David McCarthy (JLT-Condor Cycles) finally got to make his long-awaited start to the season at the Cyclesports GP in Dungarvan on Sunday. The 21-year-old has had a difficult winter but looks to be out the far side of it and looking forward to some big races this month and next (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
David McCarthy made a return to racing on Sunday after an illness-hit start to the season.
The 21-year-old Corkman took to the start-line at the Cyclesports GP in Dungarvan and though he was unable to get amongst the prizes, he was just happy to be back in the thick of things again.
He had planned to kick things off at the Lacey Cup in late February but a bout of the winter vomiting bug left him completely wiped out for almost two weeks.
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McCarthy struggled to keep any food down and was constantly tired.
“I was really frustrated the way things went,” he said.
“It was hard mentally because towards the end of the winter all I wanted to do was race.
"So watching some of my favourite races like the Lacey cup and Des Hanlon was difficult.
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McCarthy, front right, leads the way in Waterford on Sunday, though he would miss the breakaway that won the race (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Of his return on Sunday he said: “It was just a relief to be back; I loved every minute of it, and considering how I felt 2-3 weeks ago I was just happy to get around.”
With April now upon us and the An Post Rás looming, McCarthy knows he’s got to make these few weeks count.
“I can't worry about what's been done; I just have to take it on the chin and move forward,” he said.
“I’m taking everything day by day and I'm starting to feel better every day so hopefully in another (few) weeks I'll be back to 100 per cent.
“I'm going to race as much as I can this month in a bid to be good for the Rás.
“I go to the UK soon to do the Tour of the Reservoir but in the meantime, I'm getting as much training as I can done.
“The Rás is a big goal, especially with it being on a lot of local roads and I've been looking at them a lot.
“The plan is to do the best I can until then and be in the best condition I can be in for it.”
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