Paul O'Reilly is one of a number of riders emerging on the cyclocross scene and after taking his first big win yesterday he's hoping his form can hold until the national championships in the New Year. (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Paul O’Reilly enjoyed his first ever elite cyclocross win in round two of the Dublin City Cyclocross Series in Kilruddery, Co Wicklow, on Sunday.
And it was all the more sweet for the Fixx Rouleurs man as he beat off kingpin, Olympian and the man who has dominated off road in Ireland for more than two decades Robin Seymour (Team Worc).
Granted, the O’Reilly had a slice of good fortune when Seymour punctured on the final lap but the victor made no apologies for taking victory, having himself endured several mishaps.
Advertisement
- O’Reilly takes rare Seymour scalp in dramatic Kilruddery final
- Coaching: No need to fear high intensity winter training, even intervals
“I’ve been up there in the past but never beaten him,” he said.
“I’ve been feeling good the last few weeks, just been a bit unlucky.
“And making the transition from road to ‘cross takes time because of the difference in intensities, but I got it right yesterday.”
With the national championships looming on the horizon O’Reilly is hoping he can challenge for the top prize there.
“It’s definitely a target,” he admitted.
Related News
“I come from an off-road background and as a junior I rode all off-road and managed to win a few medals so I know what it feels like to wear a national’s jersey.
“But if Glenn (Kinning) holds his form it’ll be very hard.”
O’Reilly had a very good road season, taking two top 10s at the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan as well as eighth in the Shay Elliott.
And he put his good year down to very specific training.
“I’m working full-time and have a 13-week old baby so I don’t have a lot of spare time.
“I do maybe eight hours training a week and that’s it, but it’s all very hard, specific stuff.
“At the moment the miles from the road season and the intensity from cyclocross is giving me some form so hopefully that’ll continue.
“The plan then is to take time off after the national championships and re-jig training again to target Rás Mumhan and the Rás.”
Topics
