By Dara Smith-Naughton
Fresh from taking the road race title at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, Oisin Ferrity can look back at his entire season as one characterised by achievements and milestones; the 17-year-old continuing to make relentless progress after being crowned national road race champion last year.
This season he's taken a couple of stage wins and the green jersey from the Junior Tour of Ireland, the yellow jersey at the Newry Three Day, and his first win in Belgium; just a few accolades added next to the name of the young cyclist this season.
In the last 10 days he has been busy during a racing stint in Belgium, where he has been constantly in the mix at the pointy end, taking 3rd place at Grote Kermisprijs Helkijn and Kortemark-Edewalle as well as 2nd in Ruiselede.
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Speaking on his triumph at the Commonwealth Youth Games, he said: "It went a bit better than expected. The race went perfectly, it was just so straightforward." Despite holding some nerves prior to starting, he stayed cool and finished atop the podium.
Being the first ever Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in Trinidad and Tobago, it was certainly to be a unique experience for those involved. "It was a bit strange alright, competing on the other side of the world," said Ferrity, though jet-lag and the tropical climate evidently did not hinder his performance.
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Ferrity (Caldwell Cycles) was a key part in the success of the Irish at the this year's Junior Tour of Ireland, taking home two wins and the points jersey to go with them.
"It was a really good tour for us, we never felt under huge pressure at any time," he said of a race that was a positive step forward for Team Ireland in comparison to previous campaigns at the race.
Despite the best efforts of the men in green, the yellow jersey would be snatched from the grasp of teammate Liam O'Brien on the final day. Ferrity described the mood of the squad after the race as one of "very mixed emotions".
"I was happy with the green jersey, but Liam was very unfortunate (with the crash on the last stage)."
As previously mentioned, Ferrity has enjoyed success throughout the season but has insisted there have not been any major changes in his approach to his training methods, "I've been consistently tipping away, doing 10 hours a week, I just feel really good."
With one more road race to go in Belgium, Ferrity will venture back into the world of cyclocross come the winter season. This rider's talent knows very few boundaries, so stay tuned in with this story folks.
