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Killian O’Brien, a 19-year-old climber from Ballinteer, South Dublin, has quickly risen through the ranks of cycling, showcasing his talent in Ireland and beyond. Despite a challenging start to his first year as an U23 rider with Mexican UCI Continental team Petrolike, O’Brien is determined to make his mark on the international stage. His journey took a significant step forward at the Ronde de l’Isard, a top-tier U23 stage race in France, where he faced the toughest climbs and most intense competition of his career.
### Early Success and Transition to U23 Racing
O’Brien’s junior career was marked by notable achievements, including winning the elite National Hill Climb Championships, a podium finish at the Junior Tour of Wales, and two victories in Italy. However, as a flyweight climber, he rarely encountered the extended climbs that define professional racing. Transitioning to U23 racing with Petrolike, O’Brien faced new challenges, including a knee injury that disrupted his early season. After recovering, he took on Ronde de l’Isard, a race that would test his ability to handle both the physical and tactical demands of elite U23 competition.
### Ronde de l’Isard: A Baptism of Fire
Ronde de l’Isard, featuring many of Europe’s best U23 teams, was O’Brien’s first experience racing on long, steep climbs. He described the event as a “different beast altogether,” with climbs lasting up to 40 minutes—a stark contrast to the shorter ascents he was accustomed to in Ireland. The race also introduced him to the relentless battle for position in the peloton, a skill he had to quickly adapt to.
On Stage 2, O’Brien demonstrated his climbing ability by staying with the front group of around 30 riders on a challenging 132km route with 3,000m of elevation gain. However, a gap opened in the final kilometers as Liam O’Brien (Lidl Trek Future Racing) surged ahead, leaving Killian 30 seconds behind the leaders. Despite this, O’Brien was pleased with his performance, noting that he had the legs to match the front group on the climb.
The race took a dramatic turn on the final stage when O’Brien crashed twice, first in a narrow town road and then into the back of a team car at 70km/h while trying to regain the peloton. The second crash left him with a badly bruised and bleeding knee, forcing him to abandon his efforts on the final climb. He rode to the summit at his own pace before rejoining a group on the descent. It was a frustrating end to the race, especially as he felt strong that morning and had hoped to test himself on the climb.
### Learning from the Experience
Despite the setbacks, O’Brien viewed Ronde de l’Isard as a valuable learning experience. He noted that the intensity of the peloton’s positioning was a significant adjustment, as he was used to smaller bunches in Ireland where moving up was relatively straightforward. By the end of the race, he had improved his ability to hold a top-30 position going into the climbs.
O’Brien acknowledged that some riders were stronger than him, particularly in their ability to sustain high power outputs over long climbs. However, he remained optimistic, recognizing that this was his first major stage race and that he was still developing as a rider.
### Looking Ahead
O’Brien’s next target is the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta-Mont Blanc, a mountainous five-stage race in Italy that will provide another opportunity to measure his progress on long climbs. He hopes to build on the form he’s been developing since recovering from his knee injury and aims to finish closer to the front, potentially in the top 15-20 on the climbs.
Beyond Valle d’Aosta, O’Brien is tentatively scheduled to race the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta in August and Tour de Langkawi in October. These events will further test his abilities and provide crucial experience as he continues to develop as a professional cyclist.
### A Promising Future
Killian O’Brien’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early success in Ireland to his first steps on the international stage, he has shown the potential to compete with some of the best young riders in the world. While the transition to U23 racing has not been without its challenges, O’Brien’s positive attitude and willingness to learn suggest a bright future ahead. As he continues to build his strength and experience, he remains a name to watch in the world of cycling.
