Cycling Success for Glenlola Pupil

Year 10 pupil Molly McLarnon has been selected  by Cycling Ireland to attend a training camp in Holland, at the renowned indoor Velodrome Alkmaar.  She will be trained by Herman Schenk, the world renowned Track Coach, who has coached many of the world’s best cyclists including Marian Vos.

Molly is part of Cycling Ireland’s 2020 Olympic Talent Team which was launched in 2011 with the aim of developing and guiding young riders who may eventually make up a strong squad to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games.

Molly is an active member of the North Down Cycling Club and this year, she has won 3 National Gold medals on the track, as well 2 National Road Racing medals.  She is currently the Ulster Cyclo-Cross Champion. When asked about her recent success, Molly commented,

“This is a great opportunity for me to train in an indoor arena as at home, I have to train at the outdoor track at Orangefield in Belfast which was built in the 1950s.  This limits training to dry conditions which can be very unpredictable.  I am especially excited to be trained by Herman Schenk and am looking forward to seeing more girls competing as the sport has mainly been dominated by boys in recent years.  With Cycling Ireland’s help, more girls are beginning to show an interest in cycling.”

Noting her success, Mr Thompson said,

“At the recent official opening of the Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex in Bangor, HRH Princess Anne spoke of the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games.  Molly’s success, of which we are very proud, provides further evidence of that legacy’s impact here in Bangor.  We congratulate Molly on this achievement and hope to be cheering her on in 2020.”