Michael O’Loughlin winning the national champs
We brought you news last week regarding Irish schoolboy Michael O’Loughlin securing a place on a prestigious development squad for the best young riders in Europe, to be managed by former pros Erik Zabel and Andrea Tafi.
The Carrick CC rider, who is just about to turn 15 years, will receive a full set of equipment for the year including a bike. He will also get to partake in training camps with the squad and will race with them for a block of international fixtures during a period later in the year.
The project – “Canyon Young Heroes” – is run by the Canyon bike company. Just nine young riders in the 15+ and 17+ age groups have been selected this year.
We ran a piece on Michael last week when news reached us that he’d been picked.
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When the formal announcement was made by Canyon in recent days, they compiled a short interview with all of the riders from across Europe who’ve made the cut this year.
The following is Canyon’s brief interview with the Irish teenager as he prepares to fly off to Andrea Tafi’s estate in Tuscany for the first training camp later this month:
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Hi Michael,
Congratulations, you’re on the team!
What does it mean to you to be part of the Young Heroes program?
I’m delighted to be part of the Canyon Young Heroes Team. I’m the first rider from Ireland to be picked, so that makes it extra special. I can’t wait to go to Tuscany and meet Erik Zabel and Andrea Tafi. And I get a great new Canyon bike!
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get interested in cycling?
I come from the home town of Sean Kelly. My Dad is a racer who was an Irish champion and manages the Irish cycling team. I started racing at the age of 10 and loved it straight away.
Which one of your successes to date are you particularly proud of?
It’s great to win a National Championship and I’ve been fortunate to win road race, time trial and criterium championships. It’s great to have the full set.
What are your main aims for the 2012 season?
For 2012, I hope to compete successfully in more international races with the Cycling Ireland Talent Team 2020. I hope to get stronger and faster and possibly win a medal in the 2013 EYOF in Utrecht.
Where would you like to be in your cycling career in five years time?
Hopefully in five years time, I’ll be riding for a continental team, and performing well enough to get a place on a World Tour team.
Thanks for talking to us and have a great season!
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