The Eighties were an incredible time for Irish cycling! It's not like the peleton's cup was running over with Irishmen, I can only remember four. Two of them were amongst my absolute favorites, Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche. Martin Early didn't get much press but was a very capable rider for Fagor (sweet kits) and PDM. Paul Kimmage toiled for RMO and later penned the very compelling "Rough Ride".
My first look at Kelly was the 1986 Paris- Roubaix. The combo of Phil Liggett's commentary and John Tesh's techno music blew me away. That was the most heroic sporting event I'd ever watched at that point in my life! This race was long, cold, wet and muddy. Over cobblestones? You've got to be joking! These are HARD men!! I wanted a KAS jersey something fierce!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_onBx2ZSHA
http://cyclinghalloffame.com/riders/rider_bio.asp?rider_id=49
Sean Kelly was a flat out freak on a bicycle! He also won the Vuelta d' Espana!
Stephen Roche was a weapon of mass destruction in 1987! He won the Giro D' Italia, Tour de France, and World Championship; only Eddy Merckx had accomplished that before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BrvsSOs920
"It's only a mountain..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8woHATqz8E
http://www.cyclinghalloffame.com/riders/rider_bio.asp?rider_id=114
I still have my Carrera jersey (what a team that was!).
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
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