Sean McKenna says people have no idea how weak he was when he first started cycling. His father Mick brought him everywhere and stuck with him. Today father saw son ride in the Worlds breakaway (All photos Sean Rowe)
Sean McKenna's dream Worlds debut in Bergen
By Jessica Lamb
SEAN McKENNA was going to do 'absolutely anything' to get in the break on his first World Championships ride.
But he never imagined it would go as perfectly as it did in Bergen, Norway, today.
Lining up with a strong Irish team, including Conor Dunne, Dan Martin, Ryan Mullen and Nicolas Roche, McKenna had no pressure on his shoulders.
So when breakaway master Dunne skipped out of the peloton less than 4km into the 267km elite men's road race, McKenna followed.
"I was willing to do anything to get in the break," he beamed. "Conor (Dunne) went and another guy went, and he was right in front of me, so I just couldn't not follow it.
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"Then another seven guys came across. It was just perfect; one of the best days I've ever had on the bike.
"It was unbelievable. The crowds were, scary."
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Dunne not only helped bring McKenna into the break, but coached the 21-year-old through the biggest day of his career too - his father Mick McKenna watching on.
"It was really, really good to have Conor there, because this is all new to me," he said.
"Conor was brilliant for just telling me to do the simple things right, not to pull too hard and get excited, to eat and drink.
"I really appreciate all he did for me, and all the lads on the team."
He added: "I had my dad on the cobbled climb, and every time I saw him smiling coming past.
"You've no idea how bad I was, how many races he brought me too, and I came last in every single one of them.
"And I was just in the break in the World Championships. It was just a perfect day. I couldn't have done any better.
"This is my first year full-time. I've done everything I've wanted to do this year and I hope I get another chance next year."
The break was reeled in some 180km after it started, with just 80km left to race.
Both Dunne and McKenna, their jobs done, called it a day shortly afterwards, their team mates Dan Martin and Nico Roche finishing 26th and 33rd, and Ryan Mullen back in 126th.
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