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Ring congratulates Martyn Irvine on a Gold and Silver medal at Track Cycling World Championships
Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring has congratulated Martyn Irvine for winning the men's 15km scratch race gold and individual pursuit silver at the Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk.
Speaking this evening, Minister Ring said: "Today is a fantastic day for Irish cycling. In addition to the announcement that the Giro d’Italia will be coming to Ireland next year, Martyn Irvine has now become the first Irishman to win a world track cycling medal since 1897."
Irvine secured gold in the scratch race with a stunning performance in Minsk.
"It is testament to Irvine’s tenacity and athleticism that he surged to victory gold just half an hour after winning silver in the individual pursuit. With seven laps to go, the 27-year-old Fermanagh man proved truly unstoppable.
"This is a very proud day for Martyn, his family and the whole Island of Ireland. I warmly congratulate him and wish him continued record breaking successes in the future." Ends.
Issued By
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Tel: 01 6041007/ 6041087.
Notes for Editors:
Irvine qualified for the gold medal final in a time of 4:20.246, breaking the Irish national record in doing so.
Irvine becomes the first Irishman to win a world track cycling medal since Harry Reynolds won men's one-mile bronze in Glasgow in 1897.
Irvine lines up in the finals of the 15km scratch race at approximately 17:30 Irish time, which is a 15km bunch race, where the first over the line is the winner.