Mark Downey is looking to consolidate his position as one of the very best junior's in the country this year and is also keen to make a mark racing abroad (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
Second year junior Mark Downey (NRPT-Standard Life) has said he wants to take a “bigger step forward” in his cycling career in 2014 and really establish himself on the domestic racing scene.
The 17-year-old from Dromore, Co Down, had a brilliant 2013, underlined by a stint in yellow at the Junior Tour and a stage win and second overall there. He was also second in the National Time Trial Championships and represented Ireland at the World Track Championships in August and the World Road Championships in Florence a month later.
But he’s keen to push on now and get “more consistent results”.
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“This year I want to take a bigger step forward and get myself known abroad,” he said.
“Last year I didn’t rush into anything; found my feet at the start of the year and then by the Junior Tour I was well used to the racing.
“Last year wasn’t about results and I didn’t put myself under pressure because I’m still young and have a lot to learn. But definitely this year I want more consistent results abroad.
“And if I’m given the chance I want to give the track another go. I really enjoyed the new experience and with some more track time and training I feel I could give it another good shot this year.”
Downey lapped the field in the heat of his points race at the Worlds in Glasgow, having had just had six weeks track training prior to the event. And he said he would turn his focus to it if the chance arose.
“Looking at the performances we had with a month and a half preparation I think we all gave 110 per cent and I know personally I gave it my all to take in as much as possible.”
Reflecting on Florence and his road Worlds experience, he suggested his build up was not ideal.
“I wouldn’t change much but maybe the race season in Ireland didn’t do us any favours how it finishes up early,” he said.
“I just don’t think we were well prepared for it from that point of view because the racing back here in Ireland had finished and we had lost our race zip. All the other nations were fine-tuning with big stage races.
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“I think that’s all we lacked; the training was done. I know all three of us (including Eddie Dunbar and Dylan Foley) gave it everything. But the climb was something I had never witnessed or felt in my life; a world of pain.
“As regards the TT, I think I just need to work on my technical side of time trialling; going round corners on the tri bars. It’s mad how such little things add up.
“I had a chat with Neil Martin (joint Irish team manager) after the event and I remember him telling me all I lacked was technical ability. He was following in the car and hearing that from a guy who knows his stuff is something I will try and improve on this year.”
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But before he can entertain thoughts of those events, there’s the domestic junior scene to contend with and it is shaping up to be the best in years.
“The competition is huge this year. Obviously Eddie (Dunbar) and myself have been racing together all our lives and we are always going to be rivals. And finishing second to him in the past two years at Errigal (International Youth Tour) and the Junior Tour… maybe this year that could change and I can hit the top spot.
“I have grown up racing with Eddie. We are best of mates and get on so well. But someone I can see really starting to come into play is Dylan O’Brien (O’Leary’s Stone Kanturk CC).
“Last year he took a huge step forward and this year he will definitely be one to watch. Another guy is Craig McAuley (NRPT-Standard Life) who is getting stronger and stronger every race and I feel this year joining the team and getting a bit more experience he will be one to beat.
“You also have the big, strong first years like Michael (O’Loughlin), Aaron (Swan); and Declan Mulholland is another guy to keep an eye on. At the start of the year you mightn’t see them hit the top spot but just wait until they get into their stride.”
Mark Downey in TT action at the World Road Championships in Italy in September; the only junior rider selected for both the road race and time trial events (Photo: Sean Rowe)
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