Lee arrives from Australia to compete in Wexford
CYCLING enthusiast Lee Masters will have clocked up almost 10,000 air miles before he even gets to the start line at the Irish National Championships in Wexford this weekend.
The 24-year-old Aussie, who has Irish roots, takes on the challenge on his first visit to Ireland, before embarking on a European cycling tour.
Lee’s grandfather, Eugene O’Carrigan, hails from Ballycastle in Antrim and emigrated to Sydney as a youngster with his parents.
Now aged 95, Eugene was thrilled when Lee told him he was making his first visit to Ireland to take part in the Irish National Cycling Championships.
‘I do quite a bit of competitive cycling in Australia and when I saw this advertised I thought I’d take a crack at it especially because of my Irish roots.
‘This is my first time in Ireland and I spent two weeks in Northern Ireland and met up with some family which was great. I was also doing a bit of racing up there and a bit of exploring.
‘Since I arrived in Wexford I’ve been exploring and racing to get in some practice for the nationals.’
Although Lee has been racing competitively for the past six years, this is his first international race.
‘I was drawn to the Irish National Cycling Championships because of grandfather in particular and the Irish connection. I always wanted to come here and to get the chance to compete in the national championships is a bonus.’
Lee is hopeful that he will perform well in the road race which is taking place on Sunday. ‘I’ ll be going up against professional riders so it’s a bit more difficult but fingers crossed I’ll do alright and hold my wheels.’
Lee said he is looking forward to the course although said there are some hills which might prove a little difficult.
‘I’ve cycled the track and there are a couple of little hills along the way that will hurt the legs, They are short but they are steep. It’s a good fast track though.’
Lee has been enjoying the Wexford sunshine. ‘Wexford is lovely. It has been the first time I’ve seen sunshine. Up in Northern Ireland it was raining every day!’
He is currently on sabbatical from his work as marketing coordinator at Condev Construction on the Gold Coast in Australia and after he completes his visit in Ireland he will head to Europe where he will race in Holland, Belgium and France.
‘My bosses have been fantastic and gave me the time off to come over and race. They are cycling enthusiasts as well. They really have been brilliant and very supportive.
Lee, a native of the Gold Coast, said his grandfather Eugene is enjoying his regular updates by phone. ‘He was really ecstatic when I said I was coming over and I am keeping all my family up to date with everything I am doing over here. He is very proud that I am racing in Ireland.’
Lee will take part in the 170km road race on Sunday.