David Conroy was untroubled when he won the national championships a fortnight ago but it will be an entirely different scenario this Saturday when he goes to the World Championships in the sport's European heartland of Zolder in Belgium. The Rathdrum teenager will start towards the back of the grid - but is optimistic about what he can do (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
David Conroy has said it will be a dream come true when he takes to the start-line for Saturday’s junior race at the World Cyclocross Championships in Zolder, Belgium.
The Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, teenager is Ireland’s sole entrant in the race and is hoping for a top 30 finish.
However, the fact there was no Irishman in the race in 2015 has considerably handicapped him in bumping him down the starting grid.
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“It was a big relief to get selected, firstly,” he said when asked about his pre-race emotions.
“I was glad to get that out of the way because I was very hopeful of going since the beginning of the season.”
He stormed to victory in the national championships two weeks ago, but the challenge posed by his rivals was nothing compared to what’s ahead this weekend.
“I’d like a top 30 but maybe that’s optimistic. I’ve no idea of the standard or the weather or what’s ahead.
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“My coach (Andy Leahy) finished top 10 in the 80s riding for Great Britain so he’s got me well prepared.
“It’s all about the start so I’ve been really focussing on my 45-second efforts to try and get into the race as soon as I can.
“They are what I remember most from the races I have done abroad this season - those intense bursts are something you really need to be ready for.
“But I’ve had some good blocks of training, I’m a bit tired today and yesterday so I’ll just taper now this week and recover.”
Conroy will fly to Belgium on Thursday with Leahy and fellow pitman Simon Curry (Banbridge CC).
“It’s been hard to focus in school with the excitement, it’s going to be a dream come true,” continued the Avonmore Community School fifth-year student.
“All my focus has been on the training and all about the start (of the race) so I’ve been doing loads of 45-second interval stuff.
“I know I have to start well because Ireland didn’t field (a team) last year, so everyone who did will be ahead on the grid and then it’s drawing lots for the rest. So we could be lucky or unlucky.”
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