Former Irish international Stephen Halpin is stepping away from the sport indefinitely as he chases other goals in life. The 27 year-old Dubliner has every intention of returning, just not for the time being (Photo courtesy of George Doyle. Homepage photo Amy-Norah Farrell)
By Brian Canty
Former Irish international Stephen Halpin has decided to step away from competitive racing for the immediate future.
The 27 year-old Skerries man only competed sporadically in 2015.
And now working full-time in the motor industry he is unable to give the commitment necessary to train and feels the time is right to pursue other goals.
Halpin added he definitely does want to race again, though he is unsure when that will be.
“I made a quick comeback in March with only a couple of weeks’ training,” he reflected on the year just gone.
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“I came back more for the fun of it rather than racing to win like I normally would.
On the front in Belgium while riding for the An Post-Sean Kelly team for a period in 2010.
“But I soon realised I just couldn't really race for fun and it killed me that I was just making up the numbers and that I wasn't in it to win."
Following that came the easy decision to commit to other things.
“I decided to take time out until I got the hunger to train with the aim of winning again and my team (Bikeworx) have backed and supported me all the way.
“At the moment I'm enjoying eating what I want and just going for a walk on a Sunday rather than giving my whole weekend up for training.
“I’ve always respected domestic riders who work and train on their time off work and I was always the first to praise them.
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Riding for the UK-based Metaltek-SCOTT team during the 2012 season after a period competing on the Continent.
"But I'm in the car trade now, that's six days a week and I'm just enjoying my time away from competitive racing.”
Halpin raced in Belgium for a number of years and was a member of the Sean Kelly Academy in its formative years. He was a prolific junior and a very promising U23.
He raced on many Irish teams throughout those years he was full-time and has a number of Rásanna under his belt.
He always spoke of his love for the Rás, especially as it ended in his home town.
“I know I’ll come back 100 per cent with an aim to win domestically. Maybe not in 2016 but I will at some stage soon because I love the sport and all that comes with it.
Riding on the Irish team, fourth from left, in Italy in 2010. Halpin rode for Ireland at home and abroad a numerous occasions.
“Irish cycling is something I didn't get to experience much after junior when I moved to Belgium.
"But it's in my roots and something I’ve always loved so I’ll most surely get back racing, though only when I feel I'm ready.
“I have too much respect for the Irish riders to give less than 100 per cent and that includes everyone; the ones who don’t win as much as the ones who do.
“But I’m ignorant and just greedy to win and if I can’t see myself winning it doesn’t do it for me.”
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