Michael O'Loughlin has been one of the very best youth and junior riders in Ireland in recent years but this weekend he started to look like one of the best seniors (Photo: Dave Coleman - Dc Images)
By Brian Canty
One of the youngest riders in the Suir Valley Three-Day, Michael O’Loughlin had a weekend to remember when he walked away with the red jersey as best-placed in the combined junior and A3 classification. He also staged a strong late bid for the polka dot jersey of best climber.
In the end, the Standard Life Nicolas Roche Performance Team man had to settle for fifth on 26 points, 14 shy of winner Chris Reilly (Liquidworx-Fitscience).
“I'm delighted,” said the first year junior of his performance.
“Going into the weekend I was hoping I could come away with at least one jersey and I knew the red jersey would be my best hope so I went for it.
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“I missed the break on the first day and didn't place on the two climbs on that stage so I knew it’d take a lot of work to take the climbers’ jersey. I gave it a go on stage two though.
“I wanted to give the climbs a go on the last stage but I also wanted to save my legs to try for the stage win.”
However, while he climbed very well on that final stage four, the 17-year-old Carrick snapped a gear cable. That forced him to not only change bikes, but also his pedals from his own bike onto the spare mount.
A long chase followed and while he did well to get back to the main group and defend his red jersey, his chances of challenging for the win or a podium on the stage were effectively spent.
“I got back on halfway up the climb but then the pace was on to bring back a two-man break. I was struggling to close the gaps; I was right at the back and guys were getting dropped.”
O'Loughlin, in the red of the A3-Junior classification leader, moves clear in a small group up The Nire ascent despite a punishing chase back after a mechanical (Photo: Dave Coleman - Dc Images)
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Since the Junior Tour, where he claimed two stage wins on his way to second overall, O’Loughlin has not done a huge amount and having had a break before the tour to focus on his Leaving Cert, he can likely continue to get stronger in the remainder of the season.
He is now gearing up for an assault on the National Junior Road & TT Championships this month, and the World Championships next month, assuming he’s picked.
“I'd love to win a medal at the nationals,” he said looking ahead.
“I know both the time-trial and road race are tough so it should suit me. I’d hope to make it on to the team for the World Championships then.
“It's the biggest race for juniors on the UCI calendar and Ireland are in a position to be very competitive, especially with the form Eddie (Dunbar) has.”
On being a part of that national set-up he says: “It’s amazing. We all get on really well and that shows on the road and in the results. Cycling Ireland has also done a really great job with the national junior team and that’s great to see.
“It motivates you to stay on top of your game because there’s plenty of juniors having a good season and looking to make a national squad.
“I suppose the main reason I've made a good step up from youth to junior racing this year is because of Martin,” he says referring to his father; himself a former international and still winning races as a veteran.
O'Loughlin has spent a good portion of his fledgling career turning the screw on other youth and junior riders; but he proved well able to suffer when the tables were turned at the weekend (Photo: (Photo: Dave Coleman - Dc Images)
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