Ireland’s Caroline Ryan has won the bronze medal in the Women’s Individual Pursuit at the Track Cycling World Cup, in Mexico. It is Ireland’s first ever World Cup medal at elite level.

Ryan beat Ukrainian Anna Solovey in the bronze medal final with an Irish record time of 3.34.257. Australian Rebecca Qiasak won gold while Britain’s Elinor Barker took the silver.

Ryan had previously won bronze in the women’s points race at the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

Speaking to Cycling Ireland, head coach Brian Nugent said: “Caroline rode a controlled race early on, and fought hard in the closing laps, to make sure she won Ireland’s first Elite women’s World Cup medal.

"It was going to be difficult to take a medal tonight, but Caroline met the challenge head on and she deserved that one. We’re all so proud of her.”

Image: Ireland's Caroline Ryan at the 2011 Track World Championships ©INPHO/Presseye/Ian MacNicol