Silver Success for Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly in Women’s B Road Race
Katie-George Dunlevy and pilot Linda Kelly have continued their medal-winning streak, securing a silver in the Women’s B Road Race at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Irish duo narrowly missed out on gold, finishing just three seconds behind Great Britain’s Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl in a thrilling 99.4km race.
Katie-George Dunlevy, a seasoned Paralympian with multiple medals to her name, expressed mixed emotions after the race. “I wanted to win the gold, so I’m a bit disappointed, but a silver medal is amazing. It was a tough race. We were up the road with one of the GB bikes, and they refused to do the work. We were attacking on each hill, but we just couldn’t get away from them. They are sprinters. By the end, we had nothing left after pushing so hard on the hills.”
Pilot Linda Kelly reflected on the intensity of the race and the strategies involved. “It’s a silver medal, and I’m very, very happy. We knew they were behind us, and we pushed, but we had to ease off a bit to conserve energy. We got in front down the technical zone, but they were glued to our wheel. I’m absolutely over the moon. It’s just like a dream, and I’m delighted.”
Dunlevy added, “With all the setbacks, it means a lot. I’m delighted, and we’ll definitely be celebrating with family tonight. I’m just so proud.”
In the same event, Josephine Healion and pilot Eve McCrystal finished fourth, just over two minutes shy of the podium. Healion, competing in her debut Paralympic Games, described the race as “very tough” but was pleased with her effort. “I’m not at the top of my game yet, but I want to get there.”
McCrystal praised her partner’s performance, noting the challenging course and the warm weather. “She did really well. It was the longest race she’s done, and fourth was the best we could do today.”
Meanwhile, Damien Vereker and pilot Mitchell McLaughlin finished eighth in the Men’s B Road Race. McLaughlin humorously described the race as “hell from the start,” while Vereker, competing in his second Paralympic Games, remained determined for future success. “I have no plans to stop. We cyclists are a weird bunch – the worse it is, the more we want.”
Elsewhere, Ronan Grimes finished 17th in the Men’s C4-5 Road Race after a mechanical issue disrupted his final lap. Grimes, who announced his retirement after the race, expressed satisfaction with his cycling career despite the setback. “I would’ve liked a top-10 finish, but overall, I’m happy and look back fondly on my journey.”
The Irish Paralympic team’s strong performances continue to inspire, with more events and athletes yet to compete.