Conor Hennebry will race for the An Post Chain Reaction team next year and in doing so he will fulfil a dream that began when he took up cycling as an A4 rider just a few years ago.
By Brian Canty
Conor Hennebry has said riding for An Post-Chainreaction is something he’s always hoped for and seeing Sam Bennett go from winning the Suir Valley to major pro races is a huge inspiration to him.
The 23-year old Waterford man was one of the real stars of the 2016 season and as well as winning the Tour of Ulster he claimed a few major scalps in Belgium.
“It was an amazing year and a bit of a shock,” he said modestly.
“Winning Ulster did wonders for my confidence and it showed I had the ability to win races.
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“Coming up to that I had a number of second places so I was delighted to get that win,” he added.
Leading the Wexford Two Day last year while still a Carrick Wheelers rider (Photo: Sean Rowe)
It’s an entirely different ball game in the Continental ranks, where he will race some seriously good opposition.
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“I’m really looking forward to it but a little bit fearful at the same time," he explained.
"It's a totally different level from what I’m used to, but hopefully it will be manageable and I have a good year.
“I don't know if I have the natural ability of some riders but I have a lot of determination so we’ll have to see how far that brings me. I want to be the best I can be.”
Hennebry will base himself in Belgium next year and “fully immerse” himself there.
On international duty at the Breiz Breizh Elites race in France this year (Photo: Camille Le Saux, Be-Celt.com)
“Riding for An Post will mean a lot to me,” he continued. “I have always wanted to ride for them since I started cycling.
“Seeing Bennett at the Suir Valley a few years ago really inspired me to focus more on the bike in the aim of riding for An Post-Chainreaction.”
It’s a remarkable rise for Hennebry; from complete obscurity to a man with a real eye for the important moves as well as a great sprint; two things he will need next year.
“I was fairly shite when I started cycling but I got addicted and trained more and more," he said matter-of-fact.
“I got better when I started racing A4, I got some results and went from an A4 to an A2 in about six races.
“To be honest, I never thought I had what it takes but I’m just going to give it my all and see how far I can go.”
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