Darren Rafferty
Hometown
Dungannon, Co. Tyrone
Date of birth
1 July 2003
Languages
English and French currently. Trying to add some Spanish also.
Nicknames
None
Darren Rafferty makes his WorldTour debut in 2024. Last season, the talented Irish climber won the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta-Mont Blanc, finished second at the Giro d'Italia Giovani Under 23, affectionately known as the Baby Giro, and came fifth in the U23 edition of Liége-Bastogne-Liége. This year, he will focus on finding his feet in the pro peloton and try to learn all that he can from his teammates and our staff. Darren’s future knows no bounds.
He doesn’t just fly up mountains. Darren is also a strong time trialist, with two Irish U23 titles to his name. He might become a GC contender or find that he is better suited to the hilly classics. In his first year, he will ride a mix of races and make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
That is what he has been doing ever since he was a little kid. Darren started out racing U-10 cyclocross races back in Ireland. As he got bigger and faster, cycling became more and more of a priority. In his late teens, Darren decided to go to France to race and pursue his dream of turning pro, instead of accepting a place at university, where he had applied to become an accountant. It wasn’t an easy choice, but Darren’s bravery paid off, and now he has the chance to show the whole world what he can do on a bike.
Darren is excited. He now lives in Girona and has seen his friends from the local riding crew take off in the WorldTour. His good buddy Ben Healy is an inspiration. Darren would like to match their success and even go better. Hardly anyone can beat him in a town-sign sprint.
Just wait till you see him sprint to the top of a mountain.
Questions & Answers
How did you get into cycling?
With Cyclocross as an under-10.
If you weren't a professional cyclist, what would you be? Why?
An accountant, that’s what I had applied for at university.
Who is your favorite athlete? (In any sport) What do you admire about them?
Eliud Kipchoge. He seems like the most determined endurance athlete.
Which emoji do you use the most?
What is your favorite word in your native language? What does it mean? What do you like about it?
Scundered. I only found out this year that people from Europe and the US had no idea of the meaning of the word. Fairly universal word if something hasn’t gone your way, fed up, or have had enough of something.