Ryan delivers a first for Ireland

CAROLINE Ryan, a policewoman from County Kildare, won the first Track Cycling World Championship medal in Ireland’s history yesterday.

The 32-year-old former rower claimed bronze in the women’s points race behind gold medal winner Anastasia Chulkova of Russia. “It’s amazing,” said Ryan, who took part in a talent transfer programme at the end of the rowing season in 2008.

Yesterday’s result was a remarkable feat for a team with a e100,000 budget, whose riders have contributed to their costs for Melbourne, and train in Newport in Wales as there are only two outdoor tracks in Ireland.