Lara Gillespie just misses out on podium place in Women's Omnium at the UEC Track European Championships

Lara Gillespie came within touching distance of winning a bronze medal in the Women's Omnium at the 2024 UEC Track European Championships in the Dutch city of Apeldoorn.

The Co Wicklow rider started the race in seventh place and made her move early on, gaining valuable points and moving up the leaderboard. A crash shortly after the halfway stage disrupted the race rhythm, with track repairs needed before racing could resume.

Norway’s Anita Yvonne Stenberg held onto the lead, finishing on 142 points. Britain’s Neah Evan claimed the silver medal on 136 points. A final push in the last lap saw Valentine Fortin win bronze for France on 131 points, with Gillespie coming home on 130 points.

Gillespie is one of five Irish riders at the championships. On Thursday, the team of Gillespie, Alice Sharpe, Mia Griffin, and Kelly Murphy finished fourth in the Women’s Team Pursuit.

Saturday will see Griffin compete in the Elimination Race and Gillespie in the Points Race. On Sunday, Gillespie and Sharpe will pair up for the Madison and Murphy and Erin Creighton will ride in the Individual Pursuit.