Always a big talent, Ian Richardson of UCD CC has put the ride of his life together back to back over eight days on Irish cycling's biggest stage. He can now win the biggest domestic events (Photo: Paul Mohan - Sportsfile)
By Shane Stokes
Speaking in advance of the final stage of the An Post Rás, Ian Richardson has said that being on the verge of taking the blue jersey is a huge moment for him.
“If it works out it will mean a huge amount to me. I’ll probably be in tears in Skerries,” he smiled, speaking just before the start of the final stage in Drogheda.
Richardson finished 11th on stage one to Carlow and took the jersey as best county rider. He’s defended it ever since, and was as high as fourth overall at one point.
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Starting the final stage, he is tenth overall, 11 minute and 29 seconds off the yellow jersey of Lukas Postlberger (Tirol Cycling Team), and ahead of former Team Sky pro Davide Vigano (Team IDEA 2010 ASD) and last year’s race winner Clemens Fankhauser (Hrinkow Advarics Cycleangteam).
He’s also well clear in the blue jersey competition, holding a six minute 23 seconds advantage over Sean McKenna (Cork Aquablue).
Former An Post Chainreaction rider Ronan McLaughlin (Cork Aquablue) is third, nine minutes 28 seconds back.
Richardson was on the attack again yesterday, getting into the second breakaway group on the road and eventually finishing 15th on the stage.
“I wasn’t planning on going up the road but I had to keep an eye on Sean McKenna, my closest rival,” he said.
He also comes from the Drogheda region and so both knew the roads well and also had huge support.
When he crossed the finish line he punched the air, elated at both riding well into the town and also knowing that he had likely sealed his victory in the classification.
However, asked as to his intentions on the final stage, he said that despite his six minute plus advantage, he would play it by ear.
Riding the Suir Valley Three Day last year; any stage race in Ireland with a time trial must be a key goal now for Richardson. But his road racing pedigree is also firmly established after the week he has had (Photo: Sean Rowe)
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“I’m not going to be complacent at all,” he explained.
Richardson’s performance this week has been a breakthrough for him. Asked if the race had taught him things about himself as an athlete, he agreed this was the case.
“It definitely has,” he said.
“It has been a massive confidence boost this week. It is definitely the highlight of my cycling career.
“I am really lost for words to describe how I feel at the moment.
So what’s next for him? Stickybottle asked him if he planned on trying to go further with his career.
“I have to get my PhD finished,” he said, speaking about his first priority.
“My thesis is due in August so that will be my main priority once I have finished the race.
“I probably won’t be doing any road racing after the Rás. I will be doing time trial nationals and after that I will just be writing my thesis until August.
“I would like to do some racing abroad but I will see what happens. I have age against me, I am 27 and most teams aren’t going to want a 27 year old on their squad.”
Still, given the hugely impressive performance he has shown this week against full time internationals, it must surely be of interest in seeing what more he can do?
“Yes it would be, “he agreed.
“Maybe if I can get abroad and do a couple of one day races or a stage race, I will see how I get along there.”
As he notes, age may be a little against him at 27, but it would be a shame after his achievement this week not to keep pushing his limits and see what he can do.
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