Craig McAuley will race in the Irish colours at next month's Tour of Hokkaido (2.2) in Japan and believes his decision to step away from the sport on a full-time basis has helped him get the most out of himself (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Craig McAuley will pull on an Irish jersey again next month when he races in the national team in the 2.2-ranked Tour of Hokkaido in Japan.
The 19 year-old former junior international is part of a five-man team that also includes experienced head Ronan McLaughlin, Christopher McGlinchey, Darragh O’Mahony and Daire Feeley.
Having initially planned to race in France this year, McAuley chose a different path, opting instead to seek employment at home and ride the bike as a pastime more than anything else.
And it’s seemed to have worked for him as he enjoys the sport more and is arguably going as well as ever.
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“It's nice to be back in an Irish jersey and racing with the national team again," he said.
"It's always nice when they come calling to give you the chance to race and gain experience so I'm very grateful.”
McAuley crashed out of the An Post Rás but has returned to racing throughout the summer
Having spent the last number of summers abroad he’s happy to have stepped away from full-time riding.
McAuley keeps a close eye on affairs from the front of the bunch during the ascent of the Glen of Aherlow during the Suir Valley 3-day recently. (Photo: Sean Rowe)
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“I'm content that I made the right decision. I found it hard last year having nothing else but the bike and mentally, I'm much more content - and enjoying it more as a result.
“Having the bike as part of my life, not my life full stop is the way it is for me.
“Next year I'm not sure what will happen with regard to racing; this could well be my last season for a while if all works out.
“So I’m keen to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves between now and the end of the year.”
Having tasted the life as a full-time rider, McAuley has never hidden from the fact he knows the sport will never offer him a career.
Riding for the Irish Development Team at Rás Mumhan last Easter (Photo by Brendan Slattery - TheBikeLittleBikeShop)
“I think at this stage, with the decision I've made, I won't be chasing a career from the bike.
“You see people in this country doing that, guys much older than me - and making very little progress.
“I wish them all the best and hope they eventually achieve their goals.
"But for me, I'm enjoying the bike as it is and will hopefully be able to say I'll have a proper job, making a proper living for myself in the near future.
“Riding for a team and devoting your life to it, in your mid to late twenties, and being paid next to nothing for it, isn't that.
“That doesn't mean I have any less respect for those who do it, it just isn't for me.”
