Sport: Cycling

How did you become involved in your sport?

WHEN I was 12, my dad introduced me to Nigel Armstrong, who at the time was Chairman of Lakeland Cycling Club and he took me out for a spin and from that point I had a massive interest.

What is it that you love about your sport?

ENJOYING the thrill of flying along at 30-50mph with 50-100 riders while also finding some of the most beautiful scenic roads that this country has to offer.

Also, I have made a lot of friends all over the country through cycling.

What are your earliest sporting memories?

TRAVELLING to Belgium or the Isle of Man to compete with international riders like Ian Stannard at underage level.

Who was, or is, your biggest influence?

KENNY Dunlop, for the effort he put in when I was a child in assisting me with my training, as well as driving me all over Ireland for events.

Could you give us an example of what a typical week involves for yourself?

MONDAY would be a rest day usually; Tuesdays and Thursdays would consist of a morning-fasted hour spin at 6am before work, with some sort of interval session in the evening, ranging from one to two hours.

Wednesday would usually involve a club race with Lakeland, Friday would be some sort of recovery/leg openers.

Saturday would either be two- to three-hours on the road or a 60-90-mile road race, and Sunday would usually be three to five hours, depending on what training block I was in, or a 60-90 mile race.

Who do you look up to in your chosen sport?

AFTER this year’s performance, it has to be Sam Bennett.

What do you think are the key to being successful in sport?

FINDING a sport that you enjoy as well as being determined and willing to work hard.

What have been your biggest successes to date?

IRISH underage title and finishing in the top 40 in Ireland this year.

What are your goals for the future?

TO IMPROVE on last year’s performances and to try and get a big win in the upcoming season.

What bit of advice would you offer to anybody starting out in your chosen sport?

ENJOY it, and don’t tie yourself down to one discipline.