The An Post Ras 2014

Writing this blog I am now a “Man of the Ras”. Since I started cycling I followed the Ras every year as a kid and I couldn’t wait until I was able to compete in this beautiful event myself. Let me tell you, it certainly didn’t disappoint. In all my years racing a bike, I don’t think I’ve ever done a race in which I enjoyed more than the 2014 edition. It was super 8 days! 

Now I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on my race, I would like to put some words to it. So here’s my recap on the Ras and the weeks around it.

Myself, Robert and David at the depart in Dunboyne.

I can’t even compare this years race with my 2013 campaign, this time I could actually compete. Being able to eat sure does help! Last year I had a gastro bug before, during and after. It really wiped me out! That was a hard blow, but since then I was determined to come back and give it a good crack. So even being in Dunboyne healthy this year I was already improved on my previous edition. The start was made extra special this year and that was due to the fact I had two of my first cousins in the peleton alongside me. Robert-Jon was riding for An Post-CRC and David and I both rode for “Team VisitNenagh.ie-DMG”. 

After staying the night close to Dunboyne, we all met as a team on Sunday morning. This years team consisted of Rene (our legendary manager), John and Liam(Our temporary mammys for the week), David, Denis Dunworth, Mike “Turbo” Storan, Mark Shannon and myself. A fantastic group of lads! I was super excited and well prepared travelling back to Ireland after finishing up in Tour de la Manche the week before, so I was keen to see how my condition was going to be starting Stage 1. I was confident and feeling good - it was time to rock and roll.. 

After an amazing send off from Dunboyne we raced towards Roscommon in horrid weather conditions - full on rain all day. Such conditions made the, already nervous, stage dangerous. And there were lot’s of crashes! The biggest was 25km to go. Just as I thought I was avoiding it I got rear-ended and smashed into the big pile of riders on the deck. Luckily I wasn’t hurt, just opened up some of my wounds from la Manche, however my bike didn't come off too well (See pic below). After waiting a few minutes for a bike change I started my kamikaze chase back to the front. I had great legs so I got back with 4km to go, after that I didn’t get involved in the sprint but just spectated on the finale in which my cousin Robert won. I was so extremely proud, but also a little pissed that my wheel was smashed! Things could have only went better from there… 

Robbie winning Stage 1!

Stage 2 from Roscommon to Lisdoonvarna was special day for the McCarthy family with Robert wearing the yellow jersey of race leader for the stage. It turned out to be a lot harder than expected, and I think it caught many people by surprise. Again it was very dangerous due to the rain. After 70km of racing things started to heat up and the racing turned very aggressive. From there to 100km was full on racing. During this period I was very active and attacked with the eventual stage winner to the front group of 40 or so riders. I thought I had made the final selection as I was in such a strong group but I thought wrong. Everything came back together after about 10km and I then made a silly mistake and took a breather. I unfortunately missed the next groups going away. I finished in the main peleton. This turned out to be my worst day of the race. 

The next morning in Lisdoonvarna at the start of Stage 3 I was a man on a mission - I wanted to get in the breakaway. I knew it was a day where it could succeed and stay until the finish, plus with the stage finishing in Charleville I had extra motivation. I tried, but didn’t succeed. I was one of the very first attacks and found myself in a group of 7-8 riders for the first 10km, but I knew it was doomed as none of the bigger teams were present. We were caught and almost immediately the winning breakaway went clear. Shit! The thing that made it less annoying was the fact Robert was in it. The Kiwis controlled for the rest of the stage so it was a pretty easy day after that. I then tried conserving as much energy as possible as the following days were going to be tough! The race hadn’t even started yet… 

Stage 4 turned out to be the best day of my season thus far. It was the first, and arguably the hardest of the mountain stages. 185km from Charleville to Caherciveen with 10 categorised climbs, the last being the category 1 of Coomanaspic with only 20km to the finish. I was recovering very well so the night beforehand I was confident I could do quite well. My goal was to pick up the county rider prize, and that I did. I had a pretty cruisey race, An Post did me a big favour and let me sit with them so that made my race as stress free as possible. In the finale I was positioned in the top 20 for the start of the higher categorised climbs. I fought hard, and dug deep to get over the last climb with race leader Patrick Bevin of New Zealand and from there we were 30 seconds behind the front with under 20km to go.

The chase was on! (Fun fact: I even reached a new max speed on the descent - 105km/h! Fast!) I sat behind the Bevin train, swinging for the next 10 minutes. I watched in amazement at the strength of his ride. He rode me back to the front of the race without even asking for help. He didn’t flinch, just rode like a motorbike! From the bottom of Coomanaspic to the finish it was full gas racing, just how I like it! Roughly 30 guys contested the sprint for the stage win, Bevin winning! I was 12th and won the first county rider. I was very happy! Over the moon - not because of my result, or even winning the prize - but because I had lived up to my goal. I said to all my team, my family, that today I will be first county rider - and I was. That was the nicest feeling! 

On the podium for 1st County Rider Stage 4

My biggest fan!

The time between the finish and start of every stage seems to disappear in a stage race, especially if your having fun like I was on the Ras. The time between the 4th and 5th stage seemed to go even faster than normal! Another tough day awaited us for stage 5. We were departing Caherciveen and again entering the rebel county with the finish being in Clonakilty. 20km into the stage was the first categorised climb out of Waterville so it was full gas from there until about 50km to go, over the category 2 Caha Pass and through Glengarriff. Real hard racing! I positioned myself pretty well so never came into too much trouble. I didn’t quite have the legs to go with - what turned out to be - the Ras winning move. 10 or 11 guys jumped clear after the descent of Caha pass and were never seen again. The yellow jersey then sat up and we were riding “piano” almost all the way to the finish. I placed 25th in the second group on the road. 

The anxiously awaited Seskin hill stage from Clonakilty to Carrck on Suir was next on the cards. For me I couldn’t wait for this one. When the route was announced I was already itching for this stage, especially as its on roads so close to my home. It was a pretty straightforward apart from one real hard crosswind section which caught a lot of people - including me by surprise. It was a  professionally ridden stage. It was fast at the beginning, breakaway went clear, the Austrians controlled the pace and (almost) brought the break back for the finale. The weather turned with 50km to go, from warm, nice conditions to cold and wet - just shit! I was underdressed and suffered terribly from the cold. I targeted a top 10 on the stage I firmly believe if it had stayed dry I could have done it but by the time we hit Seskin I was like a statue, my body wouldn’t respond the way I wanted it to. I shut down. I started the climb on Mark Dowling’s wheel but once I tried to follow him I couldn’t. He was 7th, I was in the 30’s. I was disappointed. And bloody cold! I quickly forgot and focused on the hard stage 7 that was in front of me! 

Second wheel near Mahon Point, Cork

I must admit I surprised myself with my climbing form in this years Ras. I wasn’t so sure how I’d compare with the top guys, and I wasn’t too far behind! Stage 7 was going into the Wicklow mountains. With a category 2 and two category 1’s in the space of 30km - it was set to be another epic stage! It didn’t start very well for us with our team car breaking down within minutes of the start in Carrick. Thankfully we found a quick replacement. Massive thanks to Martin O’Loughlin, I guess it’s good to have friends! 

It was good day for me, I put myself in a good position and went over the last climbs of Corrabutt Gap and Mount Leinster with the front group. 

It's not easy! Summit of Mount Leinster

After the descent it regrouped as some groups came from behind, but it left me in a group of 30 guys to ride to the finish in Baltinglass. The breakaway was still away and there were no county riders present in it, just a handful (if even) with me in the select yellow jersey group. The breakaway never came back, so the stage results were gone. I knew then the county prize was available so that was my goal. It was a bit of a lottery as everyone was sprinting in our group. A race within a race! I was 2nd. By one placing. By one bike length. Ouch! That one was a kick in the balls. Congrats to Dowling however, a classy rider… 

Waking up the morning of the final stage was a bitter-sweet feeling. In a way I was looking forward to crossing the finish line in Skerries, but in another thought I didn’t want the race to end. Give me a stage 9! The morning started well for me - before the start of the stage I was informed I had won the C-Factor jersey. A new category for a wild card rider who the Ras organisers thought was one for the future and put the best effort in, both on and off the bike. So I was already guaranteed to be on the final podium in Skerries. A nice bonus! 

The morning after the night before! 

The last stage turned out to be one of the fastest. It all kicked off once we got to Skerries. The crowds there were amazing! Like nothing I’ve witnessed before. Passing through the finish line I could no longer hear the sound of wheels in the peleton, but just the screams from people lining the barriers. It made the hair on my arms stand up! The last time over the Black Hills I was just a little too far back to make the front split of roughly 20 guys. I finished just seconds behind them in the second group of around 15 guys. That was it, all done. My 2014 Ras was a wrap, and to be honest I was quite content with how my week went. I know I didn’t get any amazing results, but I showed I was well able to contend - and most importantly I achieved my goals for the week. I proved to myself that I can one back here in the future and contest. 

Rene and I on the podium to collect my C-Factor jersey

A massive thank you goes to Rene van Dam for sticking by my side throughout the whole year and giving me another chance to ride with his team. To all the lads on Team “VisitNenagh.ie” thanks for your support and laughs throughout the week, would have been nothing without you guys. I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable weeks I’ve ever had. You can’t beat that Irish banter! Already looking forward to next year… 

My results from the An Post Ras UCI 2.2:

1st - Chapeau Classification

9th - U23 General Classification 

4th - County Rider GC

34th - General Classification

46th - Stage 8

2nd - County Rider Stage 7

27th - Stage 7

37th - Stage 6

25th - Stage 5

1st - County Rider Stage 4

12th - Stage 4

54th - Stage 3

78th - Stage 2

120th - Stage 1

Love racing at home. Most beautiful place on earth!

After the Ras I spent a week at home visiting family and friends. I rode my bike but nothing hard. It was bliss! I took it as an opportunity to recover and refresh for the busy months ahead. Since returning to Belgium I have been training well and ridden some kermess races but haven’t got anything special from them result-wise yet. My best was a 15th place in Horebeke 1.12B. For now I am going to keep riding hard and hope to pick up some nicer results in the near future. 

I am currently in the Rhone-Alpes/Savoie region of France for 10 days. I am here with my team - Terra Safety Shoes - for “Tour des pays de Savoie” a UCI 2.2 ranked race which is a 4 day (5 stage) race in the French Alps. We have come down a week beforehand to ride some of the route, and try to adapt a little to the mountains. We are staying near Le Chambre roughly half way up Col du Glandon. This is an amazing part of the world, just wow! 

Having a blast with the Terra gang in the Alps... 

The next big goal for me after Savoie is the National Championships road race at the end of the month. I am hoping I can contest the u23 title, so I am looking to do a strong ride! Stay tuned in the near future for further updates on how my season is progressing. Thanks for reading!

Eoin

Never before have I written a blog from an Airport, but I guess there’s a first time for everything! I’m sitting here in Brussels about to board a plane home to Ireland for the An Post Ras, which starts this Sunday. I have to admit, I have been long awaiting this day. Since the 4th stage last year where I was forced to pulled the pin due to illness - I’ve been itching to come back and give this special race a proper go. I feel I have some unfinished business at the Ras - in my own head more than anything else! 

Anyway, since I last rambled on about Belgian life, a lot has happened. I've clocked up 12 further race days, been training quite hard and even had my first(and hopefully last) crash of the season - so plenty to write about! I regret to say it, but so far I don’t have much to show results wise. However, I am happy with my progress and how I have been feeling but that little bit of luck is still evading me. Time to make that change! 

April was an important month in my 2014 season. The reason being - the U23 Nations Cups ran from the 12th-19th. I am privileged that I had the opportunity to represent Ireland again this year at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, La Cote Picarde and ZLM Tour. These races were a big part of my motivation throughout the winter of 2013/2014, so I went there to perform at my best with the team while wearing the colours of my nation. The period around the events went particularly well for me. My coach and I decided that I wouldn't race for 2 weeks before the events but instead we opted to specifically train and it seemed to work. My condition was definitely the best it’s been so far this season.

Ronde van Vlaanderen was the race I was most prepared for, both mentally and physically. The weeks building into it I spent most of my time training on the roads of the race, so on race day I knew the roads like the back of my hand. I had a really smooth race, everything seemed to just flow. I had little to zero stress and I never rode the cobble sections so strong. Apart from the crash-filled first 20km I never had to worry. I had the legs to be where I wanted to be when I needed to be there and that was a great feeling! As predicted the race didn't kick off until the finishing circuits, and when it did - it exploded!

After Molenberg and Holleweg, which are the first real tests of the day I found myself at the sharp end of the race with some very good legs. After the first of the brutal finishing circuits I was in the front group of 50-60 odd riders going onto the last lap. A silly mistake then ended my race.

Riding up the Taaienberg (second last climb of the race), I was forced to unclip and stop twice. Not once, but twice! I ran into the back of two separate riders. My nerves, and anxiousness definitely got the better of me. It was over after that, I lost some precious time and couldn't close the gap back to the front! I finished on my own just over 2 minutes down on the winner and only 1 minute behind the second bigger group on the road to finish in 48th place. It’s safe to say I was in two minds about my race, in one hand I was happy with my condition in such a hard race - but on the other hand I was upset, as I know deep down I could have had a much better result. Next year, keep looking to next year! 

Here is a video of us on the very last cobble section of the race. See me @ 1.23 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Rpej0OspM

I came out of Flanders with a lot of confidence - La Cote Picarde in France was next on the cards. Another race suited pretty well to me and one I'd been looking forward to due to my disaster there last year. To recap on last years event, I crashed after 5km and had mild concussion! Picarde turned out to be a bit of a crazy race. There was lots of nervousness in the peloton throughout, mostly due to the anticipation of a big crosswind section which was set to split the race. The nervousness was all for a reason! Once we got there the race literally split in two. I was in the front half thankfully but due to the edginess of the race I didn't drink or eat enough during and ended up suffering from cramp on the final lap of the finishing circuits. Another silly mistake on my part. I finished in 78th place. 

After a tough day out in France we next set off in our travels to Holland for the ZLM Tour. This race is the definition of gutter racing. This region of The Netherlands is known for it’s exposed roads and strong winds - a recipe for a crazy bike race! From the start of the race I was on the back foot. In the first few kilometres I was caught behind a crash and spent the first 30mins chasing. Gutter racing from the beginning over bridges kilometres in length. Not my cup of tea! I burnt too many matches in the first hour and after 110km I found myself in a big grupetto which got pulled out of the race by the commissaries. Ryan Mullen, my roomie for most of the week went on to do a fantastic ride to pick up 6th place which was a big result to round up the April events for the team. A big thanks to Kurt Bogaerts, Stacey Kelly and Freddy, for looking after us so well over the week - much appreciated! Also a big thanks to my team mates for the week. Top lads, I always enjoy your company!

Following the Nations Cups I was lucky enough to get home to catch up and spend quality time with family for a few days. Next on the race programme was GP Affligem, a special and important one day race on the Belgian calendar, with past winners such as Eddy Merckx. Apart from picking up a nice result - which I was motivated to do - the race went pretty well for me. I tried to go on the attack but it wasn't to be. Even inside the last 10km when things started to heat up I was still in the thick of the action, but unfortunately it just wasn't hard enough to split. We came to the finish with a bunch of around 100 guys. I let the sprinters do their thing and just rolled in mid-peloton. 

After GP Affligem I had roughly 10 days to prepare myself for our first stage race of the season - Tour de la Manche, from 7-11th May in France. As part of preparation I did a 1.12B Kermese race in Meigem-Deinze on the 1st. It didn’t go to plan. I went to the race planning on picking up a nice result, but after 5 minutes of racing my gear cable snapped in my lever. So I spent the remainder of the race in the 11-sprocket. Far from ideal, but an interesting experience!

We travelled to France for Tour de la Manche on the morning of the prologue stage in Granville. The prologue itself wasn’t for me! A 6km course with two daredevil descents and two climbs of a about 1km each. The TT bike turned out to be a bad option for me. My DS reckons I lost 20 seconds alone on the corners and descents. In hindsight, them precious seconds would have put me close to the top 10! Doh!

La Manche was over before it started for me. A crash after 80km on the rain filled first stage ended any chances I had for a decent GC result, which was bitterly disappointing. Up to that moment I was feeling great, I was going on the attack and following some moves. But I just wasn’t myself after that.

The following stages - 3,4,5 and 6 were all much better - the weather was still shocking! On stage 3 I was agonisingly close to making the front split of about 25 riders, just 10 metres from making it across until I was greeted by a 90degree turn into a block headwind. I was feeling very average on stage 4, it was the only start without neutral which meant it was full gas right from the beginning. Both stages 4 and 5 started on a climb, so it wasn’t long before we got warmed up! 

Stage 5 was rumoured as the hardest stage. It was described to us on the start-line as a “Rodriguez”-styled finish, which we had to tackle 5 times. It didn’t disappoint! My legs certainly came around but my team mate Jelle was feeling up for a top result so I helped him in the finale. I dropped him to 3rd wheel with 1km to go but unfortunately he could only come home for 11th place. The final stage was very mixed, sometimes very fast, then very slow. The weather was also mixed - we must have had all 4 seasons in one day. I wasn’t feeling it on stage 6. I got dropped on the finishing circuits and rolled to the finish in a small group. 

It was a disappointing week as I would have liked to come out of the race with a few nicer results, but I am pleased that I got the race in the bank before one of my main season goals - the An Post Ras. When I crashed on stage 2 the first thought that crossed my mind was the Ras. I was praying that nothing was going to be damaged, and luckily for me - it wasn’t. 

So here I am, awaiting the start of - what feels like - my “first” An Post Ras. Again I will be riding as part of Team DMG-VisitNenagh.ie ; A big thanks to Rene van Dam for taking me on board again this year. This is such a special race - made even more special lining up alongside my two cousins Robert-Jon and David. Here’s to a great week… 

Eoin

The 2014 Season Has Begun!

It's crazy to think the winter has passed & I am back in Belgium again! Where did the time go?! It seems like only yesterday I was finishing up my 2013 campaign & packing my bags to spend the winter at home. Now here I am in Zottegem again! I had a solid winter this year. Everything went as planned & I've worked harder than ever before so I am hoping I can show it this year. 

This year I am confident. When I look rationally at the season ahead & the winter I've had - all I need now is some luck. 

I left home on the 3rd of March to move back to Zottegem & get the 2014 racing season started with my team Terra Safety Shoes & the support of The Dave Rayner Fund.

Cousins in Belgium! 

Since being back I've clocked up 3 race days & have got some quality training done. I've (almost) adapted to my Belgian home again & being back with the boys is great fun! 

The last few weeks before I left home I was itching to race. On March 8th it was finally time to pin on the numbers again! This season I started off in France at the 151km Paris-Evreux Classic. A very welcomed change! First race day of the season is always exciting as well as a little nervy. Although your confident of the training you've put in, you never quite know how you will fair out. There was certainly some cobwebs that needed blowing out! I was pretty happy with my race. After roughly 6 months without such sensations it came as quite a shock to the system, to say the least! 

Lucky 13!

I was really in the hurt box for the first hour, my legs were nowhere to be found. However, after the first hour I started to come around & my body got back to normal. Although it was too late. The damage had been done. After a pretty fast but straightforward descent, we came to small village where a series of technical corners & roundabouts forced a split in the peloton. This split contained roughly 30 riders of which 2 of my team mates were present. My positioning was pretty poor at this particular point & I just missed out unfortunately. 

The parcour was very rolling, a little like home - so it suited me well. On some of the climbs we came pretty close to bringing back the gap but as the French Army had every member of their team in the split, they set a high pace which was impossible match. After 100km I unintentionally got a gap on - what was left of - the peloton. I pushed on & joined 4 riders ahead, one being my fellow Dave Rayner Funded rider & team mate Adam Lewis. For the next 40km or so we rode in no man's land between the front group & peloton to test the legs & try to salvage something from the day. Unfortunately we got caught 6km from the finish, & at this time there was only 30 guys left in the "peloton". With no result left to grab I just rolled in for 50th place. 

Paris-Evreux

After a solid weeks training Niuewrode 1.12B on the 16th March was next up. As it was the only 1.12B on that day, a big field was expected to take to the start line. 306 riders signed on as it turned out & 6 from the Dave Rayner Fund. I can only use one word to describe it - chaos! Luckily for me I snuck my way to the front row at the start, so I missed out on the carnage of the first few laps. 15 crashes in the first 15km apparently! I heard & saw a lot of them, even felt one & suffered some tyre burn on my leg. Ouch! 

There was a lot of "heart in mouth" moments. Especially at the finish! I tried a late attack at about 3km to go but got nowhere. When I got swallowed up I slotted back into the line & tried to get involved in the sprint! In doing so, I very nearly ended up crashing. I got sandwiched in the gutter after a squeeze in the peloton & ended up balancing on my front wheel in the gutter while me & my bike were at a 45degree angle. Somehow I managed to keep it upright. Guys crashed all around me but I survived the damage. I was blessed for once! This all happened at about 60km/h mind, so I lost all positioning. I was relieved to roll in for 73rd safe & sound. All in all, not a race that suited me but I was never in any trouble & got around with relative ease.

 Check out this video of Niuewrode - this just shows the craziness that is Belgian bike racing:

The following Sunday the 23rd I took to the start line in Mol for the 52nd edition of the 1.12IC Zuidkempense Pijl/GP Wilfried Peeters. I had a nice week building up to this race & although it wasn't a parcour that's suited to me I was still quite optimistic & excited. The race itself was 163km in length. We started in De Kaasboerin-Postel & raced roughly 20km before we reached the circuits in Mol where we would do 10 laps of 14km.

The weather was not on our side unfortunately. It certainly wasn't warm - 5 degrees or so & not long before the start we started to get a little rain, which later turned to a lot of rain as well as some hail stone showers. We were treated to all 4 seasons in one day! Being from Ireland, you would have thought I'd be accustomed to such foul conditions but as it turns out - I suffered with it like never before. 

The race was fast from the word go as expected. Some nerves in the first 10km caused a high speed crash in which I got caught behind. After making it back to the front of the race things seemed to settle down. 

However as the rain & spray of the peleton kept getting worse I started to really feel the conditions taking their toll. My legs were fine, but I couldn't stop shivering. I didn't have enough clothes on & I couldn't feel my hands or feet. At one point my jaw was getting cramp jittering with the cold. It was so grim. I felt like pulling the plug many many times & grabbing a nice hot shower but something kept me going - the sense of satisfaction I would have afterwards. Every time we went over 55km/h I struggled. I was statue-like & my legs felt like they were seizing up. So the few times I got myself to the front & tried to do something I realised it wasn't happening. Not today! Most of the time the race was too fast to even attack. For such harsh conditions we still had an average speed on 43.5km/h.  

That pretty much sums up my day. There was 15 guys ahead who contested the win. I didn't contest the sprint so I finished mid-way in the second group for 71st. My race number was also 71 for that day! Karma! 

Link to the Zuidkempense Pijl/GP Wilfried Peeters website: http://www.zuidkempensepijl.be/zkp/

My Strava file from the race: http://www.strava.com/activities/123549057/overview

Luck hasn't been on my side so far & a nice result has evaded me, but I'm not worried. I've only raced 3 times & it's a long season! I'm now training hard again to finish off the spring/classics part of the season with some strong performances. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!

Life Behind Bars

8am - that horrible sounding iPhone alarm awakens me from my beauty sleep. Another day of training lies ahead. As I lay there, silently praying for my body to feel recovered from the previous days efforts - I am listening to the familiar sound of wind and rain almost plummeting through my bedroom window. A regular morning if you live in Ireland! First the little devilish thoughts or excuses seem to form an orderly queue. Too wet! Too cold? Too windy! Too tired? Go back to bed for another hour or so. And so on, and so on…

Then comes the positivity. Who’s queue is a lot shorter and seems to speak so much more sense. “It’s not that bad, just get on with it” ; “Man up” ; or my personal favourite “Time for a cement milkshake, harden up!“ After all, I’m going to have to race in the rain too! 

I’ve learnt to ignore the devilish thoughts to the point where they rarely enter my mind. The one thing I always ask myself is - “why did you set that alarm in the first place?” I must admit it’s not a very pleasant feeling waking up to such weather conditions or achy muscles, but it never seems to stop me getting myself out of the bed and getting to work. Sometimes you’ve got to ask yourself - “What do I want now?” ; or more importantly - “What do I want most?”. 

As I rode over the Vee today, on some of my favourite roads to ride my bike - with the much welcomed winter sun on my back, I yet again realised how lucky I am! I’m in a position in which I've come to realise - I've put myself in, through working hard. There is no shortcuts in cycling, or life to that matter - and there’s no doubt I've worked, suffered and sacrificed a lot to be given the opportunity to ride my bike full time. I don't take anything for granted and I am willing to put in the training required.

I always say - if only you could hear some of the stuff I talk to myself about while I am out pedalling around the countryside - you'd think I was insane! I am lucky not to have too many problems in life, at least nothing major. But if I did I am sure they would be resolved while riding my bike. I do all my thinking behind the bars, staring at that little Garmin screen whilst pushing the pedals a little harder, is where I make all my decisions. I pour all my thoughts onto the road ahead of me, and ride over them. 

The freedom that cycling provides is incredible. While I am out riding my bike for 3,4 maybe 5 hours a day - you do a lot of thinking. Not just useless thoughts either, it’s mostly logical pondering’s on life. Thinking about things that may never cross your mind while sitting at home. It’s like taking a detox from the world. Suddenly, from that moment you roll out of your door - it’s just you, your bike and the roads. 

I mostly train on my own - and for a number of reasons. It's how I seem to work best (when there’s specific work to do!). There's nobody to distract me from the task at hand - and while I'm out on the roads pushing on the pedals, nobody can come into my bubble and disrupt my thoughts. In saying that, I love to train with my brothers, friends and team mates. There’s only a certain amount of time in which you can talk to yourself of course! 

You become in tune with yourself through the sport. It gets to the point where you become so aware of every little implication that life brings. There’s a certain selfishness involved at times. There may be days where you have to say “no” to people asking you to go out, or to go shopping. Even on recovery days - remembering the days purpose! Recovering, staying off your feet. There’s no doubt it can be difficult, but the sense of satisfaction is incredible. Indescribable. That feeling on a race days evening where every step of the staircase is burning like crazy. We are strange creatures us cyclists. 

Cycling is such a complex sport though; and there’s so much more to cycling than just riding your bike. Cycling teaches you about life. It teaches you discipline, sacrifice, dedication, focus. How your body works and responds. How your body adapts to such physical exertions. It teaches you about the world. Different cultures. It shows that when you work hard for something you can make it happen, and most importantly - it teaches you about the up’s and down’s; the high’s and low’s that life will throw in your face! 

However hard it may be - I wouldn’t change anything for the world! I love what I do. I love life behind bars.

Twitter: @Eoin_McCarthy 

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Happy New Year Everyone! 2014 is here! After a somewhat "mixed" 2013, I can only hope 2014 will treat me a little better. Reflecting and being positive on 2013 - I feel I've had a successful and productive year. I've learnt a hell of a lot from the past 12 months - and not only on the racing scene! As well as being a stronger and smarter bike rider - I am now a much stronger individual. I've shown perseverance through all the tough times I entailed early season and showed that, if I was going to quit - it would have already happened. I'm still pedalling - and better than ever...

Here's my 2013 in numbers:

683 - Hour's spent riding.
21, 995 - Kilometres ridden, training & racing.
136,640 - Metres of Elevation Gain
322 - Activites
434 - Personal Records
65 - Race days
5 - International Caps
7 - Crashes

My Favourite Picture from the 2013 season. Izegem Pro Kermesse

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The line has been drawn. It's 2014 now - so time to look ahead. That's why your eyes are on the front of your ceann, to look forward! Been quiet as of late as I've been enjoying my down time after a hectic season, as well as doing the one thing that this blog is all about - riding my bike!

Since getting home from Belgium in October I've been thoroughly enjoying my time at home in Fermoy. It may be a cliche thing, but there really is no place like it! I've been spending quality time with family and friends and just plain enjoying myself! I've even been to Norway to visit one of my best friends which was a fantastic trip. For around a month I tried to live a somewhat normal lifestyle for a guy my age. Enjoyed some nights on the town, indulged a little, went shopping, just the normal things. The month was perfect timing. I was re-charged, eager and hungry to get cracking with my preparation for 2014.

Everything (touch wood) is going to plan so far. Looking forward to another year with the Terra crew - let's make it one to remember! I will return to Belgium in early March to get my season underway! I have a lot of aims for the 2014 season which I won't go into too much detail on just yet.

Speaking of 2014 - I will have the great honour of being supported by The Dave Rayner Fund. The fund has been set up in memory of the late Dave Rayner. The aim of the fund is to assist ambitious riders living and racing abroad, like Dave, to make a successful pro career. I will give my best to justify their belief in me, and hope to obtain some top results to make them and everyone else around me proud. Link to website - http://www.daveraynerfund.co.uk/

Next up for me, in 10 days time - for 10 days, is a training camp in Mallorca, Spain. Looking forward to getting away to some fairer weather conditions, and new training roads. Hope to make the most of it!

I hope to post a less informative blog in the coming weeks. I have a few things written up, just need to make them perfect! Stay tuned for more...

Thanks for reading,
Eoin

Never a failure, always a lesson..

That's it. The season of 2013 has come to an end! Obviously as an athlete, your always going to want more from a season but I am proud of the progress I've made & lessons I've learnt. Looking back at the year I have to take the positives & use them for the future. I still don't feel as if I had a clear run, I hit the deck a few times too many & came down with illness at the worst possible time which was heartbreaking. All in all, I am now twice the rider I was at the beginning of the year & to me that is the most important thing. Never a failure, always a lesson..

Since & before my last blog my condition was on the rise, & Ronde van Oost Vlaanderen was a perfect race for form building. It was a brand new tour for the top u23's in Belgium & was 5 days in length. It wasn't a tour that particularly suited me as pretty much every day stage finished in a bunch sprint & that in itself meant there was a fair bit of carnage! It was by far the most stressful tour I've taken part in. We were constantly riding around at over 50km/h as it was so flat, & over the whole week there was hardly any breakaways & a lot of crashes! Luckily I escaped scathe free, but judging how many times I've crashed this year I'm amazed as to how! The peleton always carried too much momentum & speed so that really discouraged people to attack, so for me it was like a big motor pacing session every stage. A very nice 5 days with the team!

The days following the stage tour we had two more team races. One was a 1.12B very close to home in Balegem & the other was the Interclub Omloop Van de Grensstreek Wervik, a 172km amatuer semi classic in which we did 2 laps which included the Kemmelberg & Monteberg. Hard going after 6 days of racing in the legs, especially racing with fresh guys! Somehow I managed to suffer like never before & made it over all of the climbs to finish in the front group of 70 or so. I was completely dead, so couldn't even attempt a sprint or attack! 

After this 7 day block of racing I had an easy week before I jumped back into the deep end. I came off the week with some great legs which helped me in all of my races in the latter part of the season. 9 times out of 10 I was in the breakaway, & was highly involved in the thick of the action. I was riding the best I've ever been, both physically & tactically. I was reading the races very well & learned a lot of lessons. One being, I am definitely NOT a sprinter! It can be frustrating when you put yourself in the position to win time after time but come up against faster finishers! Something to work on for 2014. Lot's of fast guys in Belgium!

We were also riding in some of the Pro races since my last blog. Izegem, Muelbeke and Viane-Geraardsbergen. Muelbeke was a complete write off. Izegem was enjoyable & Viane was arguably one of my favourite/best days on the bike ever! It wasn't like your normal kermesse course. It had some cobbled sections, punchy climbs and longer rolling ones & with the course being 16km long it suited me a lot more. 50-60km or so into the 161km race a front group of 40 or so came together at the front. I had originally missed it but I attacked & after a 20km chase coming from 1.30mins behind, 6 of us eventually got to the front again. It was like a TTT with pro's, 1 from Vacansoleil another with IAM Pro Cycling, and some Norweigans. I was feeling great! As soon as we got across it split at the front again on the next climb. I was in the front luckily with only 1 other amatuer rider. I went on to finish in this group, I really suffered but still felt great. Something like 150 guys lined up and out of the 38 fnishers I was 35th, not the best result but I was happy to one of the 2 amatuers finishing.

After Viane, I only did one more race, 2 days later. I still hadn't recovered from such a strenuous effort I made in the Pro race so just cruised around in the bunch. After that I decided to wrap up the season. I racked up 65 race days in 2013 & my body was feeling it. I picked up some nice results, in all of which I probably deserved more. It can pay for being an honest rider sometimes. All experiences in which I am learning from however & I am very confident I can use these lessons in 2014.

As I mention 2014, I am pleased to say I have re-signed & will spend the season in Zottegem with my current team Terra Footwear-Bicycle Line, although the team name may be subject to change. After many disappointments this season past I hope to make up for them in 2014 & will be praying for a clear run! My best is still to come and I know it.
I am yet to sit down with my coach and properly discuss my goals & hopes for 2014 but I will be looking again at the UCI u23 Nations Cups (If I'm selected), The Ras & my team provide me with some great opportunities to ride some of the top competition 1.2's - I will hope to make an impact on some of those races. 

I have some thanks to make for the 2013 season. I would like to thank my family who continue to support me through my cycling career, thanks for helping me follow my dreams! My trade team Terra Footwear-Bicycle Line for giving me some great opportunities throughout the year & to my team-mates for looking after me through some difficult times. Everyone at Team DMG VisitNenagh.ie for taking me on your team for the An Post Ras & making me feel right at home - sorry my illness held me back! To Brian Nugent & all involved in the Irish National Team set-up, thanks for everything in 2013. I love wearing the green of my country and hope to do it more justice in the future! To FFWD wheels, thanks for hooking me up with some amazing wheels. Paul at Fermoy Bike Shop, a big thanks for helping me with nutritional products. Hope I didn't leave anyone out!

That's it now. I am near the end of my break. I will start training again slowly next week. Stay tuned over the next few months to see what I am up to. Thank you for reading!

Eoin

On The Upward Spiral!

If there's one thing I've learnt from being in Belgium this season, it's that - most of the time cycling doesn't go your way. It's a roller-coaster of emotions, and seems to have a terrible habit of kicking you in the face just when your thinking things are starting to get better... I've had to overcome many disappointments this year but I am using them as my motivation. My fuel to the fire!

In the company of Niko Eeckhout & Jens Kuekilare in Roeselare

I've been on the upward spiral in July and August (so far). Less crashes (Only 2), more results and higher morale. I could almost smell the flowers while in Holland where I came very close to my first real chance of winning this season. Bagged some top tens in the kermesses. Really can't believe how fast this season is moving on, time flies when your having fun eh!? 

In early July my Dad and brothers were staying with us here in Belgium for a few weeks. It was nice to have the boys around, brought a bit of normality to our sometimes monk-like lifestyle. A very nice distraction! Whilst they were here I raced GP Jempi Monsere (Pro Race) in Roeselare and in Knesselare where I placed 9th after a race-long breakaway. I attacked early in the finale to try and get the win but misjudged how strong my breakaway companions were and ended up leading them out for the sprint. Regardless I was very happy with how my condition was leading into the "Tweedaagse Venhuizen" which I had coming up with the Irish National Team that weekend.

On Friday the 12th July, I met the Irish boys in Amsterdam and we travelled to Venhuizen to set up before the 2 days of racing we had coming up. The race was the usual Dutch style - a constant fight to stay at the front and either in one long line or a complete road block. One word sums it up - chaos!

Stage 1 was a 10km TTT, which was a first experience for us all! Safe to say - not an event that I enjoyed very much, especially when your doing it on a road bike with no TT equipment. I averaged an abnormal 188bpm for the 12-13minutes. PAIN! After such a hard effort we finished with no result. We had a circuit race that evening which proved to have a very attritional format. I finished up in much whittled down peleton in 36th place. 

On Stage 3 I was so gutted to miss a golden opportunity of a podium, or even a win! The 160km stage saw a break of roughly 20 get away with 50km to go and establish a gap of close to 2 minutes, although within the last lap we had them in our sights. I seized the opportunity to make my move and jumped from the peleton with 7km to go. I bridged with one of the Vacansoleil u23's who was 2nd on GC, and made it to the front of the race with only 3km to go. I stayed quiet up front and jump kept following the wheels, I have never been so confident in my ability before! I set myself up perfectly for the final corner and next thing I knew I was picking myself up from the asphalt.
My tubular rolled with 300m to go and left me with nothing from the day but a stiff body and road rash! With all the adrenaline pumping, I gave the Dutch fans a show! I put my bike over my shoulder cyclo-cross style and ran to the line! I didn't make it to the line before the peleton but received the biggest cheer of the weekend. As I crashed within 3km to the finish I was awarded the same time as the winner. Big thanks to Cycling Ireland for such a nice weekend!
When it rains it really does pour. That evening after the stage I found out my grandfather had passed away. Never the news your wanting to hear. RIP Grandad, I'll do you proud!

When I got back from Ireland after the funeral, I was more motivated than ever to get stuck into training and racing again. I've been racing frequently and have earned myself some nice results. A few top 10's with a nice 6th place in Deinze, along with numerous top 20's. I've been putting myself in the right positions and making smarter decisions that are helping me get some solid results. I'm really enjoying my racing and I'm really starting to get the hang of the style, so fingers crossed this run will continue for the remainder of the season!

I start a 5 day stage tour tomorrow, Wednesday. "Ronde van Oost Vlaanderen" a new u23 tour which is supposed to be the biggest u23 race the country has to offer.  Stages 4 and 5 are local to us so I am excited to race on familiar roads. Looking forward to a good week with the Terra boys!

Here's to the final stretch of the season! Let's make it a good one...

Thanks for reading, Eoin