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One Dream: Oisin O’Callaghan has what it takes

One year ago Oisin O’Callaghan was waiting in suspense to hear whether he would be one of the lucky two to be chosen as part of the YT MOB 2020. In the end, luck had little to do with the fact team owner Martin Whiteley picked Oisin as part of the crew: the junior racer had convinced the MOB and YT Industries with his commitment, passion, and perseverance. This year should have been his first Junior World Cup season on the way to a bright future with a career in downhill racing. Little did we know that the 17-year-old Irish lad was to experience a real rollercoaster ride before concluding his first UCI race by putting on the rainbow stripes. ‘One Dream’ pulls back the curtain allowing us to get to know Oisin (pronounced Ush-een) a bit better. We also got the chance to chat with him after an amazing start to a young career.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=n1nOYfXVuNw

Oisin, first of all, congrats are in order! How have the past weeks been for you?

The past few weeks for me have been the craziest time of my life, from going into my first world-level race just wanting to see where I was with everyone else to end up winning it and becoming Junior World Champion. Then heading to Slovenia to Rounds 1 & 2 of the World Cup and winning both rounds! It’s been crazy but in a good way. It’s what I’ve dreamed of since I’ve been a little kid and to have gone and done what I’ve dreamed of for years is indescribable.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 01

In ‘One Dream’ you say one of your dreams as a kid was becoming World Champion. You achieved that goal in your very first UCI race of the season. What were your thoughts going into the race?

In my head, I would have liked a top 5. That would have been sick. I would have been super happy with that being my first world level race and to see where I would be with the second year juniors so I could work on some things I need to improve on for the next few races.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 02

Did you know at the time, that you are the first Irish mountain bike rider ever to put on the rainbow stripes? How was the reaction at home in Ireland?

At the time, I couldn’t believe that I had done what I had done. So, I had no idea at that moment, but after I was told that no one had ever put on the rainbow stripes from Ireland and that I had made history. The people at home went crazy and I got so many messages my phone was turning off and freezing. I’m excited to get back home to see everyone.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 02

Last year you took part in the YT MOB World Tour. Looking back to where you were then and where you are now, what do you think you have improved most, in which areas have you grown since joining the MOB?

Since joining the YT Mob I have worked on my body position a lot so I can attack more. This is something I practised a lot over winter, going away for one week at a time. I think it’s much better now but still needs some improvement.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 07

This year was a true rollercoaster ride with races being cancelled and your first year of Junior World Cup racing constantly being postponed. How did you keep yourself prepared and what helped you focus?

I had mentally prepared myself for the races to be called off because of COVID so it wasn’t a huge shock to me. This summer I spent all of my time in Europe, mainly in Morzine like I do every summer, to get up to speed. I never really lost focus.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 08

In ‘One Dream’ we see you and your mates on a trail built during lockdown. How big of a role does trail building play in your life and at your home in Ireland?

I don’t do a lot of trail building myself, but I like to give a hand when others are building. During the first lockdown was the first time I’ve gone out to build a track for me to train on because I didn’t have anywhere to ride before. I definitely think I’m going to do a bit more over this winter as I think it’s super fun and relaxing trying to create something that flows really well. The satisfaction you get when you ride something you built yourself is so good.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 09

You are quite heavily involved with a local trail centre. Can you tell us more about the development and which role the trail centre has played in your growth as a rider?

Ever since I was super young I’ve been going up there with my friends and just having fun riding the trails. In my local trail centre is where I probably learned nearly every skill I have.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 06

Where is your favourite place to ride elsewhere in the world? Which track has been/is the World Champs favourite so far?

My favourite place to ride in the world would have to be Morzine, because of the variety of trails there and how many trails there are. For me, out of the World Cups Lousã would have to be my favourite or the fresh bottom section of Leogang.

Oisin O'Callaghan - One Dream 05

About YT Industries

In 2008, CEO Markus Flossmann founded YT with the aim of building competition-ready, affordable dirt jump and slopestyle mountain bikes for talented young riders. After ten years, the product range includes high-end downhill, enduro, all-mountain and dirt jump bikes, which are regularly awarded prestigious prizes. The secret of success: high-quality products, fair prices, the direct selling method which eliminates the profit margins of middlemen, an unmatched reputation and last but not least, a team of world-class riders like Cam Zink and Brett Tippie who are both part of the YT Family.

Today, YT has created an international sales structure with strong partners in Europe, USA, Canada, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Africa who take care of the worldwide distribution and service of YT bikes.

What do your goals look like now that you already wear the rainbow stripes? What will motivate the reigning World Champion?

I want to win the World Cup overall. Obviously, I missed an opportunity in Lousã, so I’ll be really gunning for that title next year. To defend my title as Junior World Champion next year would also be so good.

All the best Oisin!

Will Brett-Atkin

Will Brett-Atkin

Will (@willbrettbikes) is the founder and creator of One Track Mind Mag. He is an award-winning Digital Product Designer and has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. When not behind a computer screen Will likes to be out in nature riding natural trails with friends. He also likes to dabble in a bit of Enduro racing and has had some great results racing in the UK

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