HISTORY AND MOTIVATION:

How did you get started in the downhill world? 

I started off doing motor trials at the age of 8 and after doing that for a few years and blowing up many engines I decided to get into MTB at 13 and race local races and got hooked straight away.

When did you start racing? 

2021 was my first proper year of world cups. 

CHALLENGES: 

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far? 

At the start, as a junior, it was the lack of support as I was a privateer and didn’t have a team or mechanics which made it super difficult to compete, but it was a part of the process. Then in 2020 I wasn’t allowed to race as I wasn’t on a factory team (per cycling Irelands rules) which was tough coming into my first year as an elite as I wasn’t sure if I’d have the experience. And then probably breaking my wrist halfway through the 2023 season. 

TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES:

How do you mentally approach a big competition?

I usually hype myself up as much as possible and I believe going 100% is the key but sometimes it ends in success or the ground. 

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS:

For those starting out in downhill, do you have any key tips or recommendations?

Trust the process and have fun with it. If you’re giving it your 100% in training the results will come, and whether you’re succeeding in races or not it’s important to just have fun riding. 

CAREERS AND GOALS: 

What are your goals and aspirations for the future in downhill?

To win a World Cup, and just to be known as an all-round sound lad who just likes going fast on his bike. 

Are there any specific races you have in mind that you’d like to win?

Probably Les Gets 2024 World Cup just for the insane crowd or the Champéry World Champs.