Ireland’s Lara Gillespie has won silver in the women’s scratch race on the opening night of action at the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai.
The Wicklow woman was narrowly beaten to gold by Lorena Wiebes from the Netherlands in a sprint finish.
The Wicklow rider became Ireland’s first ever female track world champion last year when she took gold in the elimination race.
“I wouldn’t normally say scratch is my favourite race but I’m really proud of how I rode today, representing Ireland as best I could,” Gillespie said.
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“Of course it was so close and I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry to take silver at a World Championships, but I think I can be proud of how I raced.
“It gives me confidence for the races coming up.”
There were no major attacks in the 40-lap race until late when France’s Valentine Fortin made her move with seven to go, with defending champion Wiebes responding.
Gillespie remained in contention but Wiebes would attack again with two to go and would edge home with Portugal’s Maria Martins in third.
Gillespie returns to the track on Friday for the Omnium event and Sunday for the points race.
Earlier on Wednesday, Aoife O’Brien, Emma Jeffers, Esther Wong and Fiona Mangan finished 16th in the team pursuit.