28 Oct Niamh Looking to Continue Her Momentum from Junior Worlds Into 2019
Niamh had her first taste of European racing during her Worlds campaign in the UK and Europe and loves the style of racing and intensity that came with it and wants to continue this momentum into her first year as an U23 for the Mike Greer Homes Womens Cycling Team. Niamh can be super proud of her 36th placing in a very fast and aggressive race at the Innsbruck World Championships, 4th GC and QOM at the North West Youth And Junior Tour in the UK and her 4th in the U19 National TT and 5th in U19 National Road champs.
Since Niamh started with MGHWCT 2 years ago she has been a critical part of our team strategy, bringing an aggressive style and a fast finish to the team. Never afraid to look for breaks and go with the leaders Niamh’s style of riding is just what is needed from our up and coming athletes. Her display of courage and risk taking was on display at the Oceania Championships when she was the rider that most animated the U19 race amidst a thunder storm and torrential rain. Niamh’s love and passion of the sport is obvious, she is an encyclopaedia of knowledge when it comes to riders and racing around the world and applies this to her training and racing. Tenacity is one word that sums Niamh up – she never gives up, always tries her best and is her own biggest critic always looking for ways to improve.
Team Manager, Patrick Harvey always knows the team will get the best out of Niamh even when things don’t go to plan “Niamh is one tough customer! After suffering a nasty crash during the UCI Womens Herald Suntour race nothing was going to stop Niamh from trying to finish the race. She was back on her bike and chasing as hard as she could behind the support vehicle. We knew something was wrong when she couldn’t change gears and had to use her other hand! A fractured wrist wasn’t going to stop her valiant efforts!”, “To make matters worse Niamh only had 6 weeks to recover and prepare for Oceania Championships – a race she was keen to perform in to convince selectors she had what it takes to compete at Worlds. Faced with shocking race days conditions with fast and technical descents Niamh had to overcome her fears and went on to animate the race. We love this attitude!”
Harvey believes Fisher-Black will be a key rider in the coming season especially when the team embark on their mid year trip to Europe. “Although young in age, Niamh brings a lot of experience to the team. We see her taking a leaders role in the team and are excited with the oppurtunities this will bring her and her team mates. We really want to showcase riders like Niamh to the rest of the World and prove that we have what it takes to race against the very best in the home of cycling – Europe. Niamh has already started this process from her 2018 European campaign so we are excited with what 2019 will bring. Closer to home we have big plans for Nationals and Oceania championships and want to continue our strong support for these events by brining strong riders such as Niamh to contest National and Oceania titles!”
To get a further insight into our riders we asked a few questions, here is what Niamh had to say:
Why do you love cycling?
“I have been surrounded by bikes forever, they will always be a part of my life. I love racing – I love the ‘game’, the Adrenalin and the pain. Oh and winning a bike race is a pretty unbeatable feeling too.”
What are your most memorable experiences so far in your cycling career?
“- My first ever schools nationals – I was 12 and got completely and utterly smashed. But wow did I think it was cool.
– Getting my first national medal on the track in u17 – silver in the points race 🥈
– Winning my first overseas race – the road race at Canberra tour in u17, felt pretty damn special.
– Taking a piss in the toilet cubicle next to Annamiek van vleuten at herald sun tour ! – or just racing against her I guess Hehe (idol!)
– My first world championships experience – Insane !”
Who is your cycling idol?
“Sanne Cant – 2017 cyclocross world champion ”
Who best represents the type of cyclist you would like most to be like?
“Esteban Chaves (or Kasia Niewiadoma if we sticking with the female thing) ”
What is the ultimate race you would like to experience?
“Giro Rosa”
What is your favourite Womens UCI team?
“Mitchelton Scott”
What is your favourite indulgent food?
“Peanut Butter of course!”
What do you hope to accomplish with MGHWCT in 2019
“Race domestically with the best woman’s team for my first year as an u23. Make the most of the opportunities that MGH gives me, and hopefully use that to explore bigger opportunities over seas. Build a good team environment with the rest of the girls. As well as win some races, lose some races and have a bit of fun, of course. “