Clodagh Quigley - 2023 Women's Cycling Advocate




Current cycling club? 

Foyle Cycling Club


What is your current age?

12


What cycling discipline are you involved in? 

Road and Cyclo-cross


What age did you get involved?

Age 6


Why did you start cycling?

I started on a balance bike at Sprocket Rockets which was run by my local club Foyle CC. My Mum would take us on family cycles as I got older.


What has been your involvement in cycling, your story?

At the weekends I would go with my family to parks to ride some of the off-road trails. This was great fun, so I started competing at CX races when I was U10. I went to all the rounds of the Ulster Cyclocross league and then started road racing shortly after. 


Do you have a quote that you live by or inspires you?

“To know if the weather is too bad for training, put on your gear, go training, then you know when you get back”.  -  Sean Kelly - Irish Former Pro Road Bike Rider.


What have been your cycling highlights?

My highlights were winning the Ulster Championship in 2021 and getting two bronze National Championships medals the same year for the TT and Road Race. Winning the two-day stage race at Ras Mayo in 2022. Cycling my first 100K with my club and competing on the Ulster Team at the Ulster Three Day International Youth Race 2022. 


How do you feel cycling has benefitted you?

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and make new friends. It gives me the opportunity to travel to different places to races and cycle through beautiful countryside and even travel to different countries.  


What is your favourite thing about cycling?

Getting a hot chocolate after the club run or on the way home from a race and just feeling great after a cycle. 


What would you say to other females who may be interested in cycling?

Give it a go! Join a club make new friends and feel great. 


How do you feel about becoming a Cycling Ireland Women in Sport Advocate?

I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to getting involved. We need more girls to start cycling.


What is your '*' when it comes to the IT’S NOT A RACE* campaign?

"Just keep going"