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Peter Quigley, a 17-year-old cyclist from Derry riding for Foyle Cycling Club, has enjoyed a remarkable weekend, securing two impressive victories in quick succession. On Sunday, he triumphed at the Ken Duff Memorial atop the iconic Shay Elliott climb in Co. Wicklow, just 24 hours after winning the Groucho’s GP in Co. Armagh. These wins mark a significant step forward in his young career, showcasing his development as a rider.
Quigley’s victory at the Ken Duff Memorial, a challenging C2 event, was particularly notable. The race began in Laragh, with riders completing two laps of a 24km rolling circuit before tackling the final 13km to the Shay Elliott climb. Despite the grueling terrain, Quigley remained resilient, staying with the lead group as Adam Matthews (Banbridge CC) launched a fierce attack on the climb. Quigley managed to hold on, ultimately sprinting to victory alongside Matthews and Fionn Killeen (Kilcullen Geospacial).
Reflecting on the race, Quigley admitted he was surprised by his performance. “I couldn’t believe I’d just done it,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of the climb and the caliber of his competitors. He credited his success to smart racing and the hard work he put in during the winter under the guidance of his coach, former pro cyclist Matt Teggart.
Quigley’s breakthrough weekend began on Saturday at the Groucho’s GP, where he attacked on the final climb to secure a solo victory. These wins follow a solid 2022 season, during which he claimed two notable victories as a first-year junior: the North Down GP and the Bob Crilly Classic. However, he admitted that last year was a steep learning curve, particularly at the Junior Tour of Ireland, which he described as an “eye-opener.”
Determined to improve, Quigley dedicated himself to winter training, with Teggart playing a pivotal role in his development. “I feel like the training has paid off,” Quigley said, highlighting the long hours spent in challenging conditions. His focus now turns to the upcoming Junior Tour of Ireland, where he hopes to compete as part of a Cycling Ulster selection and potentially challenge for stage wins.
Quigley describes himself as an all-rounder, capable of climbing and sprinting but excelling in neither discipline exclusively. This versatility was on full display during his weekend victories, as he demonstrated both strength and tactical acumen. With his academic commitments at North West Regional College now completed for the year, Quigley is free to dedicate more time to training and racing, setting the stage for further success in the months ahead.
His achievements this weekend are a testament to his hard work, determination, and the guidance of his coach. As he continues to develop, Quigley is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in Irish cycling. With the Junior Tour of Ireland on the horizon, the future looks bright for the Derry teenager.
