David Gaffney faced his first proper test in Greece as a new U23 rider and put in an assured performance (Photo: Nassos Triantafyllou)
David Gaffney largely decided to forego racing in Ireland as a junior. He was one of the first young Irish cyclists to recognise what was happening in the sport in the years since the pandemic and to take action.
Riders were moving into the pro ranks at such a young age that the junior category, and perhaps the first season at U23, had displaced the full four-year U23 block as the key development phase.
So Gaffney didn't hang around. He went to Europe immediately he turned junior. And over the past two years he got his results; on the flat, on the climbs and in the TTs. He capped it with bronze in the junior road race at the Europeans.
There followed a coveted contract with Hagens Berman Jayco. It is one of the most respected U23 teams in the sport and the feeder squad for World Tour outfit Jayco AlUla. He has the world at his feet. But now he must walk the walk.
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That process began yesterday in Greece with an assured first step by the 19-year-old, who came up with Dungarvan CC in Co Waterford.
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His 15th place in the prologue TT at Tour of Rhodes (2.2) will be a mere footnote when the story of his career is written. But this was his first proper test. There was no hiding place.
In a field of 163 riders - many of them former junior, and current U23, internationals from 29 countries - Gaffney was among the best, at the first time of asking. He was just six seconds down on stage winner, 21-year-old Australian Cameron Rogers (Ineos Grenadiers Racing Academy), after 2.1km of racing.
"It was a good start to the season, I'm pretty happy with it overall," Gaffney told stickybottle. "The team did very well, we had 4th, 5th and 6th, and me 15th. So we're set up really well going into the next few days.
"I think (the coming stages) could suit me even better. So I'm excited to see how the next few days go and it was nice to start the season well. I didn't really have too many expectations so it was good to produce something."
Gaffney may well be called into team duties in coming days as his Irish team mate, Adam Rafferty, is capable of winning this race. The 21-year-old from Co Tyrone finished 5th in the prologue and has been 9th and 5th overall at Tour of Rhodes the past two years.
While Gaffney (19) won't be getting carried away, the prologue was the first litmus test of whether he has the goods for this life; for chasing a pro contract, securing it, and maybe winning big races.
This first result is an early indicator the engine is there and that his preparation - as well as his settling into his new environment and not being overawed - are all on track immediately. This race won’t make or break him. But a solid start would be a big boost.
