The thought of going back to training in advance of the new season can be quite depressing so it's important to enjoy the off-season as much as possible.
We've compiled a new list of riders from around the country for our latest 'off-season diaries' piece and though some are fond of a jar, others are not.
Amongst the things we learnt is that you must never, ever take yourself too seriously, and Conor Dunne is a shining example of this...
Adam Stenson
Age: 17
Category: First year junior
Club/Team: Nicolas Roche Performance Team/Magnet.ie
When did you stop training?: “I stopped training after the World junior road race championships at the end of September.”
When will/did you start again?: “I started back training last weekend but I’d been messing on the cross bike and stuff like that up until now.”
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What things do you like to do in the off-season?: “I like to just do the normal things like catch up with friends who I didn't see through the summer as I was away for nearly all of it. I also like to swim a lot when I'm not on the bike.”
Eve McCrystal
Age: 21….seriously!
Club/Team: Garda CC
When did you stop training?: “I took a short break after Ras na mBan but I have a competition next week on the track so a longer break didn’t fit in. I’ll take another short break after that event in Manchester.”
What things do you like to do in the off-season?: “I love this time of year in the run-up to Christmas.
“It’s very exciting for the children so I spend most of my time getting organised for that. I really enjoy going for a coffee spin and chatting with a friend of mine.”
“The coffee stop is usually longer than the spin though!”
Eoin Morton
Age: 26
Category: A1
Club/Team: UCD
When did you stop training? “End of October.”
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When will/did you start again? “Late November (but just tipping around).”
What things do you like to do in the off-season?: “In the off-season I focus on dealing with our commitments with the team's sponsors and trying to develop new sponsorship opportunities, it's something I really enjoy doing.
“Training-wise, I focus on a somewhat 'old school' approach focusing on long easy miles incorporating the spin to work.”
Conor Dunne
Age: 23
Category: Elite
Club/Team: An Post Chain Reaction.
When did you stop training? “Straight after the World Championships in September.”
When will/did you start again?: “I had 4 weeks off the bike and started training again on the 26th October.”
What things do you like to do in the off-season? “Generally just catch up with friends and family I've neglected all year!”
“Also just be quite spontaneous with my plans and go where the wind takes me.
“The season is always so structured and when you have the time off its nice to have total freedom.
“I like to go running when I start training again. I just run round town, most people are probably thinking about calling the local loony bin to report a 6' 9" inmate on the loose!”
Eoin McCarthy
Age: 22
Category: A+
Club/Team: An Post Chain Reaction.
When did you stop training? “I stopped in September. I had a hard year. So I called it earlier than expected. I got sick and after my accidents I found it difficult to come back to a good level.”
When will/did you start again?: “I've decided to race at home next year so my approach will be slightly different. I've been riding already but nothing too strict. I'll start proper mid-November.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? “Party, drink beers, go out with my friends and just generally have the craic!”
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