By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
Irishman Derry McVeigh, a prolific winner in the 90s, announced in 2000 that he was opting out of the sport. He was highly regarded in the bunches and was an excellent team man Now, after five years on the fence, he has decided to make a comeback.
"I had good years with the Emerald Cycling Club, of which, I may add, was the club that our esteemed President of the UCI is a member. Mr. Pat McQuaid," said McVeigh. "The notion of recording six victories in 1999 in succession gave me the out clause. They say it is best to quit when you are on a high. Of late I have started to get the bug again and a couple of weeks ago, I made my mind up that 2006 was the return of the 'mean machine' with me in tow.
"At least I am aware of how to get fit and most importantly, race fit. I aim to be able to mix it with the lads and hopefully the winning mode will kick into action. Regarding, a club, I'll more than likely go unattached for the first couple months of the season and then who knows, when I have proved myself, some club will come looking for the signature? I hope!
"My principal aim would be to help foster good relations with the guys that are in their first year as a senior and help them along the path. Really, I would love to ride the FBD Insurance Ras. My goal would be to finish in the top 30.
"To get myself into shape, I will give the cyclo-cross events a go. That'll knock the cobwebs away. It was noticeable that the road lads who turned to that discipline of the sport in the last few years had an advantage when it came to racing at the beginning of the season,"
With these words, McVeigh slipped off into the night on his way home, not by the regular mode of transport that needs gasoline, but the one that needs the legs and lungs to be in sync.
