Sean Kelly believes Dan Martin can be an example to others and lead to renewed interest in cycling from the Irish media
By Brian Canty
Former World No 1 Sean Kelly has hailed Dan Martin’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege win in Belgium yesterday as a breath of fresh air for the sport while suggesting the win could inspire a generation, much like his own achievements did.
Kelly, who won the race in 1984 and again in 1989, also said Martin’s win firmly establishes him as one of the best riders in the world at present.
“It was an absolutely brilliant win for Dan and for Irish cycling,” said Kelly.
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“But you could see it coming. Last year he was fifth in Liege and last Wednesday he was fourth in Fleche (Wallone) so the form was there and it was only a matter of time before he’d win a big one. But he still had to go out and put in a great performance, that’s what it took and and tactically, he rode magnificently,” added Kelly.
“I think winning a Liege-Bastogne-Liege, one of the Monument classics, it shows you are world class and capable of winning a world championships or similar type of road race. A really difficult circuit will suit him and this year’s circuit is a very difficult circuit. But it’s important to not heap too much pressure on him because he’s still only 27 so he will improve even more. But for now, it is a breath of fresh air.”
With such good will being extended to Martin in the aftermath of his win, Kelly is hopeful he can spearhead a surge in coverage of the sport here.
“You need heroes that the younger generation will look up to and that’s what brings a lot of guys into the sport and that’s what we’ve been missing for the last long number of years. With Dan winning a classic as well as Catalunya last month, it will help the younger generation and make it more interesting.”
The other thing is that we don’t get the exposure cycling deserves in Ireland. It’s like back in the early 80’s when myself and Roche were out there, national TV and the press were slow to cover what we did but hopefully, with this win now, that they can get behind our riders and give it more coverage back in Ireland.”
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