Oisin O'Callaghan has claimed a first ever downhill gold for Ireland at the Junior World Mountain Bike Championships today in Austria.
The Limerick teenager blasted down the 2.3km course, dubbed the "Speedster", with speeds approaching 65km/ h on the rough terrain to finish in a time of 4:02.142, just over two seconds ahead of Great Britain's Daniel Slack and James Elliott in third.
Speaking after being awarded the rainbow jersey O'Callaghan said: "I don't think it’s sunk in fully yet, later on I think it will. It’s a bit overwhelming right now."
"I think every racer aims to win. But top five would have been really good. Everyone has been sending me messages and hoping that I do well."
"I know lots of people were watching the live timing."
O'Callaghan secured a two-year professional contract with YT Bikes and The YT Mob earlier this year.
Team-mate Christopher Cumming posted the second fastest time in qualification on Friday, but had to settle for 21st in Sunday’s final.
Ireland's first-ever Downhill World Title! 🇮🇪
— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) October 11, 2020
Hear from the young man, Oisin O'Callaghan 👇 #Leogang2020 pic.twitter.com/OenMwzvbxd
