No longer a nuisance
Every time Martyn Irvine came through Dublin Airport, it seemed he was no more than an awkward obstacle as passengers jostled to get past and get about their business and their holidays. Even with his Irish track-suit top alerting people to the fact he was there in order to represent his country, there was always a sigh and an occasional tut from behind in the queue as he checked in or just took up space at the baggage carrousel. With three bikes stuffed into two oversized cases, nobody ever cared to ask who he was or what he was doing all these years, they just wanted him out of the way and the sooner the better.
Eight days ago though, in the barren surrounds of the terminal in Minsk, he got wondering if this time would be any different. With his world championship gold tucked away, he sent a text that read: “Not sure what storm is gonna hit me when I get home.”
