Published on 30th January 2015 | By Chris Walker

Is the first time you have had support from the Dave Rayner Fund?

Yes, 2015 will be the first time I will gratefully receive Dave Rayner Fund support.

What is your cycling history ?

I’ve been riding a bike from a kid as it’s always been in my family. My Dad and uncles were into motocross/trials biking, then made the leap to push bikes so it wouldn’t pinch their pockets as much.

I was never pushed into the sport and always preferred cycling as a way to get me places. When I was 15 I asked my Dad to take me to the Northern Ireland u16 Championships and I won a bronze medal - I haven’t looked back since!

What team are you joining in 2015?Tell us a bit about your team.

For 2015, I will be riding for Hennebont Cyclisme.

I rode with them at the end of last season, thanks to the help of Jean Vantalon and enjoyed a number of reputable results, including a few wins.

Their team manager, Cedric leNuy looks after me well so returning to Hennebont was an easy decision!

I love living in Brittany also; the terrain is like Ireland, giving a lot of variation to your training rides, and when the summer comes I look forward to ending every ride with a trip to the beach !

 

Do they have they a website we can link to?

HennebontCyclisme.com

 

What is your race programme looking like?

I really like the set-up at Hennebont - they always get entries into big races like KBE and GP Plouay, which gives me many opportunities to beef up my palamares. They also hope to do my home race, the An Post rás which I aim to do well in also.

 

Are you going on a training camp with the team?

There are no training camps with the team, but from January 8th I have been based in Alaro, Mallorca, thanks to the help of Brian Nugent and Cycling Ireland. They have a house out here, and I am staying here until the 7th Feb.

It’s a good bit milder than the harsh Irish winter; training’s always easier when the sky is blue ! I’ve been living with members of the Irish track progamme, who make great training partners. It’s great to see our track cycling scene come on so much in the past number of years, considering we are one of the smallest nations in Europe, and also one which doesn’t possess an indoor velodrome.

When are you heading out to Europe/USA?

 From Mallorca, I am heading to London to recover from my extensive training here and prepare myself for the upcoming season in France, whilst also getting to spend some time with my girlfriend. I will leave London for France on the 18th of February.

Twitter handle and any blogs or website links:

 Twitter: @DanBikeStewart

Blog: danbikestewart.blogspot.com