Cycle sierra nevada Scholarship Program

  From 2014 we will be providing a number of opportunities for young cyclists, both male and female, to take part in one of our training camps completely free of charge. Cycle Sierra Nevada will be offering a number of places each year on their Scholarship Program to young athletes in an attempt to assist them in their aspiring careers.

marc heaney - CARN WHEELERS - NORTHERN IRELAND

Who are you?

I am a 16 year old cyclist from Northern Ireland, I will be first year junior at the start of the 2015 season.

Who do you ride for? Training partners?

I ride for a local club 'Carn Wheelers' who have provided me with lots of support throughout the previous season, I'll be riding for them again next season. I train with a few lads that compete at the same level as me at the weekends but during the week it's just me.

Why did you start cycling?

In the past I rode motocross at British Championship level before being put out with a knee injury. I packed in the motocross and played rugby for a year or so before buying a mountain bike in 2010. Things progressed until I got my first road bike and well, here I am.

What do you love about cycling?

I love being able to set myself goals and then achieve them,  I love socialising with new people and of course, bun runs.

Favourite piece of cycling kit/bike etc.?

My custom giro air attack... slick.

What motivates you?

Success.

Key goals for next season?

Although I've no exact goals set I simply want to have a good first year junior season and I want to do a few big races such as the junior tour of Ireland and the tour of the north hopefully with a few races across waters.

Hopes/plans for the future?

Keep getting good results and advancing in my career. I want to get on to a good race team to open up as much possibilities for my future and someday maybe get paid to ride my bike.