said McCurley, whose Olympic target was always the Tokyo 2020 Games.

“It was good racing. It was tough. I don’t think I raced to what I’m capable of.

“I put myself in there. I was feeling like I was coming home a lot harder and it wouldn’t open up. It went well enough.”

McCurley will stay in Rio to watch training partners Fatehah Mustapa compete in the sprint and her fellow Malaysian Awang Azizulhasni ride in the men’s Keirin.

Awang is a multiple world medallist and McCurley is confident.

“I’m backing him for the win,” she said.

She also plans to go to the athletics competition.

She added: “I’ve got one of my best friends competing for Australia in the long jump (Brooke Stratton). I’m going to go to that final on the 17th as well.”

McCurley’s exit brings Ireland’s involvement in the cycling competition to a close.

Dan Martin was 13th in the men's road race on day one, with Nicolas Roche 29th.