a conversation with CONOR PRENDERGAST

 The 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 chat with the first applicant selected for the 2024 program.

Congratulations, Conor! How does it feel to be selected for the Cycle Sierra Nevada Scholarship?

Thanks. I'm really excited about the opportunity and ready to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to getting some good training done in Spain and meeting new people.

Let's dive into your cycling journey. Can you share how you got into cycling and your progression so far?

Yes, my mother's history in racing inspired me to start cycling at 15. Initially, it was to complement Gaelic football, but as I started achieving good results, I became hooked and eventually dropped football.

Your sporting background is quite diverse. How has your experience in Gaelic football, athletics, rugby, and soccer influenced your cycling career?

Each sport contributed to my overall athleticism, but cycling became my true passion. The endurance and power from other sports transferred well, making me a versatile rider.

You've listed an impressive array of achievements. Which one stands out as your proudest moment?

Over the course of my season that was cut short due to injury, winning the Castlebar GP Elite Men's race solo, especially against strong competition, is a highlight but also taking a couple stage wins and 2nd at Kanturk 3 day against other strong juniors was nice too. It showcased my capabilities and my ability to win on hilly or flat courses, from long range solo attacks to 2 km from the finish line attacks.

Looking ahead, what are your cycling goals for the next two years?

I've joined a development team for 2024. My focus is on spring classic UCI races and time trials which suit me the best, aiming for wins, podiums, and top 10 rankings. Winning the national road race, the Tour of Ireland, and Tour of Wales are a few of my main goals.

You've got an extensive race calendar. Any particular race you're most looking forward to and why?

There isn’t a particular race I am most looking forward to, probably finishing the whole
season injury free and seeing what I can achieve is probably the most exciting thing for me, but I’m interested in seeing how I fare out against the best in the world.

Wout van Aert is your favourite cyclist. What aspects of his style do you admire, and how do you envision your future in cycling?

Wout's versatility is inspiring. There aren't many riders his size who could potentially aim to win a grand tour. I think every rider would love to be like Wout in the future.

Among your favourite races, which stands out and why?

Despite limited options this year because of injury, the Kanturk 3-day and Castlebar gp is memorable. Winning solo at the Castlebar GP elite race from 70k out by over 3 minutes on the main bunch was very nice, and it proved my potential for time trials. Kanturk stage 1 and stage 4 were also nice where I got the win and came 2nd in the time trial by half a second against very strong competition.

Working with a coach is crucial. Who's your coach, and how has their guidance impacted your performance?

Daire Feeley is my coach, and his guidance has been instrumental in my progress. He's helped fine-tune my training for optimal results and really brought me on as a rider that past couple of years but especially last winter.

This scholarship involves a cycling camp. As someone who hasn't attended one before, what do you hope to gain from this experience?

I'm eager to gain valuable experience and use the camp to enhance my training. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts and further develop my skills.

Lastly, any message to aspiring young cyclists out there?

Avoid negative minded people. Try and have a lot of confidence in yourself because confidence is everything, set ambitious goals, and keep pushing your limits.

Thanks for sharing your insights, Conor. Best of luck with your cycling endeavours!

Thank you! I'm looking forward to the journey ahead.