Matt Doyle: “I was always going to come back but I wanted to take a break from it for a while to try some other things in my life” (Photo courtesy Dirk Bruylant)
Former Irish junior international Matt Doyle has said he always planned to return to racing but is adamant this year will be all about having fun and enjoying the sport.
The 20-year old from Muff, Donegal, walked away from the sport before entering the espoir ranks, citing a lack of interest and a desire to try other things in life.
But he’s back training and still wants to see what he can get out of himself before he leaves the u23 ranks.
“I’m looking forward to getting back; I’ve been away for two years so it’ll be interesting to see how it goes for me,” said Doyle.
Advertisement
He was selected on the Irish team for the junior road race at the World Championships in 2012 and in his second year at U18 in 2013 raced in Belgium before departing the sport.
Related News
“I was always going to come back but I wanted to take a break from it for a while to try some other things in my life,” he offers.
“I just wanted to start fresh because I lost the interest for a while. Cycling was all I did underage and as a junior.”
However, in terms of being competitive, it’s less of a priority than enjoying it for now.
“I’m not too worried about what level I’m at to be honest but I’ll try to get up to A1,” he said.
“I’m not too bothered about making an U23 team or anything like that, I’ll leave that to next year or the year after because I’m still young and I just want to enjoy it and see how I go.
“I don’t think the break will see me completely out of my depth; I was out there at the weekend for four hours with the guys and it was no bother.
“I should be grand, I’m fairly confident. I want to do a few early races and see how I get on.
“But maybe towards the mid or end of season I can come good. But I’m not going to panic too much.”
Topics
