THE Olympic year of 2024 began with Ireland as the number one team in the world and high hopes of medals in Paris. It ended without realising that Olympic dream, but with the number one team ranking still intact and with seven senior Irish riders in the top 50 and six young stars in the U25 top 50 in the world.

During another exceptional 12 months, Team Ireland posted two victories and a total of eight podium placings in five-star Nations Cups. And, with seven more senior Nations Cup wins across three and four-star level, along with 30 podium finishes in five-star Grands Prix and World Cup classes - including 11 wins - consistency and competitiveness were in plentiful supply.