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 quick chat with one of the applicants selected for the 2017 program.

PJ DOOGAN - DONEGAL - ireland

Who are you?

My name is PJ Doogan, I am 16 years old and I am from Donegal in north west Ireland.

What team do you ride for?

My local club, Errigal Cycling Club

Why did you start cycling?

I always loved cycling and I started cycling when I was 10 years old.

Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?

Yes, I played soccer when I was younger, but gave it up as I started to concentrate on my cycling.

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

My main focus is road, but I have tried track and cyclo-cross and enjoyed them also

Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?

The bike comes first.

Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?

I think it was winning my first international race this year at the 2016 Ronde van de Lier and becoming the Irish National Champ under 11 and 12.

Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)

Definitely, Alberto Contador as I think he is an amazing climber.

Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?

That would have to be Alberto Contador when won the Veulta in 2014, beating Froome in to second place.

Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?

The Tour de France as there is always so much action and the Worlds as you never know what is going to happen.

What's your current favourite music album/song?

I enjoy all types of music.

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

My favourite TV show is the big bang theory, "I'm not a rapper!"

Hopes and plans for the future?

I hope to continue cycling for as long as I can and reach my goal of become a professional cyclist one day.