In our latest rider profile we talk to 27 year old Banbridge CC rider Gareth McKee who this year won the XC National Championships and the XC Marathon National Championships as well as representing Ireland at the XC World Championships in Andorra.
How did you get into cycling?
I got my first taste of cycling watching a downhill MTB race in Tollymore Forest Park out Newcastle, Co. Down. After that I would go to Moneyscalp Wood which was nearby every weekend to have fun on bikes with friends. I competed at Downhill for a number of years and started using road and cross-country MTB as training initially, but then quit downhill to focus on XC.
Since this transition a few years ago Banbridge CC have been there to support me. From club stalwarts like William Mulligan who lent me an XC bike for the year, to Neil Teggart who give me a training programme, to Simon Curry who has done so much and helped me - I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made.
The reason I am riding my bike is the enjoyment of cycling with friends, whether that’s off-road or on.
Is there anyone who has influenced you or people you admire in the sport?
There are a lot of influences from the beginning of my time on the bike. My parents have been a great influence and without them I really couldn’t have done anything, never mind what I have achieved over the years - Thank you!
I will never forget the time I spent riding downhill together with my brother and friends from the start; Jonny McKee, Davy Graham and Stephen McMinn who sadly passed away, (gone but never forgotten!) There were so many good times travelling and riding bikes together.
William Mulligan, Simon Curry and Brian Steele have been of so much support over the years; they are amazing at developing youth riders, getting them out on mountain bikes and always putting them before themselves. It would be rude not to mention the youth within the club that is up and coming. There is so much talent coming though, and it is great to be involved with the development of these riders!!
Training partners James Curry and Lindsay Watson have been the key to success, with each of us pushing each other to new levels in the sport. I also have Banbridge CC to thank for everything over the years, everyone in the club would bend over backwards to help! Last year's Cyclo-cross race was an example off this; everyone was helping wash bikes for James Curry and Don Travers, even the reigning National Champion Roger Aiken was washing bikes!
I think the conveyor belt of young riders coming through from the area has a lot to do these guys and those at Banbridge CC, it’s certainly no coincidence. Keep up the fantastic work!
Gareth and fellow Banbridge CC rider James Curry at the XC World Championships.
Where is your favourite place to ride / train?
Training on the road bike would make up the majority of my training and with an extremely strong training group from Banbridge CC with a wealth of talent and experience every ride is a learning experience.
My favourite place to train on the mountain bike has to be Tollymore. It has so much scope and the trails are really technical and fun, there are also some really testing climbs.
What bike you are currently riding?
I’m currently riding a 2013 Specialized Stumpjumper Marathon 29er for XC and a 2013 Cannondale Super 6 evo on the road.
What would you say are the highlights of your riding career?
My highlights have to include winning both Irish XC Olympic National Championship and the Irish XC Marathon National Championship in 2015. Especially after coming so close on a few occasions at DH and XC. Representing Ireland at the World Championships and finishing 89th in a tough field stands out too.
On the road the highlight of the 2015 season is winning the 1st stage of the Tour of the North at Easter whilst riding in Banbridge CC colours, taking the leader’s yellow jersey while our team also took the young riders jersey home with Mark Downey. Overall it was a great team performance with some of the younger lads in the club. We all gelled together really well and the results backed up the efforts of the entire team.
I also rate my ride in Benalux Cup in Belgium Erezee and finishing 22nd after having a mechanical problem and having to come back up through field. It wasn’t my top result, but given the conditions and mishaps it was still a performance I’m really proud of.
What it was like to ride at the World Championships?
Riding at the World Championships was a fantastic experience. It was a honour to represent Banbridge Cycling Club and Cycling Ireland, with Simon Curry as team manager and the driving force behind getting everything organised and James Curry as my team mate - how often do you get the chance to help a club mate prepare for a World Championship race?
The whole build up to the race was surreal, warming up on the rollers behind the Specialized lorry and all the spectators coming up wishing you luck. To top it off Dan Martin walked up in a sling and wished us all luck!!!
Starting from the back of the grid was a major disadvantage but it was what it was! The start was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was full gas for the first climb and at altitude it made it pretty tough to recover. With over 100 riders going into the single track section there was a massive bottle neck with nowhere to go, I just had to walk first single track which wasn’t ideal. The leaders gaining so much time there. As I settled into the race I was able to work my way up through the field and was gaining a few places every lap.
The support from the crowd was unreal; everyone shouting come on Ireland!! With the short laps and the leaders lapping so fast I was pulled out under the 80% rule. I was extremely disappointed to be pulled out as I felt I was only getting going. The experience has shown me the level I need to get to in order to compete at the highest level.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I would just like to be a good role model to the youth coming through and help in the development of young talent - give them something to aim for.
At the moment I've no plans to race cyclo-cross and feel as if I need the winter to relax and then build on the form for the mountain bike season, however I can't rule out giving the CX National Championships a go and try to get the Team Prize for Banbridge CC. We have a few great riders on the CX scene so that’s definitely a possibility.
With the No1 number on my back for next year it will be a tough task to defend my titles, however I look forward to defending these. After finishing 8th overall in the British NPS and getting two top 10 placings, including a podium this season, I know it is possible to achieve podiums at these races so plan to race the full British Series again next year to see if I can improve on those performances.
I also plan to race abroad at a few selected European rounds, although these are not selected yet. I would also like to compete at both the European Championships and World Championships.
Any advice for anyone thinking about getting into the sport?
Anyone interested in getting into the sport should just get along to a local race and give it a go! It’s so accessible and gets easier the more you do! (Sort of…)
As corny as it sounds, it’s like big family. That’s what makes it so enjoyable – being able to share the experience and accomplishments with that family.