Happy with his 2014 campaign and hoping to go to France next year once his exams are over, Craig McAuley had his eye on a berth at the World Road Championships but missed out (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Craig McAuley finished the season ranked seventh best junior rider in the country but the Derry youngster rued not making the team for the World Championships in Ponferrada at the end of September.
The Standard Life Nicolas Roche Performance Team rider rode very well when called upon by the national team, most notably at the Trofeo Karlsberg in Germany.
There he helped teammate Eddie Dunbar to second place overall.
He would have good results later in the season, such as sixth overall at the Junior Tour of Ireland. But the Worlds was the one that got away.
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“Not making the team was a disappointment but I said before I’d be happy with my season regardless of whether I was picked, and that’s something I stand by,” he said.
“I don't believe it was a setback. Going would have been nice without doubt.
“But I was in good shape in the lead-up and managed to do a 19.51 for a 10mile TT in September. I was pleased with that and it meant my form didn't go completely to waste."
Winning stage 3 at Rás Dhún na nGall in 2013 while riding for a Cycling Ulster selection (Photo: Marian Lamb – Cycling Ulster)
He described the Junior Tour as “brilliant and a really enjoyable experience”, adding the level of support from and organisation within the team came into its own on the race.
“We were really well looked after by Philip (Finnegan, manager) and all the staff.
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"I’d have liked to have made the break on the last day but with a teammate (Matt Teggart) up the road, it made my job fairly easy back in the bunch.
“I don't have any regrets looking back on it,” added of the 2014 campaign in general.
“I gave it my all and raced as I saw fit and the people ahead of me were simply stronger, smarter or both in the various races.
“They deserve the results they got so I’ve no regrets; just lessons learnt for the future.”
On Nations Cup duty in France with the Nicolas Roche Performance Team during the summer (Photo: Andréa Quémener)
Speaking of the future, McAuley finishes school next June, after which he’s hoping to race abroad for the summer.
He will throw himself into European racing as he waits for his exam results to arrive and then he will consider any college offers that may arise.
His team plans for next year are still unclear, though he may stay within the ranks of the Nicolas Roche squad, even though it is a junior team and he will be an U23 next year.
“Phillip has mentioned a few things about an U23 team,” he said.
“I haven't heard much, but he has been great this year and am happy to wait and see what happens.”
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