You Beauty: Mark Downey salutes the crowd after taking the biggest win of his career on the track in Holland.
Having written his own chapter in top level Irish cycling, Mark Downey has revealed he has been working away with the aim to win a world title this year.
The 20-year-old won the points race this evening at the UCI World Cup in Apeldoorn, Holland, when he took the final sprint of 12 to take the gold medal.
After his stunning victory he said he had gone into the event determined to make an impact having worked under the watchful eye of coach David Muntaner of late.
The Spanish former madison world champion is now coaching the Irish team, which is based in Spain because of the lack of a velodrome in Ireland.
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“I really wanted this, I was going so hard,” Downey said clearly delighted.
“I didn’t really know how hard I was going! I have just spent five weeks with David working very hard.
“I took a short break before this trying to decide where I wanted to go, and I really want to win the World Championships this year. You reap the rewards when you really want something.”
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He said he tried to take points during the 120-lap race, which has 12 sprints, and then geared up for the final gallop which carries double points.
“I tried to get a lap in the middle and got half a lap, but I knew it wasn’t the right time so I took the sprint,” he said.
“Coming to the last sprint I was sitting out of contention and waited until everyone else’s face was worse than mine.
“I was sussing out who I needed to get away from and the Polish guy was the main one.
“He was at the front so I just went for it. David was shouting to keep going so I just kept building, and was pulling more faces than I felt.
“I can’t believe it. To be 20 years old and winning a World Cup is out of this world!
“I have two silver medals in this and am working towards the Worlds, I’m off to a flying start.
“I keep looking at the medal and wonder if it is made of chocolate. This is just reflecting the work that David and everyone else is putting in.
“When you see others putting in the time and so much work, it really drives you on.”
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