Ryan Mullen will leave a huge void in the Irish track squad but the decision to leave should see him really develop as a road rider. He said having dual commitments to road and track in recent years prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Ryan Mullen has explained his reasoning for leaving the Irish track set-up indefinitely, saying the road is where his heart lies and doing both simultaneously can be counter-productive.
Though he’s enjoyed a strong track career, winning bronze in the scratch race and the individual pursuit at the U23 European Championships in 2013 and taking 4th in the elite individual pursuit at the World Championships last year, he’s keen to switch his focus now and develop himself more as a road rider.
Leaving the track was something he discussed at length with Cycling Ireland coach Brian Nugent, with the latter agreeing it would perhaps be better for Mullen's development and long-term goals to focus entirely on the road for this summer, at least.
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“Last year I went to the U23 European Track Championships straight after the nationals and we both noticed (in hindsight) it wasn't the best idea for me,” explained the 20-year-old.
“But I was a part of the team and I had to honour my team role.
“In the end, it worked out okay as we worked hard after I eventually took my break in August and built up in time for the World Championships again,” he explained.
In making the decision to leave the Irish track team, he pointed to the different demands of both disciplines as a big factor.
“I want to try and make more of an impact on the road and taking out a six-week window of road racing and training to ride and train for the track counteracts that a bit.
“I struggle to do both and I have to spend a long time finding my road legs again after a period on the track. Everyone is in the same boat there though.”
The reigning national time-trial champion says another factor influencing the decision to leave is a deep love for the road.
“I grew up watching the Tour de France and dreamt of doing that.
“I didn't dream of pulling splinters out my arse at midnight the night before I race an individual pursuit,” he said in reference to the few spills he’s had on the boards at track meets.
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“Having said that, I do love the track; the racing atmosphere is incredible and the team spirit is incredible also.
“There's a massive sense of friendship and accomplishment when you nail yourself for 4km with three of your mates.”
With his track career now parked, he can reflect on some jobs very well done, the highlight being 4th at the World Championships in Colombia last year, despite being just 19 years old.
“That performance would be the highlight of my track career, although I am proud of being a part of the team pursuit squad," he said.
“There was a hefty amount of travelling which probably wasn't ideal before a road season but I did enjoy racing with the rest of the lads.”
Speaking of whom, Mullen hopes there’s no ill-feeling towards him leaving what has to be seen as a massive hole to be filled.
“I'd say some of the riders are grateful I’m not there,” he said.
“I don't mean that in a negative way, but in the way they'd be glad they’ve the opportunity to show what they can do.
“Someone will be taking my place in the team pursuit and the individual pursuit, so it'll be a good opportunity for whoever that is to get a good performance in and get their name out there.”
After taking a break following the nationals last month, Mullen will now turn his attention to the European Championships - road race and time trial - in Estonia next month, followed by the Tour of Britain and the World Championships in the US.
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