a conversation with...

  The Mobel Sport - Cycle Sierra Nevada Scholarship was developed as a way to sponsor young cyclists that may not have opportunity or financial capacity to avail of a cycling training camp. In this section we take 5 minutes for a quick chat with one of the applicants selected for the 2017 program.

aaron kearney - waterford - ireland

Who are you?

I am Aaron Kearney,I'm 17 and I live in Waterford in the south of Ireland and am currently in my final year of secondary school studying for my Leaving Cert.

What team do you ride for?

I rode for the Nicolas Roche Performance Team in 2016 and next year I'll be riding for Planet X Ireland.

Why did you start cycling?

I started cycling at the local underage league in Carrick-on-Suir at the age of 11.It wasn't long before I caught the cycling bug and joined Carrick Wheelers a few weeks later and rode my first race U12 that summer. I started taking cycling seriously from then on and was hooked!

Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?

I used to play soccer and hurling with the local teams growing up but when I turned 15 I decided to completely focus on the bike.

What type of cyclist are you? Do you compete in other disciplines, other than road cycling?

My main focus is road but this year I tried a bit on the track. I really enjoyed the adrenaline rush of racing around the track and feel that the skills and tactics I've learned can be translated into my road riding.

Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?

My power meter which makes every training session more interesting and effective.

Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?

Getting 2nd in the Shay Elliot Memorial and also coming 5th in the National Junior Road Race Championships and winning the Team Prize.

Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)

Sean Kelly and Peter Sagan

Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?

Omloop het nieuwsblad 2015 when Ian Stannard won against all odds

Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?

Favourite stage race would be the Vuelta Espana as there is always plenty of surprises and my favourite one day race would have to be the World RR Champs as it's such a versatile race.

What's your current favourite music album/song?

I generally listen to the most current music in the charts. I listen to music for motivation while training and to get in the zone before a race.

Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?

I enjoy Hiking and love exploring new places.

Hopes and plans for the future?

Go abroad and gain experience racing on the continent and pursue a professional career in the sport.