BBC SPORT | NORTHERN IRELAND | McCann pedals for gold

BBC NI's Alvin McCaig talks with top local cyclist David McCann about his hopes for the Commonwealth Games.

A major international victory in Japan has made 2001 a year to remember for Northern Ireland cyclist David McCann.

His big breakthrough in September's Tour de Hokkaido established the 28-year-old Belfast rider among the world elite in what is a gruelling and fiercely competitive sport.

McCann had already confirmed his domestic dominance in the summer with an Irish road race and time trial double.

So it is no surprise that the CCC-MAT team professional is looking forward to the 2002 season with a certain degree of relish.

I would be a bit disappointed if I didn't bring home a gold medal

David McCann

A winter diet of daily training in our far from welcoming weather could dampen the spirits but McCann is pedalling with gold in his sights.

The Commonwealth Games in Manchester next July and August could be the highlight of McCann's blossoming career and he certainly intends them to be.

"The Commonwealths are top of the list and I believe I have a good medal chance," he said.

"Indeed, I would have to say I would be a bit disappointed if I didn't bring home a gold medal.

"I will face stiff opposition from Australian and British riders and a lot depends on whether the Games come too soon for those competing in the Tour de France.

"I've got a decent shot in both the individual time trial and road race events and I will be going with a positive attitude after a great 2001 season."

Inspiration

McCann's passion for cycling is borne from a family steeped in the sport, while Stephen Roche's 1987 Tour de France success was an added inspiration.

A first novice win in the same year set the teenager on his way and he has not looked back since.

A major turning point came six years ago when McCann packed in his computer programming job to go full-time as an amateur.

The move brought immediate rewards - in 1996 McCann swept to victory in the Isle of Man International and took the Irish Cyclist of the Year award.

A serious knee injury hindered his progress in 1998 and 1999 but he has bounced back in magnificent style and went professional this year with the Polish CCC-MAT team.

McCann pushes hard on a hill climb

Success at home and abroad in 2001 brought McCann to a career pinnacle as he made an impact on the world stage.

"Winning the Irish Championships road race in July was particularly special as the Dundrod venue is so close to home and my local club Phoenix organised the event," he said.

"But my start-to-finish win in the Tour de Hokkaido is my biggest cycling achievement to date.

"I was in really good shape for the event and my Irish team-mates helped me so much throughout the week.

"I grew in confidence as the tour went on but in this game you know all it takes is a puncture and you are out, so crossing the finishing line was both a wonderful feeling and a relief.

McCann has built up vast experience of top level racing in his brief career, including two Olympic and two Commonwealth appearances.

Earning the right to mix it with the likes of Tour de France winners Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich takes enormous commitment and staying power.

Glamour

It also requires the desire for self-improvement and with this in mind McCann is now on the look-out for a new professional team in 2002 to help further his ambitions.

This is not a glamour sport - the local ace trains for up to seven hours every day and spends one month of the year in transit from one international event to another.

And as McCann explains, you also have to accept the ups and and downs that go with being a professional.

"You don't achieve the majority of your goals and the disappointment of failure is hard to take," he added.

"But there are more positives than negatives, including seeing the world and constantly striving to reach a higher level.

"Racing at this standard is a massive challenge and I am really enjoying it.

"Of course, I would enjoy it even more if I returned to Belfast next August with a gold medal draped round my neck."


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