Jack Carthy has set his sights on more success after admitting his first UCI World Cup triumph was a dream come true.
The Haworth 17-year-old belied his young age to beat the sport’s top riders and claim his maiden cup success at elite level in Antwerp.
And having also clinched a European and world title double at junior level, Carthy is confident of adding to his already-bulging trophy cabinet.
Competing against established stars Gilles Coustellier and Kenny Beleay, whom he has grown up idolising, the former Oakbank School pupil held his nerve to earn a convincing triumph.
He said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to win a World Cup so to do it was just perfect.
“In the final I was one point ahead but I ended up winning the super-final, which is over four sections, by 13 points.
“Beating Gilles and Kenny was hard to take in but now I know I can beat them I want to do it again. It’s a great incentive to keep on practising.”
In bike trials, riders must show balance and skill on mountain bikes in tackling a series of obstacles, with the aim being not to touch their feet with the ground.
Though a minority sport in this country, it is much bigger on parts of the continent where events are held in city centres. Carthy said four-figure crowds were present when he won in Antwerp, which was the final World Cup of five. Others have been held in France, Germany and Poland.
“It’s different abroad,” he said. “In Belgium, which is kind of a home for me now as I spend a lot of time there, there is always a good vibe.
“But there were also quite a few people who had come over to support me from my home club, Tyke Trial, so it was great to be able to win in front of them.”
Carthy won the World Junior Championship title in South Africa in August, together with the European junior crown in Switzerland and the British Nationals Trials title at senior level.
But the teenager, who ended the season in third place in the overall elite standings behind winner Coustellier and second-placed Vincent Hermance, rated his World Cup win as his best achievement.
He said: “Some people have said winning the world juniors should be best as I get to wear the rainbow jersey (worn by world champions in the various cycling disciplines).
“But I think winning a World Cup means more as I’ve beaten everyone (at senior level).”
As for his targets for next season, Carthy added: “I want to win more World Cups and I still have another year left at junior level so I’m aiming to retain my titles. Winning this year has given me a big confidence boost.”
To watch a video of Carthy in action at the World Cup in Antwerp, visit vimeo.com/75870529.
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