Dunne was in pole position having raced first but O’Callaghan produced the performance of his life to pip his countryman.
“It’s surreal!”
Oisin O’Callaghan
Limerick native Oisin O’Callaghan secured the Men’s Elite Downhill World Cup on Saturday in West Virginia. It completed a historic 1-2 for Ireland with O’Callaghan’s compatriot Ronan Dunne finishing second.
It continues the ascent of the Limerick native who adds the Elite title to the Junior he won in Austria in late 2020.
In Snowshoe, O’Callaghan (YT MOB) finished in a time of 3.07.624, just edging out Dunne to top spot where he completed his race in 3.08.120.
Dunne was in pole position having raced first but O’Callaghan produced the performance of his life to pip his countryman.
Speaking to Eurosport, the Limerick couldn’t hide his excitement at winning the World Cup.
“It’s surreal.
“I think I am about to have a heart attack. I have a pain in my chest right now. And to do it here, the crowds were amazing, everyone was roaring.
“Half way down I was feeling. I just kept going and near the bottom, I was able to push through. There was only a small bit left, so I kept working.”
“Ireland 1-2, first time ever. Doing it for the boys at home.”
Downhill Bike Racing is a race against the clock and over the course of two days participants have the opportunity to save hundreds of second everywhere you can to try get the fastest time.
In 2021, following his Junior success, O’Callaghan was awarded the RTÉ Young Sportsperson of the Year gong
Moving into the senior level, the Ardpatrick man suffered an ankle ligament tear in Italy earlier this year, but managed to be fit in time for the World Championships, where he finished 12th.
Social Sharing
