John “Kippers” McQuaid
My Gerard Experience
More than 15 years after retiring from high-level racing, I decided to get back into it again and chose a Gerard Force 90 for the job.
My goal was to train for the Race the Rás Sportif, a version of the nine-day stage race that I had ridden many times, winning ten stages. Just from my measurements and riding style, the bike came to me set up beautifully and I truly can say that I feel one with it as I ride. I was a fair sprinter in the day and love how stiff it is, so that everything I put into the bike transfers to speed. And it’s pleasantly compliant on the rough roads we have around here. I wouldn’t think of changing bikes, except maybe for the latest Gerard model.
About John
From
Dublin Ireland
Based
Dublin, Ireland
Age
59
Claims to Fame
| 1983, 1985 |  | Champion—Irish National Senior Road Race Championships |
| 1982 | | Champion—Irish National Track Championships (1 km Time Trial) |
| 1988 |  | 1st place—Stage 6, Hessen Rundfahrt, Germany |
| 1984 | | 1st place—Stages 7, 9, and TTT, FBD Milk Rás (Tailtean), Ireland |
| 1987 |  | 2nd place—Stage 1, Guinness 2-Day Race, Ireland |
| 1988 |  | 3rd Place—GC (General Category) Nine-day FBD Milk Rás (Tailtean), Ireland |
Pro Team(s)
- 1980-1988: Irish National Team
- 1988: Seoul Olympics—Road Race and TTT (Team Time Trial)
Current Gerard Cycles Bike
Force 90
Off the Bike Obsession
Playing golf
My Links
1983 World Amateur Championships
Sitting in third wheel representing Ireland in the amateur road race at Altenrhein, Switzerland. Greg Lemond won the pro race.
1988 FBD Milk Rás (Tailteann)
Winner of Stage 3.
1982 FBD Milk Rás (Tailteann)
Stretching the quads before the flag drops.
Off the Bike
Sinking the winning putt for the Hollystown Golf Team.