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Ben Healy’s Quest to Conquer the Cycling World: A Look Ahead to 2024
As the 2024 cycling season kicks off with the iconic Strade Bianche, all eyes are on Irish rider Ben Healy and his EF Education-EasyPost teammates as they prepare to challenge the dominance of Tadej Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad. The defending champion’s presence looms large, and riders like Healy are determined to find ways to outmaneuver him, starting with Saturday’s race and continuing throughout the season.
Strade Bianche: A Unique Challenge
Healy is no stranger to the Strade Bianche, having raced it twice before. He failed to finish in 2022 but improved to 12th in 2023. This year, he’s hopeful for an even better result. "The legs are pretty good. I think I’ve done all the work, but not much racing, so I’ll see on the road," he said on the eve of the race. "It’s one of the best races of the year. White roads, beautiful scenery, and the weather’s good this year as well. So what’s not to like?"
The race’s gravel roads and relentless terrain make it a unique and thrilling event. "When you hit the gravel, all you think about is staying on the bike and pushing the pedals hard," Healy said. The atmosphere, fueled by passionate Italian fans, adds to the excitement. "They watch every single race and know every single rider. You definitely feel that out on the roads."
A Breakout Year in 2023
Healy’s 2023 season was marked by impressive performances and near misses, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting riders. He finished second in the Amstel Gold Race, fourth in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and claimed a stage victory in the Giro d’Italia. Despite these achievements, he feels there’s room for improvement. "The buildup has been really solid," Healy told Velo. "It’s been really smooth. I’m going really well now."
However, his season also included moments of frustration. A crash during training in Girona before Christmas forced him to take a few days off, but he rebounded strongly. "The whole season was really built up to the Tour," Healy said, reflecting on his debut Tour de France, where he showcased his aggressive style but fell short of a stage win. "I was so good at the Tour and didn’t quite come away with what I wanted."
Lessons from the Olympics and World Championships
Healy’s performance at the 2023 Olympic Games road race in Paris was a highlight of his season. He attacked early and was one of the most aggressive riders in the race. "It was way cooler than I expected," he said of the Olympic experience. "It’s the biggest stage in the world for sport, really, and it was just incredible."
Despite his efforts, he finished 10th, just missing out on a medal. He believes the lack of race radios hindered his chances. "It was a pretty tricky situation," he explained. "If I’d known the time gaps more accurately, I might have adjusted my strategy and had a better chance."
Similarly, at the UCI Road World Championships, Healy was in contention for a medal but fell just short. "If it had gone slightly different in that final, maybe it could have been a podium," he said.
Fine-Tuning for 2024
Healy’s 2023 season taught him valuable lessons. First, he learned the importance of rest. After Tirreno-Adriatico, he pushed himself too hard, leading to fatigue during the Ardennes classics. This year, he plans to pace himself better between races to maintain peak form.
Second, he’s working on improving his explosiveness. Known for his diesel engine, Healy often struggles in sprints and punchy finishes. "It’s definitely something I want to improve," he said. "To be a little bit more punchy and hopefully have a bit more of a sprint in the final as well."
Healy is balancing his training to ensure he doesn’t sacrifice his strengths. "We don’t want to take away from what I’m good at by smashing the gym every day and doing sprints every single session," he explained. "It’s just trying to work these things in slowly, making sure they’re there and making sure I’m consistent with them."
Goals for the Season
At just 24 years old, Healy is still learning and growing as a rider. His goals for 2024 include converting near misses into major victories. "I describe last year as ‘close, but no cigar,’" he told Velo. "I’m really proud of my performances and the level that I got to, but I just don’t have that big result to really write home about."
After Strade Bianche, Healy will compete in Tirreno-Adriatico, the Volta al Pais Vasco, and the Ardennes classics. He’s determined to apply the lessons from last year to achieve his first major win. "As long as I carry on doing that, I’m happy. I’m sure it will pay off in the future."
Facing the Pogačar Challenge
Healy and his peers are well aware of the formidable challenge posed by Tadej Pogačar, who has dominated races with his versatility and strength. "Everyone’s going to have to figure out a way to beat Tadej," Healy said. This task is particularly daunting given the strength of Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates squad, which often controls races to set up their leader.
Healy’s competitive spirit and aggressive style make him a rider to watch in 2024. Whether he can outmaneuver Pogačar and secure a major victory remains to be seen, but his determination and talent suggest that big results are on the horizon.
Conclusion
Ben Healy enters the 2024 season with a mix of confidence, experience, and a hunger for success. After a breakout year in 2023, he’s determined to convert near misses into victories. The Strade Bianche serves as the first test of his offseason improvements, and the cycling world eagerly awaits his performances in the months ahead. With a focus on pacing, explosiveness, and tactical awareness, Healy is poised to make his mark and achieve the major results he’s been chasing.
