STRANGFORD Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has congratulated Newtownards cyclist Martyn Irvine on his gold and silver medals at the World Track Championships in Minsk, Belarus. Irvine won silver in the individual men’s pursuit and gold in the 15km men’s scratch race. It is the first gold for the Irish cycling team in 117 years. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “This was a magnificent victory for Martyn. It is extremely well deserved for all the hard work he has put in. He has made Newtownards very proud of him “I would like to offer my congratulations to an outstanding young man. I am sure that this will not be the last gold medal he will win. “With the Giro d’Italia cycling race coming to Northern Ireland next year, there has never been a better time for local cycling.”]]>