‘It’s crazy that you can now say that I’m a world champion. It’s the pinnacle of track cycling’

Wicklow racer created history last week but it’s been a long road with many people supporting her on that journey – including her former PE teacher who travelled to Chile to see it happen

Lara Gillespie celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's elimination race final at the UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile. Photo: Getty

Even in the moment of elation Lara Gillespie recognised the scream from her former PE teacher.

Among the crowd that rose to their feet acknowledging Ireland’s newest World Champion in the Velodromo de Penalolen in Santiago, Louise Tallon’s voice stood out.

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