Ellen McDermott, left, with her UCD team mates after taking the Best Irish Team prize at the 2024 Rás na mBan.

Offaly cyclist looks back on eventful year

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Offaly cyclist Ellen McDermott, who is sponsored by KMK Metals Recycling, has had a busy 2024, including winning the first ever National Gravel Championships, and competing in the World Gravel Championships.

Ellen explained: "Ireland hosted its first ever National Gravel Championships in Galway - which was raced on a bog type circuit around the Ryehill Demense in Galway. Taking the title was particularly fun as I was away solo for the final 25km. All that training around Lough Boora really paid off."

Ellen, winning the National Gravel Championships. Photo by YG

"I won two stages and the overall at the Swedish Gravel Grit n Grind and braved some scorching weather at the Heathland Gravel Race in Belgium. Racing in Poland was incredible and I can't wait to go back to explore more.

"All those Gravel adventures culminated in me representing Ireland in the World Gravel Championships hosted by Belgium where I had my best performance at this level," she added.

Tullamore's Ellen McDermott, competing in the green of Ireland, in the World Gravel Championships.

Ellen also guested with the UCD Race Team during the Rás na mBan in September and despite being a small team the group took the Best Irish Team prize.

She said: "I am definitely looking forward to some more gravel adventures this year".

Ellen thanked KMK Metals Recycling and all her supporters for their ongoing backing.

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