Children lined the barriers with tricolours and banners for Teams Katie, Ellen and Orla, eager to give the athletes a well-earned hero’s welcome.

Cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy couldn’t be blamed for getting used to winning on the global stage.

As one of Ireland’s most decorated athletes, she has no fewer than 23 World and Paralympic medals to her name. But the novelty is yet to wear off.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?,” Dunlevy said as she proudly displayed a complete set of gold, silver and bronze medals, each encasing a piece of original iron taken from the Eiffel Tower.

It wasn’t quite the top step of the podium in her last race with long-time pilot Eve McCrystal, but as the final moment of a decade-long partnership, that silver medal may be the most meaningful of all.

“Going into that race we were up against it. I wasn’t being negative as such but I was trying to be realistic. We were lucky to get a medal and for me and Eve to get one for our last competition together just means so much after everything we’ve been through the last 10 years,” Dunlevy said.

“After all the highs and lows it’s just so special. We’re just so used to each other and we aim high together, so her stepping away will be something to get used to. I possibly am going to carry on to LA but I’m not sure yet.

“Having another pilot [Linda Kelly] will be another new challenge, in some ways it might be a good thing for the last bit of my career. It’s always good to find new challenges.”

The run-up to Paris was a challenge in itself. The low point for Dunlevy came in May when she broke her collarbone in a crash during a race in Italy, a race she remarkably finished alongside McCrystal to secure Paralympic qualification.

“We’ve had so many challenges, having a new pilot with Linda and breaking my collarbone. It’s been a really challenging last few years, I’ve had to be really strong. To deliver in those races under pressure, I’m delighted. It takes its toll, it’s exhausting,” she said.

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