Mark Reilly won the Gorey Three Day exactly 12 months ago and while still a newcomer to the sport is looking to bigger things for the remainder of the season (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
One of the country’s top amateur riders in 2014, Mark Reilly, is targeting more success this season having switched clubs from Lucan CRC to Ballina-based Fitscience CC.
The Dublin-based student from Summerhill, Co Meath, only took up cycling in May 2013 but within 12 months had chalked his name beside some really top riders when he won the Gorey Three-Day.
He’d go on to enjoy success in the Donamon Grand Prix in June while being a regular amongst the results right up until the end of the season where he finished 17th overall on Cycling Ireland’s rankings.
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“Last year was a great year for me, progressing to A1 level and I’m pleasantly surprised how well I did,” he said.
“Obviously the Gorey win was very special but it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my teammates in Lucan; not just at Gorey but at the other races throughout the year.”
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Mark Reilly, second from left, celebrates with his former teammates at Lucan CRC after claiming the overall victory at the Gorey Three-Day last year. The Meath man had taken up the sport less than 12 months previously but is looking for more success in 2015 (Photo with thanks to Mandy Killeen)
Reilly has now joined forces with Fitscience’s new-look team for this year, with Paddy Clarke, Jason and Charlie Prendgergast and Sean Hahessy among their number.
“I see this as a great opportunity to learn and improve with a very strong team of like-minded cyclists who really enjoy what they are doing,” explained Reilly about why he moved club.
“I see it as a good step for me now. It’s also great to join a Mayo-based team as my grandad is from Newport.
“Plus the fact there are Rás stage finishes up there this year, as well as the National Crit Champs also.
“I haven’t set myself any targets as I still have a lot to learn but hopefully with the help of my new team I can target some of the bigger events.
“We’re going to most races so I want to help the team be a force.”
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