Wilson leading Philip Lavery at the 2012 U23 Worlds in Holland; he says 2013 will be a learning curve (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
The youngest rider on the An Post-Sean Kelly team, 19-year-old Jack Wilson from Belfast, Co Antrim, is enjoying a whirlwind couple of months in his new surroundings.
Wilson, who signed for the Belgian-based squad following the World U23 Championships last September, is to link up with the team this week for their second pre-season training camp in Calpe, outside Alicante in southern Spain, and it’s something he can hardly wait for.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant so far,” he said of signing for the Continental outfit.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in; I absolutely can’t wait for it. I’ve had the best winter I’ve ever had so far. I’ve logged the most miles of any winter so I can’t wait to link up with the team on Thursday.”
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“Since November my motivation is right where it should be – I don’t even want to take a rest day I just want to keep going.”
Wilson’s racing experience in Belgium to date has been with a club team AC Crabbe but that will get a whole lot more serious in 2013 with the An Post team. His role will become apparent after next week’s training camp but he’s not expecting to be heaped with much pressure.
He will look to absorb as much experience as he can and learn from the more established riders in the team, like fellow Irish men Sean Downey, Sam Bennett and Ronan McLaughlin, while also helping out in any way he can.
“There wasn't anything said at the last camp - it was more about getting to know one another and getting used to riding together. I’m sure that will become clear next week though. I learnt a lot from the team in the last camp before Christmas. I got to know Ronan (McLaughlin) really well. He’s a real pro and a guy I’d look up to in how he looks after himself. His knowledge is just invaluable. He’s going to be a huge help to me next year I think. And Sean, I train most Wednesday’s with him. And Sam, he’s brilliant craic as well and we all get on so well.”
“This year is all about learning for me and I’d rather see the team get one good result than three of us finishing in the top 50, for example. Say like, I’d rather me being 40th back and of one of us getting a top 10 or a top five and the rest of us being nowhere.”
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