David Conroy was competing in the junior race at the World Championships in the Czech Republic but his race lasted a mere few seconds after a snapped chain. Above, at the Cyclocross World Championships in Belgium earlier this year (Photo: Martine Verfaillie)
By Brian Canty
Talented Irish junior David Conroy had a day to forget at the MTB XC World Championships in the Czech Republic today when he snapped his chain moments after the race started.
The Wicklow teenager was the sole Irish competitor in the field but just as he took off and shifted into sixth gear he heard his chain break and watched as the field rode away out of sight.
“It was demoralising,” he said. “I got off the bike and checked the chain but the other side of the link was still held together so my chain link was useless as I didn't have a chain breaker on me.
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“The opening loop was three kilometres long so I wouldn't have been able to run to the pits, get the chain fixed and make the 80 per cent cut-off rule so I pulled out.
“I was disgusted as I had prepared well and was feeling confident on such a technical and rough track.
“And it turns out another link was also bent in the chain so I wouldn't have been able to finish even if I had ran to the pits,” he added.
He will now turn his attention to the National Championships and a round of the Junior World Series on the 2012 Olympic track in a few weeks.
Next up for the Irish in the Czech Republic is James Curry in the U23 race (12 noon) with Gareth McKee in the elite race at 4pm on Sunday.
The event can be watched live on the Red Bull TV channel.
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