a conversation with...

  The Mobel Sport - 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 one of the applicants selected for the 2018 program.

Cathal Gallagher |DONEGAL - ireland

Who are you?

I’m Cathal Gallagher from Co Donegal in Ireland.

What team do you ride for?

I ride for my local club, Errigal cycling club.

Why did you start cycling?

I started cycling because I seen my dad racing and I got interested and started watching cycling races and I was hooked with cycling.

Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?

I swam for a couple of years when I was a bit younger.

What type of cyclist are you? Do you compete in other disciplines, other than road cycling?

I’m an all-round type of rider. I love a hilly course with a bit of everything . I like time trialing as-well and I have recently started cyclo-cross.

Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?

I absolutely love my Pinarello and Shimano group-set.

Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?

This year I was 2nd in the National Road Race. I have won the ulster time trial and road race title for the last 3 years in a row. I came 6th in Errigal International Youth Tour in 2016

Your favourite professional cyclist? (past/present)

Fabian Cancellara and Julian Allaphilipe

Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?

World Championships in Virginia, USA, when Sagan went from a few kilometers out and managed to hold on until the end.

Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?

Paris-Roubaix because I think it separates all the strongest riders from the weakest and it is always really exciting to watch.

What's your current favourite music album/song?

I listen to a lot of rap in general don’t have a favourite song.

Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?

I have to have my bike and kit clean all the time . I hate having a dirty bike.

Hopes and plans for the future?

In the far future I would hope to make a living out of cycling it would be a dream, but for now my hopes are to win the National Road Race this year.