Freya Whiteside wins gold at the National Cyclocross Championships back in January, and now she looks destined for her debut in an Irish jersey, at the Europeans (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Cycling Ireland is yet to name the Irish team for the European Cyclocross Championships but the European Cycling Union (UEC) has published the start lists for all of the championship races.
And the good news is that an Irish team is in there, albeit a small one.
The fact we are sending to the Continental championships in Zeddam, the Netherlands, the weekend after next is no surprise, as an expression of interest process was last month launched by Cycling Ireland.
On the home scene this year, some of the top riders from previous seasons are not racing, or have certainly not pinned on numbers so far.
They appear to have given cyclocross a rest this year as they focus on goals more orientated towards the road, and in some cases MTB.
And though our junior riders have done really well in recent ‘cross races at home, the national team selectors are perhaps looking for international performances as a prerequisite for inclusion in the Irish team for the Europeans.
The start lists published by the UEC include the names of three Irish riders, all winners at the National Cyclocross Championships back in January.
Freya Whiteside (Simpson Nouvelles), the elite national champion, is among the start list riders for the U23 women’s race.
Fiona Killeen (Kilcullen CC Murphy’s Geospatial), the Irish junior men’s champion from last season, is on the start list for the U23 men’s race.
And Dean Harvey (Unattached), who claimed his fourth elite national title in a row at the start of the year, is named in the elite men’s start list for the European title race in Zeddam on Sunday week.
Obviously, an announcement is awaited from Cycling Ireland to confirm the team. But it appears this trio has gotten the nod.
Given the dominant way Killeen won the junior Irish title race last season, and the fact he was one of two juniors permitted to ride Rás Tailteann this year, on the Irish team, it will be interesting to see how he copes in the U23 European title race.
Whiteside is based in the UK, where she has been exposed to a high level of cyclocross racing in recent years. The 20-year-old will look to get a solid performance under her belt, to build on, at these Europeans.
In the case of Harvey, he has already ventured out to Belgium in recent weeks and plans to base himself there for the season.
While he will he will want to get the best out of himself in Zeddam, this race is part of a season-long project to adapt to a full campaign of European pro cyclocross racing, to see what it brings.
As a result, and assuming Cycling Ireland confirms the selection of all three, these riders are stepping up to make an investment in their ‘cross futures. They will not be under pressure to secure a significant result.