Daniel Stewart is facing the most important season of his career but he's excited about the opportunity and upbeat about the future (Photo: AnPostChainReaction.com)
By Brian Canty
Daniel Stewart has said his main role within the An Post ChainReaction squad for 2016 is to continue to develop, gain experience in the bigger races and take opportunities in the smaller events.
The Belfast man is one of seven Irish riders in the team for this year.
And he’s bracing himself for the hardest racing of his career so far, though doesn’t fear it.
“I've settled in really well so far,” he said of life at An Post-ChainReaction while at a pre season training camp with the squad in Calpe, southern Spain.
“We've a great team this year and we've done a lot of good training in this camp.
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“There’s a really positive team atmosphere here so we're all keen to get racing now.”
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On the road in Calpe for a photoshoot, with the rest of the An Post-Chainreaction riders in the background (Photo: AnPostChainReaction.com)
Stewart impressed team manager Kurt Bogaerts at the U23 European Championships last year.
And Sean Kelly’s team kept in contact until Bogaerts was sufficiently pleased to offer the 21 year-old a place in the set-up for 2016.
“Last year was a big learning curve for me but it was great to have the chance to ride for Ireland,” Stewart said of riding for Ireland at home and abroad, the Nations Cup included.
“This year, my main role will be to continue to develop, get some experience in the big races and really take opportunities in the smaller races through what I have learnt.
“My early season aim is to earn selection for the U23 Nations Cup squad at Easter.
"So the races before it will be a great platform to set me up, provided I’m chosen to ride.
“I want to have no regrets when I'm older and when Kurt gave me the option to be on this team, I jumped at it.
“I’m determined to make the most of it. It's another step up the ladder and great thing to be part of.”
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