Multi-talented Keane enjoying new lease of life

A NEW chapter is about to be added to Brian Keane’s incredible sporting life story.

Keane, whose earliest successes came with Dolphin Swimming club, shot to prominence as a member of Ireland’s bronze winning team at the European cross-country championships.

But athletics are in the past for now - as he concentrates on a career in cycling and an assault on the prestigious Rás na hEireann. He has caused some sensations in his brief cycling career so far, finishing second on the first stage of this year’s Credit Union Ras Mumhan, including taking the yellow jersey on the Conor Pass stage. Although he lost that lead when he turned up late for the individual time trial.

“Just about every day somebody will ask me if I got a new watch. But I can laugh at it now,” he said.

Keane took to cycling as a means of commuting too and from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. But, after meeting members of the Dublin Wheelers, he was persuaded to join the club.

“That was just two years ago in December so I am really still learning,” he said. “I still have to win a race but that will come.”

Now he is excited at the prospect of riding alongside Mark Scanlon and Paul Griffin in Irish cycling’s most prestigious event.

“I think I am very lucky to be riding alongside somebody of Mark’s pedigree - he has ridden the Tour de France - and to be able to benefit from his knowledge as well as the experience of Paul (Griffin), Conor Murphy and Páidí O’Brien.

“I just got fed up of athletics but I needed something new - I needed another outlet,” he said. “Then one morning I was out cycling around Howth by myself. Darragh McAauley came along and I tried to stay with him and he asked me to come training. The next week I met Brian Taaffe and he invited me along. Now I am studying for my degree and then I will have two years to pursue my dreams. I intend to race in Belgium during the summer and again at the end of the season, I will then review the situation.”