Downey leads U16 Irish Talent Team in Errigal International Youth Tour

L to R: Downey, Teggart and Swan are all in the FBD TT 2020 team for Donegal (Photo: Marian Lamb – Cycling Ulster)

Mark Downey of Banbridge CC will lead a four-rider FBD Talent Team 2020 selection in the Errigal International Youth Tour which starts on Saturday week in Donegal.

Downey’s Banbridge team mate Matthew Teggart has also been named on the team along with Shane O’Hara (Limerick CC) and Aaron Swan (TCR Racing).

Neil Teggart will manage the team while John Hahessy will be mechanic.

The race takes in four stages over the three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend. We’ll have more on the event a bit closer to the time. Before that, here’s some profiles of the four selected riders.

Mark Downey (16) Dromore Co Down

TT 2020 Team captain, Mark is a very strong and experienced all-rounder who represented Ireland at last years youth Olympics.

Major achievements;

1st Irish Crit Champs 2011
1st Irish TT Champs 2011
1st Overall Ras Na N'og 2012
KOM Winner Tour of Scotland

Shane O'Hara (16) Limerick

Shane is an extremely powerful and explosive rider who has won many races, one of the fastest sprinters in the country.

Aaron Swan (15) Clough Co Antrim

Aaron is the youngest member of the team, another great all-rounder with some great wins this season as a first year under 16.

Major achievements;

1st Irish Crit Champs 2011
2nd Irish TT Champs 2011
3rd Irish RR Champs 2011
1st Ulster RR & TT Champs

Matthew Teggart (16) Banbridge

Matty is a recent addition to the talent team after some strong performances this season, he is strong climber who should be well suited to the hilly terrain in Donegal.

Major achievements;