In the running for the U23 medals at the National Cyclocross Championships, but David Montgomery is more concerned at making an impact on the elite result in the combined event in Swords next month (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
David Montgomery has set himself a lofty ambition for the National Cyclocross Championships next month; to end the stranglehold 18-time winner Robin Seymour and defending champion Roger Aiken have had on the event.
Despite only being 19 years old and still very much learning the tricks of the trade, the Chainreaction Cycles rider says he will “not be happy unless I win a gold medal”.
He will also be in the U23 category and will go the start line in Swords, north Dublin, in three weeks time as a favourite for that title.
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But in the context of the main elite event, he is still one of only a handful who should push big favourites Aiken, Seymour and the in-form Glenn Kinning (Kinning Cycles).
“I’m in good form,” said the Loughborough University sports and exercise science student.
“The only thing that has held me back previously has been overdoing training and ending up injured, so with a pretty injury-free run lately I’m in great shape.
On the far left in the yellow jersey, Montgomery took a fantastic lone win on stage 2 of the Newry Three Day this year to take that jersey. Above, he nears the finish on the final day to wrap up the overall win (Photo: Amy-Norah Farrell)
“But staying disciplined during the holidays at this time of year is hard; very hard.
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"It would be lovely to do a bit of socialising; head out for a few drinks or food and have a bit of dessert after Christmas dinner.
“But with the nationals so soon there’ll be none of that.”
However, while preparation for any bike race is key, at the cyclocross championships riders put themselves in the lap of the Gods more so than usual.
“It’s a lottery; equipment can fail with no notice in the conditions,” said Montgomery.
Montgomery is also a very accomplished mountain bike rider who has won national and Ulster titles (Photo: Toby Watson)
“With the unpredictability of mud, crashes can come out of nowhere. Other people can get in the way or take you out, especially if you're lapping riders.”
He added the racing is so short in cyclocross that riders have very little time to make up for any mishaps or mistakes.
"Having said that, I think Robin Seymour’s record proves the best prepared man will still often win.
“It’s a great sport and really thriving at the moment," he continued.
"You can get elbow to elbow with people and really push your limits on the technical bits without much risk of injury.
"The courses are short and it’s also great for spectators.”
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