Ryan sets off for new life in America

Cyclist Ryan Connor, his wife Julie and four-month-old son Ethan are emigrating to the States where Julie has secured a teaching post at the British School of Chicago.

“It’s been a pretty hectic couple of months to say the least!” said Ryan, who has just returned from the Commonwealth Games, where he was manager of the Northern Ireland cycling team.

“As well as that I’ve also been doing an Open University degree in Sports Coaching and Science with a view to maybe going into teaching myself.

“Obviously moving to live in America is a massive decision but it’s something that has been in the pipeline for a couple of years and it’s something that we had always planned to do at some stage.

“We had been in Chicago at Christmas but Julie’s job offer only came in April just after Ethan was born.

“It’s a fairly prestigious school so it’s a great opportunity for Julie and an exciting move for all of us.”

Ryan was an outstanding cyclist who represented Northern Ireland at Commonwealth Games level, as well as still jointly holding the record of winning the prestigious Tour of the North race on three occasions.

After a heart condition restricted his racing at the top level, he turned his hand to management and as well as his recent Commonwealth Games role, he had also been working as a cycling coach for Sport NI.

“There are a couple of clubs out there who I have been in contact with, close to where we are going to so I’ll maybe get back into that and put the coaching and management on the backburner for a wee while,” added Ryan.