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Cycling Ireland has announced a six-rider longlist for the elite men’s team to compete at the 2024 UCI World Road Championships in Rwanda this September. The selection process reflects the challenging nature of the Rwandan course, which is highly suited to climbers, combined with the logistical complexities and costs of attending the event.
The national governing body had earlier decided to focus solely on sending an elite men’s team, partly due to the unique demands of the Rwandan route and the proximity of the World Championships to the European Championships. While the longlist includes both climbers and non-climbers, it is expected to be refined further as the event approaches, potentially with additional riders added.
The Longlisted Riders:
- Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla)
- Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Ryan Mullen (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe)
- Darren Rafferty (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Archie Ryan (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Rory Townsend (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team)
Likely Leadership:
Given Ben Healy’s impressive track record in major one-day races, including his performances at the World Championships and the Olympics, he is expected to lead the Irish team. However, Eddie Dunbar’s recent successes, including two stage wins at La Vuelta last year and his exceptional climbing abilities, also make him a strong contender for a leadership role.
Strategic Planning:
Cycling Ireland’s high-performance director, Iain Dyer, emphasized the importance of early planning and collaboration with riders due to the unique challenges of the Rwandan event, including altitude, climate, and logistics. The longlist was created to allow ample time for preparation, including discussions on feeding strategies, travel arrangements, and performance optimization.
Dyer highlighted the depth of talent within the group, stating,
“We are lucky to have Irish riders consistently demonstrating their World Class ability over the last couple of years with very strong World Championship, Olympic, one-day classic, and Grand Tour performances in 2024 and this season.”
He also noted that the selection policy includes provisions to adapt the longlist if necessary, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the event.
Rider Profiles:
- Ben Healy: Known for his prowess in one-day races, Healy is a strong contender to lead the team. His ability to perform in grueling, climber-friendly terrains makes him a key asset for the Rwandan course.
- Eddie Dunbar: With his proven Grand Tour stage-winning capabilities and climbing strength, Dunbar is another standout name on the list. His recent successes highlight his potential to compete at the highest level.
- Ryan Mullen: While not primarily a climber, Mullen’s experience and versatility could prove valuable, particularly in supporting roles.
- Darren Rafferty: A promising young rider with EF Education-EasyPost, Rafferty’s climbing skills align well with the demands of the Rwandan course.
- Archie Ryan: Another climber from EF Education-EasyPost, Ryan adds depth to the team’s climbing capabilities.
- Rory Townsend: Though not a climber, Townsend’s experience and versatility could be crucial in tactical scenarios.
Looking Ahead:
The final team selection will be based on a combination of current form, suitability to the course, and strategic considerations. Cycling Ireland’s focus on meticulous planning and rider consultation underscores its commitment to maximizing Ireland’s chances of success at the World Championships.
With a talented pool of riders and a well-thought-out strategy, Ireland aims to make a strong impression on the global stage in Rwanda. The event will also serve as a platform for showcasing the country’s growing stature in international cycling.
