1.) You have started off in the races well this year. What has been your most satisfying performance so far.

Definitely, the 3rd in Carrick on Patricks day.

2.) Is there any race in particular that you are eyeing up for a result?

No, but Joe Ryan tells me I need to sit down and look at the calendar.  Well I would like to be strong for the Mullingar two day anyway.

3.) What's your objective for 2012?
It’ll be my last year in college so just try cycle as much as I can.  
    
4.) What would you consider your strength?
Probably sprints.  Definitely not hills anyway.  I’d like to try get into a couple of breakaways at a few races at some stage and see how it goes.  
    
5.) Who do you admire in cycling?
Pat Tobin.  I don’t know why, but he just sticks at it.   I hope he can back up all his talk someday!!!  
    
6.) What bike are you currently riding?
A Cube Peloton.  A bit heavy but it’s doing the job for me.  
    
7.) Do you have preferance for Campag, SRAM or Shimano?
I currently have Shimano Tiagra but may go for Sram if I change.   A lot of people like it and it seems like good value stuff.  
    
8.) Favourite cycling route.
The coast road between Waterford and Dungarvan or else up around the Urlingford, Ballingarry, Tullaroan side of Kilkenny.  
    
9.) What other sport do you follow?
I don’t really follow much sport.  I have friends from pentathlon who are going well and hoping to qualify for London so I do follow their progress.  
    
10.) Who do you admire most in sport other than cycling:
I supose Paula Radcliffe and Gebrselassie.   
    
11.) Who do you admire most outside sport:
Jez I’ve never thought about it before.. Probably Bono or somebody like that. (Ed note:  
   
12.) Sporting occasion you would like to attend:
The Olympics (I don’t know which sport) or Paris-Roubaix.   
    
13.) Favourite TV:
Has to be the old reliables, Father Ted and Friends.
    
14.) Favourite movie:
Ahhmmm, Hangover or Braveheart!
    
15.) Favourite musician:
Anything from Luke Kelly to Eminem.  
    
16.) Favourite place/holiday:
I was in Tanzania a couple of years ago which was pretty brilliant.
    
17.) Have you any favourite non-sporting occasions?  
Christmas??  And the start of the shooting season.
    
18.) Being a student, do you have a favourite tipple these days?  Or is it just the cheapest drink on the day!?
Yeah Carling is the best of the cheap stuff.  Or pints of Guinness preferably!!  
    
19.) What can you not live without:
Angelina Jolie, just hope she’d be sound as well!!
    
20.) For relaxation:
Sleep I suppose..Or drink a few cans!!

In her first competitive outing, she missed out on the top place in the Tramore Hill TT by a single second; her appetite for competitions grew and she applied for a league race licence.  She then proceeded to top the Wicklow League, got even more curious and applied for a full open racing licence!!  Thereafter Fiona included her participation in cycling events to open races, including her cycling highlight of her year, the very demanding Ras na MBán.

Fiona is 21½ years old (we thought she was younger!), from Harold’s Cross in South Dublin (hence her post south Dublin accent), a Radiographer (NOT A NURSE - not that there's anything wrong with being a nurse) in St Lukes and lived in Kilkenny for 5 years.  Despite enjoying life in Kilkenny, she says she is much comforted by the close proximity (thank you M9) of Dublin, especially on weekends when all that GAA stuff is going on.  Fiona's alter-ego Sr. Assumpta, can also sometimes be spotted around town on her bike.....

1. 2011 was your first full year in the Club. How did you find it?

How did I find The Club??? Uh, I followed Eoin one day.... blame him.

2. You were successful in many of the events you took part in this year. What was your sweetest achievement / victory?

Success?? Victory???? Well, I was pretty chuffed to survive 'Ras na mBan'. I was lucky enough to be invited to team-up with the lovely ladies of Orwell Wheelers for this 5-day, 6-stage race around Kerry. Taking into account the mountains, the weather, & how little training I'd done for it, I consider finishing it at all an achievement.

3. What was your favourite (non-MCC) event of 2011?

Kicking Australia's ass at the Rugby World Cup!!!

Oh, did you mean something I actually took part in myself???

(Low sporting point of 2011..... yes Captain Havoc, West Ham getting relegated, again).

4. What are your ambitions for 2012?

Circus tricks..... I'd like to master my track-stand, and learn to cycle with no hands on the bars. Oh, and one more stab at 'Ras na mBan', aiming to finish in the upper half of the GC this time. Then 'Race Around Ireland' in 2013, and 'Paris-Brest-Paris' in 2015! Small time stuff.

5. What advice would you have for other ladies thinking of taking up cycling?

Me: "Lady, do you have any qualms about spending €2k on an 'it' bag????? Or a month's salary on a pair of Laboutin heels??"

Lady: "No."

Me: "Super! Cycling was invented with you in mind, just replace 'it-bag' with 'race-wheels', & think 'Sidi' instead of 'Laboutins'. Oh, and say goodbye to your manicure".

6. Who has impressed you most in the Club and why?

Since that very first Monday evening Beginner's Spin in May last year, everyone I have met from MCC has impressed me with their humour and their helpfulness. Those who have made me stronger know who they are.

7. Who's the best looking bloke in the Club? I have spent more hours cycling behind Eoin than all the rest of you added together, and I can confidently say he has the best lycra-clad ass ever!

8. What sporting occasion would you like to attend? Eva Green (Casino Royale) mud-wrestling Christina Hendricks (Mad Men). Floodlit.

9. Word on the street is that you are organising the MCC training day for 2012 – can you give us any detail on it?

The clue is in the title....... It will be during the day, there will be training.

10. You bought a fancy carbon Canyon during the year - have you retired your old bike then?

Actually my Canyon (Ultimate AL 9.0; again, clue is in the name) is aluminium (carbon fork), and I LOVE it. My Specialized bike, though only 18mths old, is now my *cough* Winter training bike *cough*; Yes, I feel like a complete twat writing that, but I know it's what you're looking for.

11. Do you prefer Campag or Shimano?

It would be hilarious to the point of ridicule, for someone who still doesn't fully understand what all the gears are for ("Spin Fiona, Spin, SPIIIINNNN!!!"), to express a preference.

12. Who do you admire most outside cycling?

Admire as in 'shaggability'? Alan Quinlan.....

Or as in 'All Round Good'? Focus Ireland, The Simon Community, and Jane&Brendan McKenna (founders of The LauraLynn Children's Hospice).

13. What non-sporting occasion would you like to attend? Please see 8. above.

14. Last book: Tricky one. I generally have a few on the go at any one time, mostly because I hate getting to the end, and also because I like to have a fiction & a non-fiction option. So I'm going to say instead that the book I most enjoyed reading this year was "Skippy Dies" by Paul Murray. I have had the pleasure of meeting Paul, and not only is he very sweet (and an amazing dancer!), he is also....... A Cyclist!!!!! Yes, one of us, and he wrote a book (or two), and it was good, and someone published it!!!!!

15. Favourite movie:

For most people this would be a relatively straightforward question. I don't get a whole lot of pleasure out of the whole film/movie experience. This is mostly because I tend to embrace the whole suspend-your-disbelief thing, and have a rather (over-)emotional reaction to most films. I have left the cinema in tears after everything from 'The Incredibles' to 'March of the Penguins'. It's awful, people look away in shame as mascara rolls down my cheeks during everything from the battle scenes in 'Gladiator', to the bit where man & boy are reunited in 'Ice Age'. So, anyhow, the most recent tear-jerker I exposed myself to was 'Senna'. I wouldn't mind, but I even knew exactly how it would end (yeah, he dies. Again).

16. Favourite music: Right now, 'The National', or 'Spokes', I can't get enough of either of them. I am a music junkie though, I've been through everything from 'Morrissey' to 'Vampire Weekend'. My all time favourite live-music moment was being one of a handful of people sitting on the grass one afternoon in the RDS while Bruce Springsteen rehearsed his whole set in front of us, before performing there that night (him, not me). I also have fond memories of George Michael, outdoors at the RDS, on the most glorious June evening in 2007, awesome.

17. Favourite place/holiday:

Place: Top of Lough Bray*, looking out over the lake, on a sunny day (but with enough of a breeze to keep the midges away), slugging Prosecco from the bottle ......

Holiday: Switzerland, Summer or Winter, love it, would happily live there.

18. Favourite drink: Prosecco, in the garden , on a sunny Summer evening.

19. Favourite restaurant in Kilkenny: 'Zuni' has never disappointed me.

20. Ideal celebrity date:

If someone could take him aside and show him how to use a knife & fork, then Alan Quinlan.

[it's ok Alan, we can go to some nice seafood place, and you can order chowder, that way you'll only have to master 'the spoon' ;-) ]

21. What would you do if you won the lotto?

Well, feck all, obviously.

22. What can you not live without? Segafredo coffee. Sadly I frequently do. Anyone going to Italy soon????

23. What do you do for relaxation? I ride my bike.

24. If you could turn time back? I wish I had seen Amy Winehouse perform at 'Other Voices' in Dingle, December 2006.

*scatter my ashes from here, thanks.

Michael Shields is originally from Galway and has been our PR since the club’s first year in 2008.  He has been instrumental in getting the Club up and running and has been very generous with his time and energy since he joined.  Michael returned to the Eire isle from a 10 year stint in Australia.  Lucky for him, Michael’s wife, Deborah, is from Bennettsbridge and so he had his excuse to move to Kilkenny!!  He now works for Trident Ireland in Waterford and for his sins of late, he is an avid Galway hurling follower.  He and Debbie have 3 kids, Áine (10), Clodagh (8) and Orla (5).

Also, check out Deborah’s labelling business at mystuff.ie, which has been a great supporter of Tour de Kilkenny since its incarnation!!

When did you start cycling?

Bought the bike in early 2008 after returning from Australia. Had been a runner and soccer player over there but the knees were screaming ‘no more’!

Who do you admire in the club?

The ‘core’ of about 10 members who I join most Saturday or Sunday mornings for the weekend spins.  There is great camaraderie and nobody has to worry about getting dropped.  I would encourage more members to come along.

What was your toughest challenge to date?

Getting up Mahon Falls on this year’s Sean Kelly Tour. I hadn’t done enough miles in the lead up and nearly died in the headwind on the last km.  I’m going to be fitter next year!

What has been your most satisfying cycling achievement?

I’d still see myself as a beginner and I don’t think I’ve achieved anything yet. My bike is a LeMond Tourmalet so maybe after I’ve climbed a mountain like the Tourmalet or the Alpe d’Huez, I’ll answer the question!

Although you were instrumental in getting Tour de Kilkenny off the ground in 2009 and likewise in 2010, you really stepped up to the plate when you were the boss man for the 2011 event.  How have you found organising an event?

To be honest it was much easier than I thought.  First of all the heavy lifting had been done in the first 2 years by Patrick Tobin so most of the structure was in place.  Secondly the volunteer effort was massive and it was just a case of matching jobs to people. Thirdly the Committee and Members all put their shoulders to the wheel and the result was a fabulous event that is now regarded as one of the best sportives in the country. 

Do you remember your first racer?

When I started University I bought a £100 Viking from Joe Daly, Dundrum, the guy who made his name as Stephen Roche’s local bike shop. That’s all my Viking had in common with racing!  After 3 years of it being my reliable mode of transport for both college and nightlife (with no lights!), I sold it in good faith to a friend of a friend who brought it to France on his holidays where the front forks snapped descending a hill.  He hasn’t spoken to me since.  

Do you prefer Shimano or Campag?

Got Shimano 105 on my LeMond but don’t have a preference.

Favourite cycling route?

If I go out on my own from home; Thomastown, Inistioge, Woodstock, Listerlin, Mullinavat and back home thru Ballyhale and Thomastown - lots of climbing and a flat run home.

Favourite cycling event (other than a MCC one!)?

The Copper Coast Sportif and the Tour de Burren were both fantastic this year –finished both in a very fast bunch.

Who do you admire in cycling?

Just recently read the late Laurent Fignons autobiography and his tactical mind and ability to read a race as it evolved was legendary.  He will be remembered for losing a Tour de France by 8 seconds but he won 2 others including one on his Tour debut.

Who do you admire in other sports?

Joe Canning.

Sporting occasion you would most like to attend?

Been to a Brazilian soccer match once and would love to go again.  It was just a midweek league game but the noise, the passion and the beat of the samba drums made for the most awesome sporting event.

Who do you admire outside sports?

I have great admiration for anybody who volunteers their time and skills to help others. 

Interests outside sports?

Reading, food, wine and spending time with Deborah and the children.

Favourite TV programmes?

Top Gear. Grand Designs. Dragons Den.

Last book?

Who Dares Runs by Mark Daly, his account of running 32 marathons in 32 days.

Favourite movie?

True Grit.

Favourite music?

U2, Dire Straits, Snow Patrol, Coldplay,

Favourite holiday (destination)?

Port Douglas, Australia

Favourite restaurant in Kilkenny?

Campagne

Favourite drink?

Barossa Shiraz

What object can you not live without?

Toothpick

Ideal celebrity date?

Kate Winslett

What would you do for relaxation?

Golf

What would you do if you win the lotto?

Give up work, cycle 3 days a week, play golf 3 days a week and have 3 ski holidays a year.

1. When did you start cycling?  I started cycling at 15 for about ten years and gave it up for a long, long time.  I started back in the club about three years ago.
2. This year has seen you take a bigger step than before.  What's the secret - is it really cycling?  Well trying to regain some level of fitness would be one.  And right now I’m enjoying the challenges of a lot of the sportives.
3. Where you happy with your results in the Kilkenny Cycles TT?  Did you enjoy it?  This was the first time trial I competed in, so I’m setting times for myself.  So bring on next year!  Did I enjoy it - yes it was tough but good.
4. What is your proudest cycling achievement to date?  Getting over the Corrubut Gap without getting off the bike.
5. What's your objective for 2012?  To take in more sportives and maybe do a couple of races.
6. Who has impressed you most in the Club and why:  Joe Ryan and John Corcoran.  These two cyclists have taught me a lot about cycling and pushed me a lot too :-)
7. Who do you admire in cycling:  Andy Schlek and Lance Armstrong
8. What was your first racer?  Raleigh Record Sprint
9. Do you prefer Campag or Shimano?  Shimano
10. Favourite cycling route.  Freshford –Ballyragget – ‘Comer and home.  Kilmanagh to Tulloroan, Freshford and home taking in Kilmanagh hill.
11. What other sport do you follow:  Motorsport, rallying and hot rods
12. Who do you admire most in sport other than cycling:  Sebastian Loeb
13. Sporting occasion you would like to attend:  Tour de France or champion league final, United and Barca, with United to win of course!
14. Favourite TV:  Football or cycling
15. Last book:  I don’t read much books
16. Favourite movie:  Anything funny :)
17. Favourite musician:  Any modern music
18. Favourite place/holiday:  Kerry
19. Favourite drink:  Don’t drink
20. Favourite restaurant in Kilkenny.  Emerald Gardens
21. Ideal celebrity date:  Megan Fox
22. What would you done if you won the lotto:  Spend it
23. What can you not live without:  Air
24. What do you do for relaxation:  Have a nice hot bath

Patrick Tobin (33) has been chairperson for Marble City Cyclers for the past 4 years and is also one of the founding members of the Club.  He initially started doing sportive challenge events and last year took up racing, which he is focusing more on this year (just don’t ask him about his “results”!).

1. How did the Club start?  Like a lot of these things, it started in a pub (the Left Bank) when myself, Brendan Muldowney, Brian Roche and Shane Daly said that Kilkenny needed a cycling club.  We put up posters around the place, were very lucky to recruit some good people who were willing to put their shoulder to the wheel and the rest as they say is history.
2. What goals do you have for the remainder of 2011?  To win a race!  Not looking very likely now, as there are very little A4 races left on the calendar and my fitness has definitely gone back in the last two months between weddings, stags and people home from abroad.  Always important to get those excuses in!
3. What has impressed you in the Club and why?  Well this year it has to be Fiona Cooke and Mick Barron.  They have come on so much since last year and now they are actually competing for places in races –thats something I’ve failed to do!  Tom Talbot as well, he proved that you can be as old as the hills, take up cycling and still be strong at it.
4. Who do you admire in cycling?  Anyone who completed the Wicklow 200 this year, it was the most miserable day I’d say I've ever done on a bike and I have done some miserable ones!  If I hadn’t done it myself, I would put them in the ‘idiot’ category but since I did, I have to put them into the ‘strong character’ category.
5. What is your biggest cycling achievement to date?  Probably getting through to “Cycling Ireland” on the phone.
6. Your bald – surely that is giving you an unfair aero advantage?  I’m not stopping anyone from shaving their hair off.
7. What was your first racer?  I forget the name of it, but I bought it down in a shop in Carrick on Suir for €250 in early 2008.  I remember trying to justify to my mother how I could spend such mad money on a bike, when I could have bought one for €100!  The gas thing is that I could barely justify it to myself.  I think it lasted about 3 or 4 months of unforgivable hardship.
8. Do you prefer Campag or Shimano?  I only know Shimano, so I suppose it’s Shimano!
9. Favourite cycling route?  There are loads departing from Kilkenny.  For a quick handy cycle, I like KK-F’ford-B’ragget-Comer-KK or to take in the Kilmanagh loop twice.  My once-off favourite spin to date would definitely have to be the l’Etape in 2009.
10. What other sport do you follow?  Hurling would be my favourite by a country mile.  I keep an eye on other sports too, such as soccer, rugby, Gaelic etc.  Tbh, I rarely know what’s happening in the world of professional cycling, I really don’t follow it – I heard that there are some pretty horrific accidents in this year’s TdF and Nicholas Roche is currently in the top 10 in GC – that and John Britton is over there is about as much as I know about it.
11. Who do you admire in sport?  Mostly hurlers!  Henry Shefflin is probably the main man here – for example consider this year, to make a return from the serious injury he got last year, just shows his dedication to the game – after everything he's won, it would have been so easy for him to retire.  I admire lads like Brian O’Driscoll and Steve Collins too. 
12. Who do you admire most outside sport?  Mostly business leaders I suppose, the usual list – JP McManus, Denis O’Brien, Michael O’Leary, Eugene Murtagh, John Moloney, Padraig O'Ceidigh etc. Anyone who setup their own successful business too, I would have met a few from my time in [accountancy] practice.  You have to admire Mark Pollock’s approach to life as well.  And anyone who is dedicated to their community and charity also.
13. What sport event would you like to attend?  I’ve been lucky enough to have attended more than my fair share of senior hurling All-Irelands in Croke Park and that will never get boring, especially when Kilkenny are playing!  I would also love to attend Wimbledon for the tennis – front row seats for the Ladies Final will do nicely.  But more than anything, I would love to see my (GAA) club, the Emeralds, win the Kilkenny Senior County final, but I would settle for the Intermediate final at this stage!
14. Favourite TV?  I don’t look at much TV, but I suppose I do like to make time for the “Sunday Game” these days!!  Nearly all my television is done on RTE player now!
15. Last book:  Gerry Duffy’s book about his 32 marathons in 32 days.  Good read.
16. Favourite movie:  Schindler’s List is the best one I can think of.
17. Favourite musician:  The Script at the moment.
18. Favourite restaurant:  Two-course early bird in Key Largo (off Rose Inn St in Kilkenny) – excellent food for €10, surely that can’t be bet!
19. Favourite drink:  Beer wise, I’m easily pleased, I would be happy to drink most lagers, ales or stouts and I hate to discriminate by picking one – just don’t get me a cider unless it’s 28 degrees outside!  I wouldn’t be a big wine drinker.
20. Favourite holiday:  I’ve been to a couple of really nice places, but South Africa was probably the best holiday to date.
21. For relaxation:  Reading a good book, hiking across some Irish mountain or just simply wandering around some foreign city, observing life!  And of course hitting the town with friends!  Cycling is rarely ‘relaxing’ for me – it’s my favourite past time but I tend to seek challenges!  Running likewise, although I do like to go for a jog at a ‘steady’ pace.
22. Ideal celebrity date:  The blonde one out of Girls Aloud.  Or any of them for that matter.  Well, maybe not the red hair one.
23. If you could turn back time:  Think of the Facebook idea first – missed out on a couple billion with that one.  Or maybe just pick the correct number for last week’s Euro Million, a lot less hassle.
24. What would you do if you done the lotto?  Travel.  Simple as.
25. Any regrets?  Are you sure the website has enough memory for this one!

John is the current treasurer for Marble City Cyclers.  He joined the club through the Monday night spins in early 2009.  While his goals for 2009 were at first modest, he quickly gained cycling fitness and soon realised that he was able to complete various sportives that he never intended/thought he could do.  He has since gone from strength to strength to do various cycling challenges including cycling from Kilkenny to its twin city, Moret-sur-Loing in aid of the Susie Long Hospice.  His time with Marble City Cyclers has gone full circle, as he is now in charge of the Monday evening spins!  John is currently single so ladies, please form an orderly queue.

You joined the club in 2009.  Is that when you started cycling?

Yes and no. I've had a bike since the age of four and always used one to get around and do a bit on. I bought my first road bike in 2008, when I lost my job in 2009 and I needed something to do I joined the club.  The difference group riding makes is phenomenal and I wish I was able to do more of it.

We know you have another challenge lined up this year.  Tell us more about it.

I'm cycling for the Susie Long Hospice Fund again, all money donated goes to them. I'm cycling from Kilkenny to where I did my work experience, in Montreux, Switzerland. On the way I'm going to catch a sprint finish of the Tour and I'll be joined in Roanne by another boardsie, Mike Dunne. Mike will be with me for the next five days, climbing the 2,770 meters of the Col de l'Iseran which is Europe’s highest mountain pass and onto Geneva. We're taking a day off and have a van rented, so we're heading up to watch the etape du tour sportive on the Alpe d'Huez.

What other goals have you for 2011?

I plan on cycling about 10,000km over the course of the year, do the Seán Kelly 160km in 5h30 would make me happy, finish the Tour de Kilkenny this year (had to abandon due to bad mechanical problems last year). There's a couple of short midweek sportives this year so I'll do them and hopefully one more. I work weekends so it's hard to get time off, other than that I'd be doing sportives every week.

Your alter ego on the internet is "Captain Havoc", probably the most famous poster on boards.ie!  Where did that name come from?

Boring story, I did a Captain Haddock impression, my friend thought I said Captain Havoc and I used it since, it's unique. Before that I had a pretty unmemorable one.

Who has impressed you most in the Club and why:

Whichever one of ye hands me the biggest brown envelope Pat Tobin ;)

Who do you admire in cycling:

Nicolas Roche has been a superb ambassador for Irish cycling, it was also fantastic that he got a zero rating in the UCI blood passport rating, proving that he hasn't been up to no good. His articles in the Indo are also fantastic reading.

What other sport do you follow:

I play soccer and golf. I must have been to every soccer and GAA ground in the country, I've been to cycling, rugby, boxing and cricket events also. I'd follow any sport that involves a bit of tactics really.

Who do you admire most in sport:

Alex Ferguson and Brian Cody just keep doing it, even if Kilkenny go through a lull, you know Cody has a team on the way, same with Fergie.

Who do you admire most outside sport:

Michael O'Leary, people love a moan about Ryanair but still use them. He's got a very successful product, he makes no apologies about his product and he uses the media phenomenally well. They are still the biggest airline in Europe even if people do love to have a moan about them. I never had any fault with them to be honest, I just made sure never to carry much baggage.

Sporting occasion you would like to attend:

I'd love to see an Irish team in the latter stages of the Champions League.

What was your first racer?

It was a Carrera.

Campag or Shimano?

All my bikes are Shimano, makes it easier for swapping parts.

Favourite cycle route.

I like heading up around the hills between Carlow and Kilkenny. Single route though, probably Kilkenny, Ballymurphy, Ferns, Gorey, Carnew, Bunclody, Bagenalstown and home. Credit has to go to Kilkenny County Council, our road surfaces are the best in the south east.

Favourite TV:

Outside of sport, I'm going to confess to watching Eastenders and despite having no interest in cars I love Top Gear. I love the older British comedies and also South Park and Family Guy for my immature side.

Last book:

"Laurent Fignon: We were young and carefree." I don't read much anymore since I stopped taking the train to work.

Favourite movie:

I love a lot of films, it would be hard for me to pick one or even a few.

The Beatles group riding skills ~ not their strongest attribute but nothing the Marble City Cylers Monday night Beginners Spins couldn;t sort out!

Favourite musician:

I think the Beatles still haven't been matched in terms of the amount good music produced.

Favourite place/holiday:

Switzerland, I've lived there twice and still go back on holidays. Due to the increase in airline tickets, I'm cheap-skating it this year and going by bike :D

Favourite drink:

I drink gallons of coffee during the day followed by a couple of gallons of tea in the evening.

Favourite restaurant in Kilkenny.

Joes, which is why I don't go there anymore.

Ideal celebrity date:

Katie Taylor, good looking and knows about football but I wouldn't want to get on her bad side. She's someone I really admire.

What would you done if you won the lotto:

I'd buy a shop and live off that for the rest of my life.

What can you not live without:

I'm an internet geek.

For relaxation:

I cycle.

If you could turn time back:

No regrets, you don't make as many mistakes as me without doing a lot of things right in between.

Fergal (42), a road racer from his younger days, got back cycling when joining Marble City Cyclers in 2010.  While a chest infection meant that he didn't get much cycling in at the beginning of 2011, it still hasn't stopped him in recent weeks and is currently participating in club league races both in Waterford and Wexford. He's works as an electrician and is married to Sarah and they have 3 kids, Christian, Aoife and Lilly.

You use to cycle when you were younger - tell us more on that:

I raced from U-16 League until I was 22 with the old Kilkenny Cycling Club, when it was in its hay day.  I took part in open races such as the Gorey 3-day and the Junior Tour, as well as league races in Carrick and Kilkenny.  Women and beer got in the way then.

Did you win much:

I won a few league races and got fourth in the Des Hanlon.  I suppose you get out what you put in and I could have put in more.

Why did you get back cycling:

To lose weight!

Who has impressed you most in the Club and why:

The older members for keeping at it and showing you can still be a good cyclist.

What's your cycling goal for 2011:

To get back into doing a few races and completing sportives such as Ring of Kerry, Tour de Kilkenny and Sean Kelly Tour.

Who do you admire in cycling:

Seán Kelly and Stephen Roche, home grown boys.

What other sport do you follow:

Motor cycle – any racing with two wheels interest me!

Who do you admire most in sport other than cycling:

Valetino Rossi.  A motor legend and motor GP world champion – he never gives up.

Who do you admire most outside sport:

Nelson Mandela

Sporting occasion you would like to attend:

Tour de France – which I did a few years back.

Favourite TV:

Eurosport.

Last book:

“In search of Robert Miller” – it turned out he is a she! (sorry if we ruined the ending for you!).

Favourite movie:

Don’t have one.

Favourite musician/band/singer:

Meatloaf

Favourite place/holiday:

Cambrils, Spain

Favourite drink:

Water

Ideal celebrity date:

Jessica Alba

What would you done if you won the lotto:

Retire

What can you not live without:

Air

For relaxation:

Cycling

If you could turn time back:

Stuck at the racing longer when I was younger