Carrick-on-Suir received great news last week when it was announced that 14 year old Michael O’ Loughlin has been selected for the Cycling Ireland Talent Team 2020. A high performance squad aimed at preparing Irish youth cyclists to be genuine medal contenders in the 2020 Olympic Games, membership of the Talent Team will give the young Comeragh College student access to a wealth of top level coaching and sports science support and several opportunities to compete internationally each year.
Michael won no less than 22 races in 2011 and competed in all four provinces of Ireland. He won all four stage races that he competed in – Rás na nÓg in Drogheda, the Kanturk 3 Day, the Arklow 2 Day and the Europe’s biggest Youth stage race the Mayo Youth Tour. The Arklow race was remarkable as O’ Loughlin had broken his scaphoid three weeks previously and got the plaster cast taken off his wrist in Waterford Regional Hospital on the eve of the race.
He dominated the Mayo International Youth Tour from start to finish. Despite riding without team support (Munster did not field a provincial team), he set such a ferocious pace that the South African, Manx, Scottish, Irish and Belgian riders couldn’t get to the front of the race to mount a challenge. On his way to overall victory, he also took the most mountains points. His time trialling this year has been spectacular. He won the All-Ireland Time Trial Championship by 25 seconds. His time was only 7 seconds off the winning time in the Under 16 category where the riders have the benefit of bigger gears. He was undefeated against the clock in 2011.
Cycling Ireland has recently signed a deal with British Cycling to share the accumulated coaching knowledge built up in the last 10 years. The British invest their National Lottery money heavily into cycling. This has paid huge dividends with dozens of European and World Championship and Olympic gold medals. The eight young riders who will compete on the Talent Team 2020 next year will be able to avail of this specialist knowledge.
In addition, the Team will travel to Belgium and Holland for racing and training camps on both road and track next summer. Cycling Ireland Head Development Coach Paddy Doran paid tribute to the Carrickbeg teenager when the team was announced. “Michael O’ Loughlin already has a big engine. Hopefully, with our assistance, he can develop his talent to match and beat the best in the world”.
Michael has been a member of Carrick Wheelers for the past five years and is the eldest son of Martin and Elma O’ Loughlin of Coolnamuck.
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