Lara Gillespie’s track world championship journey culminated with her securing a prominent bronze medal in the points race. Amassing 39 points, the rider from Enniskerry only fell short of the gold medallist Julie Leth from Denmark by four points and trailed Lotte Kopecky of Belgium by a single point. Kopecky is reputed to be the leading female athlete in the sport. In the past, Gillespie has claimed the European points race championships in the junior and under-23 categories in 2018 and 2023 respectively.
Gillespie voiced her relief and satisfaction on securing the medal on Sunday, stating her belief in her potential to do so. She mentioned feeling the support of her coaches and team, which she attributes to pushing her to perform better. At just 23 years old, Gillespie is asserted as one of the top-performing young athletes in Ireland. She is also part of the pioneering Irish team pursuit squad to qualify for the Olympic Games, where they broke the national record and placed ninth. Gillespie ranked tenth in the Omnium at the Olympics as well.
Apart from the world championships, Gillespie also excelled in other competitions in Denmark, placing fifth in the elimination race and eighth in the Omnium. She partnered with Mia Griffin in the Madison race coming seventh. Another promising Irish participant in the world championships in Denmark was junior rider Lucy Bénézet Minns, who placed 16th in the women’s individual pursuit.
Gillespie ended her championships on a successful note, given her accomplishments. Beyond being a significantly solid prospect in track racing, she also holds immense potential in road racing. In the Giro Mediterraneo Rosa event in April, she secured two stage victories and a general classification win, followed by a sprint win in the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies race in May.
Being on the UAE Development Team allowed her to prove her skill, earning a rare mid-season switch as a result. Gillespie stepped into the WorldTour tier in June upon receiving a contract offer from UAE Team ADQ. At the Simac Ladies Tour, she achieved notable results with fifth and seventh place finishes in various stages.
She will continue her partnership with the team at least until the conclusion of the 2026 season.