Mark Downey just about to get his stage 1 time trial underway at the Tour of Ulster; a race where he proved he has already moved from top junior to top elite on his day (Photo thanks to David McVeigh - The Belgian Project)
Mark Downey muscled his way in amongst the big guns at the Amber Green Energy Tour of Ulster at the weekend, taking fifth on the opening stage and second on Sunday's tough final leg.
In doing so, the Irish Development Team rider underlined his talent and answered some of those questioned his inclusion in the team prior to the event.
The Banbridge man believes he justified his selection; taking any chances that came his way and riding in support of teammates when the time came.
“I wasn’t so optimistic about how the weekend would go because of the level of riders I was up against," he said.
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"And I got a kicking the week before in Bohermeen but that race brought back my leg speed."
Hammer time: Downey leads the winning breakaway on the final stage in Ulster on Monday; just behind is team mate for the weekend Sean McKenna, followed by Waterford's Robin Kelly and the Team ASEA hit men; stage winner Roger Aiken and stage 1 winner Damien Shaw (Photo: David McVeigh - The Belgian Project)
Fifth in the prologue last Friday night gave him a stint in the red U23 jersey and it was then he knew he could influence matters over the coming three days.
“I know I missed the race for GC on Saturday but there was nothing I could do because we had three guys up there in the break and I just made sure none of the strong guys would try to go across,” he said.
“I just continued to chase groups down in the last 30k because I knew the lads up front would be well up. I was very satisfied with my performance overall."
And on Monday he went close to his first senior win, nicking the sprint for 2nd place from the breakaway after his training partner Roger Aiken (Team ASEA) had slipped off the front to take stage honours.
“McKenna and I were talking coming in the road and if it came to a sprint I was the man for it,” the Banbridge man recalled.
Only 2.54 seconds separated Downey from winner Damien Shaw on Friday's prologue (Photo courtesy of Toby Watson)
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“In the end it was my good training partner Roger Aiken who got away, his is a very classy rider and just fully committed with about 2k to go and we had no real response.
“I tried my best to get him back but he was really shifting.
“But to pick up second on the final stage told me I’m continually getting stronger and I’m happy with my progress.”
Downey’s next big goals – after his A-levels in June - will be the National Championships.
After that he hopes to secure a slot on the national team for the U23 European championships on both track and road.
Downey's versatility is underlined by the fact he rode both the track and road Worlds in his two years at junior level; his class highlighted by the silver he took at the track Europeans last year (Photo: Guy Swarbrick)
“I think I’ve the ability to continue making Irish teams; I think I can rise to the big occasions and pull something out of the bag.
“It’s great how they’re giving everyone an opportunity to pull on the green jersey.
"At the end of the day everyone deserves a shot; everyone works very hard for it.
“But I hope I can make the U23 track squad because I picked up a medal last year," he said of his silver medal in the points race on the boards at the junior Europeans last year.
"I’d be still hoping for a big result in the Europeans if I get a ride.”
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