Tour de Yorkshire: Holmfirth's '˜mountain man' Gabriel Cullaigh on verge of realising his dream

The second staging of the Tour de Yorkshire is the Holmfirth man’s big target for the early part of the road race season.

Cullaigh, 20 next month, finished a hugely creditable 43rd in last year’s inaugural event and has hopes of making an impact on at least one stage this year.

The race begins in Beverley in 50 days’ time and Cullaigh, who will be in the colours of the Great Britain team, said: “It is a big aim for me, after last year especially, and I am pretty sure I will be riding.

“It was a great experience last year. As a first year senior, I went into it just to gain a bit of experience and I surprised myself. I performed, not great, but a lot better than I thought I would. I ended up finishing not too far down on the harder stages so this year there will be added motivation to maybe finish in one of the leading groups and, hopefully, go for a stage.

“I have got that confidence after last year. I know the roads and I am looking forward to it.”

Cullaigh began as a mountain biker eight years ago, but took to the road with local club Holme Valley Wheelers after being hooked by the excitement of the annual Tour of Britain.

To have a high-quality stage race on his own turf is the stuff dreams are made of.

Cullaigh said: “I used to watch for the route announcement for the Tour of Britain and I was always disappointed when it didn’t come through Yorkshire.

“Now, to have such a big race all in Yorkshire is perfect to profile yourself against top riders. It is great for Yorkshire.

“When it was announced the Tour de France was coming to Yorkshire (in 2014) I could not believe it. I watched in on the Sunday in Bradfield, near Sheffield and it was amazing.

“Within a year to have been riding a race from the legacy of that in my home region was something quite special.

“It is great for the region and I hope it continues and ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ keep putting it on. Racing in something like that – in front of your own crowds – is a dream come true.”

The quality of the route, the fact the race is staged by Tour de France organisers Amaury Sports Organisation and the huge crowds at roadside last year will all ensure there is an even higher-class field this time around.

Cullaigh is a member of the British cycling academy team and is based in Italy, just east of Milan, in the foothills of the Alps.

Nine riders are living together in a renovated farmhouse and training on the same roads as some of the world’s elite.

Cullaigh’s first race will be on March 20. He will be competing in regional competitions in Belgium and some Italian one-day races before heading for the White Rose county.

“It is a really good set-up and I am lucky to be here,” he said. “There’s a track nearby for the track guys and for us road guys, it is perfect.

“For us being here, going into the Tour de Yorkshire doesn’t seem as much of a step up.

“It is definitely a step in the right direction for my career. Going in to Yorkshire, hanging on to some Italians going up these climbs is going to be good for me.

“In terms of preparation for Yorkshire, there’s some really good racing to get our teeth stuck into. It is perfect for getting your climbing legs ready for the last day in Yorkshire.”

The final stage, from Middlesbrough to Scarborough, is the one Cullaigh, as a mountain man, is really looking forward to.

With six classified climbs, that is when the race, likely to be dominated by the sprinters’ teams on the opening two days, will be shaken up.

“It is similar to last year’s first day, though I think it’s a bit longer,” Cullaigh observed. “I think the fireworks will be saved until the last day, which is good.

“For me, I always find it takes a few days to get into a race, so I will be ready for the last day. I don’t know how I will go, but I have got good confidence and I am looking forward to racing against some of the world’s best.”