Fraser Duncan was arguably the man of the domestic scene last year and he seems gunning for more from the campaign ahead (Photo: George Doyle)
Brian Canty
Fraser Duncan enjoyed the season of his life in 2014 when he took a string of victories, rode the Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland and finished the year ranked the sixth best Irish rider.
He had initially planned to take 2015 “a little easier” as he and his wife had their first baby in November.
But after joining Team ASEA recently his motivation for success is high again.
The Bangor man was the final addition to the team and alongside Bryan McCrystal, Damien Shaw, Roger Aiken, Ali MacAuley, Chris Reilly and Joe Fenlon, the squad will pose a considerable challenge.
“The team looks very good,” Duncan agreed.
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“Obviously we’ll be fighting for places in the races but that’s a good thing.
Fraser Duncan on the attack in the National Championships in Westmeath last year. The country’s showpiece one-day event is among the Bangor man’s big goals for the coming season. (Photo: George Doyle)
“It should make us stronger, once we’ll all be working for each other when that push comes to shove.
“I think we’ll be pretty strong, anyone can see that," added the 29-year-old.
“I’d been thinking this year would be a down year. I initially thought I’d race as I felt like it depending on how things were going at home.
“But things have been okay and I got the call from Bryan (McCrystal) a few weeks ago," he said in reference to being asked to join the new Team ASEA.
“I thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up so I jumped at it.”
The highlight of last year, said Duncan, was winning the three road stages of the Tour of the North. It’s a feat he looks back on now and still can’t quite grasp.
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Once Duncan put the head down last year few could live with him. He said his will to win was very strong as he chased a place on the Commonwealth Games team (Photo: Marian Lamb - Cycling Ulster)
“It was as well as I’ve ever gone on the bike and to win three stages was unexpected,” he said.
“When I won the first stage I thought that was it. I’d won a stage and taken a jersey.
“I thought I’d try to hold onto the jersey but it didn’t work out. But I got the next best thing with the three road stages.
“My motivation was high though,” he added by way of an explanation for his incredible form.
“I definitely was a bit more committed with my training because I wanted to go to the Commonwealth Games.
In the county rider jersey at the An Post Rás in 2013. Duncan is a rider who could make a big impression on a strongman's course this year.
“It’s easier to turn it on when the alarm clock went at 7am and ride into work instead of drive, or go out on the Saturday runs.
“Having that aim pushed me on, I didn’t do a massive amount but I had a real will to succeed and I think that’s what made the difference; I wanted to win.”
That desire is still there and Duncan suggested a few events he’d like to win.
“I’d like to do better at the nationals; I’ve really only been scraping the top 10 there.
“The Des Hanlon and the Shay Elliott are two more I want to do well in and the Stamullen GP.
“I’ve been 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th there so cross the line first would be great.”
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