Outgoing Nicolas Roche Performance Team man Darragh Long is looking forward to a new challenge with a new team in 2015 as he makes the step up into the U23 ranks (Photo: DC Images)
Following the mass exodus from the UCD Cycling Club earlier this month, it has been given a boost with news that 18-year-old Darragh Long has transferred into its ranks.
The former Nicolas Roche Performance Team (NRPT) man is a first year U23 this year and will be an asset to the squad after the departures of Anthony Walsh, Greg Swinand, Sean McKenna and Colm Cassidy to Aquablue CC.
Long, from Ballinteer, south Dublin, had been with the aforementioned NRPT development squad for the last two seasons.
But he feels the time is right for a change and pointed to the progress of McKenna as one reason for his move to UCD.
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Long leads a group in the A3-Junior Shay Elliott Memorial race on a tough day in Wicklow last May (Photo: Sean Rowe)
“They’ve a very strong team and a great set-up so I felt it'd be a good place to help me develop,” he reasoned.
“You only have to look at the likes of Sean McKenna to see how much he came along after joining them.
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"That shows they’re doing something right.”
The UCD engineering student will link up with Eoin Morton, Con Collis, Ian Richardson and Joe Breheny, amongst others in a team that should still challenge for wins this year.
Racing in Belgium last summer, an experience that should stand to Long as he looks to the next phase in his career (Photo with thanks to Katrien Wittemans)
And after faring very well in the Suir Valley Three-Day last year, he believes he has what it takes to make the step-up.
“I was able to see how I'd go against the A1 riders there and that gives me confidence for this year," he said.
“I got results on two of the stages and then helped the other lads on the team for the stages that didn't suit me, so it was fairly rewarding.
“The main goal this year is to keep improving but the races I have my eyes on are the Gorey Three-Day and the Suir Valley.
"And I'll try to ride the Tour of Ulster for the experience if it doesn't clash with my exams.”
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