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.
adam ward - tyrone - n.ireland
Who are you?
Adam Ward, someone you'd like to be stuck in an elevator with!
What team do you ride for?
Omagh Wheelers CC
Why did you start cycling?
Because I wanted to try a few different sports, it just so happened that my dad had began cycling and got me a lend of a road bike for a local charity ride, I really enjoyed it and the rest is history.
Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?
When I was younger I played Gaelic (Irish football) and football.
What type of cyclist are you? Do you compete in other disciplines, other than road cycling?
A relatively fast one I like to think. I like to see myself as a punchy rider, and I've found success on courses with an uphill/draggy finish. I've tried track, mountain biking and cyclo-cross, but not much going on there for sure.
Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?
That's a tough one, I'm quite split between my Oakleys and a great set of cycling socks, of the correct length.
Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?
Winning a kermesse race in Zingem, Belgium during the summer would be up there, as well as a few top 5 results in the weeks leading up to it, in Belgium kermesse races.
Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)
It would be Adam Blythe or Tom Boonen
Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?
Would be taking the 3rd stage of Errigal International Youth tour during the summer while wearing the polka-dot jersey.
Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?
My favourite stage race would have to be the Errigal Youth Tour, great buzz about the event during the whole weekend and the teams from all over the UK and world give the event a really good vibe. My favourite one day event would have to be the national championships, no matter where in the country it is you can always get a sense of how important and big a race it is for everyone competing.
What's your current favourite music album/song?
I've loads of favourite music, so it's hard to narrow it down but I'll say Darude - Sandstorm.
Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?
My Instagram is my pride and joy. @adamwardhbu for anyone interested.
Hopes and plans for the future?
Hopefully just continue riding my bike relatively speedy and get the hands up a few times throughout the year would be nice, as well as getting to race in a few sunny countries would be a good way to spend the summer.
