For Limerick’s Michael Gammell Jr, cycling began as a simple curiosity.
At just ten years old, he found inspiration through his second cousin, Paul, who ran a bike shop in Kilmallock. “I’d visit him, and I just thought, ‘This might be something I’d like to try,’” Michael recalls.
The road to competitive cycling was not immediate. Small for his age and unsure of his abilities, he stepped away from the sport in secondary school, only to rediscover it during the quiet of Covid lockdowns. “I had nothing else to do,” he laughs. “So, I started training at home on the turbo.” That rediscovery has since turned into a thriving competitive journey.
The Rhythm of Training
Michael’s days are dictated by the cycling calendar. “There are four main parts to the season,” he explains. Base season, from September to January, is about building endurance. “I’m on the bike five days a week and in the gym two days a week. Today, I spent four hours cycling at a steady pace.” As race season nears, his schedule becomes more intense. Once the season begins in March, recovery becomes just as vital as racing. “You can’t flog yourself everyday training,” he notes. Offseason, a chance to recharge and explore other activities which rounds out the year.
Balancing all this with college life as a primary education student at Mary Immaculate College is no small feat. “You have to have a life,” Michael notes. Between placements, assignments, and training, free time is rare. “But I enjoy doing it,” he adds, explaining that the sacrifices feel worthwhile when he’s on the bike.
Competitive Challenges
Climbing the ranks hasn’t been easy, but Michael has achieved notable milestones, he’s competed in prestigious races like Ras Mumhan and the Ras Tailteann, Ireland’s top events. Ras Mumhan holds a special place in his heart. “It was the first time where I got to the Cat 1 category which is the top category in Ireland and I started believing in myself more he says, recalling the thrill of competing against Irish and international cyclists.
His ambitions stretch beyond Irish roads. Last year, Michael raced in the Gran Fondo World Championships in Denmark, an unforgettable experience. “It’s a world championship for anyone who isn’t a pro, it’s a good way of getting your name out there,” he explains. Looking ahead, he hopes to compete in the Gran Fondo World Championship again next year.
The Cost of Commitment
Cycling isn’t just physically demanding, it’s expensive. “There’s very few people in Ireland racing on a bike now a days that’s under €4,000, and I’ve raced against bikes worth €20,000,” Michael says. Add in coaching fees, race entries, club memberships, and equipment, and the costs can be staggering. This financial barrier, he acknowledges, filters out many talented cyclists as it is a costly sport to consistently compete in. “I’ve seen lads with great ability leave the sport because it’s just too expensive to maintain year after year.”
Mental and Physical Resilience
Long-distance races test not just physical endurance but mental fortitude. Michael credits his coach for building both. “He gives me belief,” he says. “He knows my numbers, my data, and reminds me that I’m capable.” This confidence has transformed Michael’s performance, helping him overcome the self-doubt he struggled with early in his career.
To prevent injuries, Michael follows a strict regimen of stretching, deep-tissue massages, and nutrition plans. He has recently teamed up with a nutritionist who he credits for his recently adopted carb-loading strategy, a practice that initially felt was “harder than the training itself” he emphasises.
Advice for Aspiring Cyclists
Reflecting on his journey, Michael advises newcomers to start with joy, not pressure. “Under-12s and 14s should just enjoy it,” he says. For those ready to take the sport seriously, he stresses the value of a good coach. “It’s key to get a coach, it’s good to have another eye over your training, even if it’s just a local mentor.”
Cycling is a unique sport, a test of perseverance, discipline, and heart. Whether on Irish roads or competing abroad, Michael continues to push his limits, fueled by the simple love of the sport.