David McCarthy said he learnt a lot during his first season with JLT-Condor Cycles this year and he's hoping to kick on for next year and make a bigger impact in races both at home and abroad (Photo: Brendan Slattery)
David McCarthy has said he’ll be putting more pressure on himself to get results at JLT-Condor Cycles next year after being retained by the team for the coming season.
The UK-based Continental squad has added some real firepower to its ranks in the shape of former Sky rider Russell Downing as well as An Post Chainreaction man Conor Dunne.
But 20 year-old McCarthy feels he can make a name for himself and contest races next year.
“Last year was definitely all about learning and understanding everything and getting used to the higher workload of training and harder racing,” he said.
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“The year went pretty well up until mid-July but I had a crash in a race in Stafford and damaged my ribs so I had to fly home.
“Then on the Sunday my grandfather passed away suddenly which was a massive blow.
“I came back too early from the crash and got a virus and that wiped me out pretty much for the end of the season.
“So this year was definitely a big learning curve and I learnt a lot about myself.
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“Next year I'll be putting that extra bit of pressure on myself to get some results, though I've got to remember my role in the bigger races in 2016 won't be team leader.
“The team has signed some very good riders who I know I'll be a teammate for in many races but when I get the opportunity I'll be ready to step up,” he added.
McCarthy is already back training ahead of next year and though there’ll be no winter racing and training camp to Australia like last year, a series of training camps closer to home is being lined up instead.
McCarthy plans to race all the big events at home, such as the Des Hanlon Memorial, the Nenagh Classic and the Shay Elliott while Rás Mumhan and the An Post Rás are other big goals for him and the team.
“I know what I want and I know what I need to do to get there,” said the Corkman.
“I won't stop working until I get to where I want to be. And I'm very confident that with the help this team will give me I can get there.”
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