Starting out at a young age attending the local track every Sunday with his father, Ben Healy has always wanted to achieve in cycling. Now on UCI Continental team, Trinity Racing, he has been able to showcase his undeniable talent taking victories in some of the biggest U23 races in the world over the past couple of years. 2020 for many has been a real struggle but with time spent wisely and training under the watchful eyes of coach Jacob Tipper, Ben was able to win his first Elite National title and although setting the fastest time on the same course as the elite men, he was only permitted to take home the U23 time trial title. We caught up with the young Irish champion just after he had installed our Anemoi Aero Extension System.
So Ben how old are you and how would you view your approach to 2021?
I am 20 years old, going into my 3rd year as an under 23 with some big ambitions for the 2021 season.
You ride for Trinity Racing at UCI Continental level, how is it riding for the team?
It is really great. The team are very supportive and involved with my development. They give me the foundations I need to progress in my career.
Trinity Racing was established for the 2020 season. Predominantly built around Tom Pidcock who has now progressed to Ineos at World Tour level. Now that Tom has moved on it has left the door open for riders like Ben to take on the limelight. With Ben aiming to make similar progression like Pidcock to the higher tiers of the sport, he is certainly in the right team under the management of Andrew McQuaid. The renowned rider agent who handles rider contracts for the likes of Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte is sure to have ability to set Ben up with a pro contract when he is ready to take the step up.
What made you choose WattShop?
They make best quality components out there. They also look sweet.
Why did you decide to upgrade to the Anemoi Aero Extension System?
To give me the edge over the competition as they provide me with unrivalled comfort and aerodynamic efficiency on my TT bike.
How have you found using the system. What have you found to be the biggest positive so far?
They have been amazing, better then I was expecting, as they have allowed me to get into a more aggressive position whilst also providing more comfort.
How did you find the install process?
Installation was a breeze. Super easy and straight forward. Although were you to come unstuck there is a simple step by step guide included in the box.
Keen to dial in his front end position Ben wasted no time getting himself off to the velodrome to carry out some testing. From this test, it was clear to Ben that his stability and confidence in the bike had increased whilst using the Anemoi system. Leaving no detail untouched he even managed to find a neat and tidy way to hide his SRAM eTap Blipbox giving him a super clean aero front end.
What are your top three results in Cycling?
Victory in Tour de L’avenir Stage 5 2019, Ronde De L’Isard Stage 4 2020 and the Road race & Time Trial Irish National Championships 2020.
Current time trialing kit list?
S-Works Shiv TT, Zipp disc & 858, SRAM Red AXS 1x, Speedplay Zero Aero pedals, Wattshop Anemoi Aero extension system.
What events can we expect to see you riding with the extensions in the future?
Hopefully some big U23 stage races next year and then one of my main goals for 2021, the UCI World Championships.
As identified by his palmarès, Ben already has some great achievements and on his day he truly can be up there fighting it out with the best U23 riders in the world. He most certainly has some of the fastest equipment available to him and we can not wait to see how he fares in the biggest U23 TT's around the continent. From all of us here at WattShop we wish Ben the best of luck as he endeavours to put his name up there with the best.