Darren Rafferty has said he is really looking forward to making his Giro d'Italia debut tomorrow, when the race starts in Albania. He was "inspired" after the seeing the Italian Grand Tour start in Ireland in 2014 and was now delighted to be riding the race.
Though Rafferty - who came up through Island Wheelers CC in Co Tyrone - has waited over a decade to line out in the race, he does as as a 21-year-old having already ridden La Vuelta last year. He also placed 2nd overall in Giro Next Gen just two years ago, including an epic ride to 3rd on the Stelvio summit stage.
But he said it was the Giro's trip to Ireland, when he was aged just 10 years old, that really fixed his mind on riding the race, which he does as Irish road race champion and as a World Tour rider for EF Education-EasyPost.
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“The Giro is extra special for me,” he said. “It was the only grand tour that ever came within driving distance of my home. We went and saw it when it started in Ireland in 2014.
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"That was 11 years ago and got me the inspiration to make it to the Giro one day. Now, that day is tomorrow.
"I am buzzing. It should be a good grand tour. I am looking forward to giving folks back home something to smile about.”
Rafferty rides the race on a new Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix EVO with a paint job reflecting his status as Irish champion and pair of racing shoes - again in Irish champion's livery - customised for him by Shea Gribbon, also known as The Shoe Dr.
“Cannondale did a really nice job with the new design,” he said. “I like the extra white and flecks of paint.
"It looks modern and nice. I've also got a set of shoes matched up with the bike color scheme and kit, so I think they should look pretty good together the next three weeks.”
