Cycling News

NEW BORN

By Gerard Cromwell

They say fathers often try to live out their dreams through the lives of their sons. If that's the case, then the latest addition to the Cromwell household has a busy time ahead of him. A stage win in the FBD Milk Ras, a King of the Mountains title in the Tour De France (even in dreamland I could never actually win the Tour!), scoring a hat-trick for Liverpool in the FA Cup Final, landing a lead role in a blockbuster film, writing a best selling novel, having a number one single and an occasional fling with bond bombshell Halle Berry(well maybe her daughter) are all on the agenda.

Little Jack Cromwell came into this world with a bang. Literally. He was born on Halloween and outside the window of the labour ward in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, there were fireworks and skyrockets lighting up the night sky. In the same hospital, on the same day, another cyclist's son was being born. FBD Milk Ras motorbike marshal and Dundalk CC rider Pat Shaughnessy, or 'Shocks', as he's known to many, became a dad to young Cian Shaughnessy. Doubtless 'Shocks' can picture young Cian on a two-wheeled machine already, whether it be a bike or a motorbike.

In fact there has been a bit of a baby boom for cycling dads in recent weeks. Ciaran Power started the ball rolling on the weekend of the World Road Race Championships when wife Lisa gave birth to baby Keegan. A date has already been set for a challenge race between Keegan Power and Jack Cromwell in eleven years time, the result of a congratulatory text message from the American based professional and double FBD Milk Ras winner. Methinks if both sons inherit their fathers cycling talent then little Jack is in trouble already!

Just last week, Karen Rock, wife of Swords CC veteran Mick Rock gave birth to another son. Having already produced two talented cycling offspring, Niall and Sean, maybe baby Power won't have it all his own way in the under 12 peleton come 2014. At least Jack can take solace from the fact he will have a teammate in the bunch, as Stamullen M. Donnelly's Mick Roe also had a son, Neil, a few months ago. Those few months head start could prove crucial in the last 200 metres!

Rumour among the cycling dads has it that Cian Shaughnessy is getting a battery operated motorbike off Santa Claus and has offered to provide motor pacing for Keegan Power, provided Keegan lets him re-charge the bike on his electricity. Well, it is a long way to Waterford!

It's crazy, but people already assume Jack will be a cyclist. I don't know if he will ever turn a pedal in anger and to tell the truth I don't really care. I would like him to take up some sport at some stage but not necessarily cycling. I'd love to see him make one of my dreams a reality, but my dreaming days are over. Anyway, you don't get much time to dream when you have to get up every two hours to give someone a bottle! Perhaps showing signs of being a future team leader he will scream at you if you don't bring him his drink. (Even in my home I am a domestique!) Thing is, Jack Christopher Cromwell can do what he likes. He's just two weeks old and his whole future is a blank canvas. Maybe he'll try a few different colours before he gets the mixture right for his masterpiece. As long as he doesn't write on the walls, I don't mind!

Email: gerard@irishcycling.com