Sherlock was unlucky to lose Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in 2012 and is close to a move to an international team for this year (Photo: Barry Sutton www.irishcyclingphotos.com)
By Brian Canty
Rider of the year in 2012, Ryan Sherlock is in Gran Canaria for an extended block of training ahead of what he hopes will be the biggest year of his career to date.
The Monaghan man spent three weeks in California before Christmas logging the miles and his affection for the warmer climes has brought him to the Balearic island for a month-long camp.
His wife and women’s national champion, Mel Spath will join him there shortly and Sherlock told stickybottle that it’s all systems go for 2013.
“I can’t wait to get going now. I’ll have news soon about the team I’ll be racing for but it’s an exciting move for me, put it that way, and I’ll be looking forward to showing what I can do,” he explained.
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The team he referred to is based abroad and has an international programme set out for the year ahead.
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Sherlock enjoyed a number of wins on the domestic scene last season, was unlucky chasing a few more and after an excellent end of season in Belgium it was hardly surprising to see some teams there looking for his signature.
“There were several Belgian teams that wanted me sign with them, but I was trying to find the team that suited me best. The people that saw me racing in Belgium last year were like, ‘wow’. And I’ve had lots of offers elsewhere but what I have now is good. It will become clear very soon.”
Right now, aged 30 years, he’s not exactly a young man in terms of top end cycling. But as long as he’s progressing he feels that’s all that matters.
“Winter has been great. I'm stronger than I was this time last year despite having to take some time off when I was hit by a car in October. The year before last I made a big leap and this year, as far as I can see, I’ve made a pretty big leap too. I’m just trying to get every little thing perfect this year - nutrition, rest, training. I think it’s all just coming together.”
“I was in California for a couple of weeks before Christmas so I’ve been able to do the four and five hour rides. When you’re at home there’s a lot of advantages to your own setup, like having your own coffee machine! This year I won’t be spending money on what I’m doing or where I’m going so it’s exciting.”
An IT consultant by profession, he will be shelving that career for the time being with his new team, which is something he has to do if he is to realise his potential.
"It was a stressful life having two full time 'jobs' (software and cycling). Not working as much in 2012 helped me a lot with my racing. Training and full-time work took a lot of mental energy. Hopefully 2013 can be a great year for me and I can land some wins.”
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