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.

Breandan Flannagan - Ballycastle - n.ireland

Who are you?

My name is Breandan Flannagan, I am a road cyclist from Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

What team do you ride for?

I ride for Ballymoney Cycling Club.

Why did you start cycling?

My dad had raced as a junior but stopped at 25 and he was getting back into it when I was 13. So I decided to gave it a go and really enjoyed it. I started out by just riding twice a week. I have slowly built up from there and started training seriously this January.

Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?

I was never a really sporty kid, I played rugby for a while but never really got into it and stopped at 11. Other then cycling I have not fully committed to a sport before.

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

I focus mainly on road but compete in cyclo-cross through the winter and hope to try track cycling next session.

Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?

My Garmin vector power-meter pedals.

Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?

Definitely my overall victory in the Errigal International Youth Tour this year (2016).

Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)

Marco Pantani and Esteban Chaves.

Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?

2016 Paris Roubaix - (won by Mat Hayman -Orica Greenedge)

Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?

Stade Bianchi, the best final climb in pro cycling. Giro d'Italia, amazing range of weather and great climbing.

What's your current favourite music album/song?

KONGOS - Egomaniac (take if from me)

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

I am half American and visit family there regularly.

Hopes and plans for the future?

My aim for next year is the Junior Tour of Ireland and I don't know what the future beyond that holds.