Assen, Netherlands Race Report
What an incredible week of cycling for nine youth riders from Ulster in Assen, Netherlands.
The young cyclists proved that they can compete with the very best, delivering fantastic performances and achieving some outstanding results along the way.
The U16 girls had some standout performances with Clodagh Quigley finishing 7th on CG and Ava Baker from Breffni Wheelers finishing 15th on CG.
The U16 boys Kealan Doherty from Foyle CC finished 25th on GC, with Rory McCool, Dylan Finnegan and Olly Millar, all from Square Wheels Cycling Club, finishing 30th, 35th and 37th respectively on CG.
The U14 boys, Darragh Quigley from Foyle CC and Nathan Baker from Breffni Wheelers both gained valuable experience racing in big bunches of international riders over the week and not to forget Noah Finnegan from Square Wheels who raced his first ever road race.
For many of these young cyclists, this experience was about creating memories that will last a lifetime. From travelling together and sharing new experiences, to supporting teammates before races and cheering one another across the finish line, the bonds formed in Assen will remain long after the racing has ended.
These friendships, forged through a shared passion for cycling, are just as important as any medal or result and are a reminder of the positive impact sport can have on young people.
Competing on an international stage, meeting riders from across Europe, and embracing new experiences will undoubtedly help shape these young athletes both on and off the bike in the years ahead.
Congratulations to all riders. You represented yourselves, your clubs and Ulster with tremendous pride, and the future of cycling here looks incredibly bright.
