Beth taking a breather Beth “cycling” downhill…

  • when did you start cycling

in 2000 after spending a year as a couch potato following an injury that forced me to give up competitive track running  

  • why did you choose it as a sport

My brother and some friends were into mountain biking it seemed be a good way to have fun with it while getting a good workout at the same time. Being very competitive I quickly decided I’d like to race and threw myself in at the deep end and started racing a few weeks later. I actually hated it at first and really only started having fun when I mastered the more technical aspects of mountain biking. I started road biking in 2003 during the foot & mouth crisis and mountain biking was forbidden. 

what is your greatest acheivement to date

I’ve represented Ireland at European & World Championships, and I’ve ridden a few world cups.  I won an mtb stage race in Pakistan in 2006, and the mtb  national championships & K-Capital Cup international race series  in 2007.

  • what was your favourite race

I love most mountain bike races, but I’m particularly fond of Kilruddery, djouce and ballinastoe race loop and the marathon course in carlingford. I’ve fond memories of the Corkman 3 day and I love stamullen.

  • what was your least favourite race

I did the Gorey 3 day once, and it was a miserable experience, I spent 3 days being cold, wet and hammered L

  • where are you based for the majority of the year

Greystones, Co Wicklow

  • what do you love about the sport

The people, the fun, the camaraderie and the racing in fantastic places  off the beaten track.

  • what bugs you about it

The irish climate can make cycling a bit miserable sometimes!

  • which do you prefer – MTB, TT or RR 

MTB, but I like TT and I hope to do more of them this year.

  • Did you ever try track racing – what did you think?

I’d love to try track racing.

  • And mountain bike…

Mtb is the best thing ever J

  • Which do you prefer downhill or cross country

I love racing XCO but I hope to do some downhill this year.

  • what do you like about racing in Ireland Vs overseas

Racing in Ireland is very friendly, it such a small sport that its likely you’ll know a lot  people at most events, from the spectators & competitors  to the organisers, its very sociable and family friendly. Events abroad are usually bigger and attract mass participation which is fantastic, but less sociable. 

  • What don’t you like

Again I’m not a fan of the weather……………

  • If you were given an unlimited amount of money to help Irish Women Riders – how would you spend it??

I’d set up an Irish womens pro team, a bit like the Team Ireland Belgium set up for the guys and provide all the support necessary for riders to reach their potential in track, mtb or road. The program would be focussed on development rather than performance so riders could be helped to achieve their potential from an early stage rather than only being assisted  when they’ve already reached a certain high performance level. In this way we’d capture and nurture emerging talent as well as supporting the high level performers.

 Beth - coming through a field.. as you do!!