Johnson & Perrott Fleet News
Lara Gillespie Crowned World Champion Once Again
Johnson & Perrott Fleet brand ambassador Lara Gillespie has been crowned world champion for the second time after winning gold in the women’s points race at the 2026 UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai.
Lara completed an exceptional championship with one gold and one silver medal, adding another prestigious rainbow jersey to her growing collection of international honours.
Her success in Shanghai represents another important milestone in an outstanding career and further establishes Lara as one of Ireland’s leading international cyclists.
A Second World Title for Lara Gillespie
Lara produced an outstanding performance in the women’s points race, a demanding 100-lap event featuring ten intermediate sprints. Combining strength, tactical awareness and consistency, she accumulated 42 points to finish five points ahead of Denmark’s Amalie Dideriksen, with Belgium’s Shari Bossuyt taking bronze.
The victory secured Lara’s second world championship title in consecutive years. She won her first rainbow jersey in the women’s elimination race at the 2025 UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile.
Becoming world champion in two different track cycling disciplines underlines Lara’s versatility and her ability to perform under pressure at the very highest level of international competition.
Gold and Silver in Shanghai
Lara’s gold medal followed an equally impressive performance earlier in the championships, when she claimed silver in the women’s scratch race.
She came within millimetres of winning the event, narrowly losing to Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes in a dramatic photo finish. Lara returned to the track with renewed determination and delivered a superb performance in the points race.
Leaving Shanghai with gold, silver and a second rainbow jersey represents a remarkable achievement for Lara and another memorable moment for Irish cycling.
What Does the Rainbow Jersey Mean in Cycling?
The rainbow jersey is awarded to the reigning world champion in each cycling discipline and is one of the most recognisable and prestigious honours in the sport.
Its five coloured bands represent the continents of the world. A world champion earns the right to wear the jersey while competing in the discipline in which the title was won.
For Lara, the rainbow jersey represents far more than a single victory. It reflects years of training, sacrifice and preparation, together with the support of the many people who have contributed to her development as a professional cyclist.
Supporting a Two-Time World Champion
Lara has been a Johnson & Perrott Fleet brand ambassador for several years, and we are pleased to play a small part in supporting her career by helping to keep her on the road.
Her commitment, adaptability and consistent pursuit of excellence reflect qualities that resonate strongly with our own business. While the performances take place on the track or road, they are made possible by considerable preparation and the support of many people behind the scenes.
Everyone at Johnson & Perrott Fleet congratulates Lara on another exceptional achievement. Winning one world championship is extraordinary; returning the following year and claiming a second world title in a different discipline places her among Ireland’s leading international athletes.
We look forward to following the next stage of Lara’s journey and seeing her wear the rainbow jersey once again.
