Ireland’s European Track Championships concluded on Sunday in Grenchen, Switzerland, with female Irish riders competing in the Madison and Keirin.
Alice Sharpe and Mia Griffin teamed up for the Madison with hopes of a top 10 finish but a crash mid-way through the race derailed their chance.
Ireland started strongly securing a point each in the first two sprints, however just over halfway into the race Sharpe hit the deck.
While Shape received attention after her crash, Gillespie slotted into the main bunch to stay in the race. Sharpe re-joined the race shortly after but as a strong pace was maintained at the front of the race, the Irish team were under pressure to stick with the bunch, eventually losing a lap, resulting in a 20-point deduction.
Determined to finish the race, Sharpe and Gillespie never threw in the towel, finishing out the race with a further two 20-point deductions.
Earlier on Sunday Orla Walsh competed in the Keirin. She finished in 5th place in the first round with only the top two riders directly qualifying for the second round.
Walsh had a second chance to secure qualification in the first round repechage but it wasn’t meant to be.
Sunday’s action is Ireland’s last at this year’s European Championships after five days of competition at the Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland. The event saw a new Irish national record set in Women's Team Pursuit and strong performances from Lara Gillespie, Mia Griffin, and Kelly Murphy.
