Commonwealth Games: Martyn Irvine to carry Northern Ireland flag
Last Updated: 23/07/14 9:31am
Northern Ireland have chosen Martyn Irvine to carry their flag in Wednesday’s opening ceremony at the Commonwealth Games.
The 29-year-old is an experienced track cyclist who has competed at the highest level for a number of years.
He won gold in the Scratch race at last year's World Track Championships and also a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Irvine said: "I'm honoured to be considered as flag bearer considering there are a lot of other athletes in the team with bigger CVs than I have.
“And to do so in Glasgow, so close to home in front of friends and family, is a real honour."
Irvine will take part in three events in Glasgow: the 20k Scratch, 40k Points race and the road race.
Northern Ireland Chef de Mission Robert McVeigh said: "We are delighted to appoint Martyn as official flag bearer as he epitomises the spirit of Team Northern Ireland.”
However, there was disappointment for another cyclist from Northern Ireland, Wendy Houvenaghel, who has announced her retirement from competitive sport.
The 39-year-old, who had wanted the Commonwealth Games to be her swansong, called time on her career early after suffering an injury in training.
The Olympic silver medallist from Beijing will now focus on her career as a dentist.
