Dr Alan Farrell, previously based in Dublin & Kildare, has been working away as Team Sky’s doctor (Photo: Team Sky)
A young Irish doctor has become one of the key support staff at Team Sky after being hired to work with the team as a doctor.
Dr Alan Farrell became the Dave Brailsford-led squad’s first full time doctor when he was hired last season.
His recruitment predated the departure from the team last October of Geert Leinders, the doctor who worked with Rabobank from 1996 to 2009 and is now embroiled in the controversy surrounding alleged drug-taking at the Dutch team.
According to information from Team Sky, Farrell graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2001 and progressed into the field of anaesthetics before spending four years working in general practice. He then went on to specialise in urgent care medicine before joining Team Sky last April.
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His first assignment was the Tour de Romandie, after which Farrell was chosen to look after the team at the Giro d'Italia. He then went on to work on both the Tour de France and Vuelta; all big assignments for a man in his first year involved in cycling.
"It has been a wonderful and unforgettable experience with so many highlights,” he said in biographical details from Team Sky.
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"All three Grand Tours were special for different reasons. The Giro was my first so it will always hold special memories, but it would be hard to top the Tour de France with six stage victories and a first and second on GC.”
He described last year as a “huge learning curve”.
“Not just in adjusting to working full time in cycling, but learning how to work and live on the road, adjusting to new countries, new cultures, and seeing first-hand how sporting success can be achieved."
Farrell is described by the team as a “lifelong cycling fan”.
"I am passionate about my job and passionate about cycling, so working for Team Sky is the ideal situation as it allows me to mix two major interests in my life.”
"I grew up watching Irish sporting heroes like Sean Kelly, and my earliest Tour de France memory is Stephen Roche winning in 1987. When I'm not working I love to get out on my bike and I've competed in many amateur races and sportifs.”
"Being on a team with a clear ambition for success and a commitment to clean and fair sport is perfect. It's great to be working in such an ambitious and forward-thinking environment, and alongside staff and riders who I have watched and admired for many years."
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