Matthew Teggart is hoping he can continue his hot streak in this week’s Rás Tailteann.
The Banbridge man is one of the leading contenders for the overall prize after a succession of impressive displays this season.
And last weekend he showed his class again by taking an emotional win in the Noel Teggart Memorial — the race named after his late grandfather.
“If I could only win one race in my career it would’ve been that one, so I was delighted,” said Teggart.
“It was the first time I ever rode it, the first time I had the chance to ride it with my schedule. And I thought this might be my only chance again for a few years.
“So I was delighted to get it ticked off, first go.”
After the race he was presented with the winning prize by his brother Stephen Teggart, who plays for Irish League club Portadown.
“That was cool, having my brother give the prize,” he said.
“Obviously all the family being there was special and we got a good few photos.”
Teggart was an impressive fourth in the recent Paris-Troyes one day race and the 26-year-old is enjoying life racing at Continental level with the WiV SunGod team.
“The team and the environment has been a big part of my success this year,” he said.
“I’ve a lot of close friends on the team, so everyone gets on well. We’re not afraid to give our all for each other.
“Thankfully I’ve had no injury problems this year, so that’s been a big help too.”
In 2017 Teggart won a stage of the Rás into Bundoran and he would love something similar again as the race returns after a four year gap.
He’s riding in the Ulster colours this week and is quietly confident of the team’s chances.
“As a team, I think we’re one of the strongest, if not the strongest,” he said.
“All the lads are going well, I think we’ve got plenty of options.
“The course itself doesn’t look too technical. There are no days that are too hilly or anything. I think it’ll make it very aggressive and open racing for the week.
“Obviously if the opportunity is there (to win the Rás), I’ll definitely grab it.
“But I’m not expecting it to be that simple. It’s too unpredictable a race. We’ll just have to take it day by day.
“I would at least like to come away with a stage win and be up there with the team.”
After that Teggart is set to follow in the footsteps of his father Neil and uncle David Gardiner after being selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games and he would love to be back in the Ireland jersey at the European Championships again if he gets the call too.
“With the family connection, having that beside the name will be special,” he said.
“I think it’s a pretty flat course for the Commonwealth, but the level is pretty high. You’ll be looking at the likes of Caleb Ewan and Mark Cavendish in there.
“So to get a medal will be difficult task, but that’s what I would be aiming for and on my day I’m capable of it.”
But first stop is the Rás and he drove down from Banbridge last night ahead of Wednesday’s start in Tallaght.
“It’s always great to get to ride the Rás, it’s such a prestigious race for anyone following Irish cycling,” he said.
“I think coming home and having the extra mileage in my legs should really stand to me. Hopefully I have a good week.”
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