"Suffering is when you lose your little brother on a bike" - Irish rider's touching interview after World Championships crash
CyclingTuesday, 22 September 2026 at 11:45
Seth Dunwoody delivered an emotional and touching interview as he put cycling and life into perspective following his crash during Monday's Under-23 time trial World Championships in Montreal.
The Irish rider, joining Bahrain Victorious in 2027, is the current road national champion but endured a tough build-up to the championships. When he crashed early in his effort, his chances of a strong finish were dashed.
However, Dunwoody brilliantly summed up how he puts the disappointment into perspective as he he highlighted recent tragedies in cycling, including his Irish teammate Liam O'Brien's brother Shane, who died after a training collision in June.
When first asked about the crash, Dunwoody was quick to point to it being a success that he had the opportunity to ride in Montreal in the first place after a crash at the Tour de l'Avenir last month.
“I’m okay. It was mostly a mental blow—it hit me harder mentally than physically. But hey, what can you do?," he told CyclingProNet.
Dunwoody's struggle for fitness before World Championships
“Behind the scenes, it really took a lot of effort for me to even be here. I had 12 stitches in my shin. Two weeks ago, I didn't even know if I'd be traveling to Montréal."
The sprint specialist knows it was a blessing to have thrown on the Irish skin-suit. He added: “The fact that I’m actually here was, in a way, already a victory for me. I had nothing to lose, because, to be honest, it’s a miracle and a blessing that I made it to the World Championships.”
Asked about suffering as a result of the crash, dashing his chances of a potential result, Dunwoody quickly put things into perspective with a poignant message. Alluding to Shane O'Brien's death, he said cycling isn't the most important thing in life as he praised his teammate and friend. The interview also comes weeks after the death of Finlay Tarling in the Volta ao Portugal.
Dunwoody's touching interview
“This crash wasn’t really suffering. Suffering is when you lose your little brother on a bike—that’s real suffering. Crashing at a World Championship isn’t real pain; cycling isn’t the most important thing in life.
"That thought helps you keep going—I've learned a lot from my friends in that regard. The past season has been really tough, and of course, I didn't come to the World Championships to crash."
The 20-year-old steps up to WorldTour level next season after confirming a three-year deal with Bahrain Victorious, stepping up from their development team.
A versatile sprinter, he has already claimed big wins at the Irish National Championships and Giro NextGen.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- That dryness snuck up on me like a silent assassin. Bravo @AndrewK, that was delivered beautifully, genuinely made me chuckle out loud.anonymouscyclist22-09-2026
- Well said Seth ❤️anonymouscyclist22-09-2026
- Did Horner somehow miss the Paris Olympics, Remco as the first man in history to sweep both the Road and TT gold? Doubting his ability by comparing this Sunday’s course to Rwanda is a bold choice. I’d liken this weekend's course to the Paris 2024 road race. Whilst the course is almost identical in length to the Paris Road course, it does include an extra 1000m elevation gain, with longer, steeper climbs. I’m confident Remco could podium this, but win? I’m hesitant to hedge my bets. I don’t think tired legs will be the main factor, but more a course that doesn’t entirely suit his unique repertoire. Who knows, but I’m looking forward to it. There are a few riders I’d like to see in the rainbow colours next year.anonymouscyclist22-09-2026
- That’s why I used the world illegibility, pal. Do you understand? Illegible=not eligible. And it was just a parody comment.AndrewK22-09-2026
- Horner with another idiotic commentvappaxbipmv22-09-2026
- yeah, I don't see how it is a big deal, the time difference isn't that dramatic. the race starts at 9 AM EDT and could last until 4 PM EDT. that is equivalent to 3 PM to 10 PM CEST. so it would be like finishing the race at 10 PM in Belgium. a little late, but not terrible. I don't know how late MVDP and WVA stay up, but 10 PM isn't nuts. I have traveled east coast USA to Europe a lot, the jet lag is minimal. traveling west to east is significantly easier. frankly most people would barely feel this adjustment.mij22-09-2026
- he seems all over the place with his comments.mij22-09-2026
- Lidl Trek has a lot of big riders to manage and keep happy.mij22-09-2026
- LOL !!!PogiSloFans22-09-2026
- why is bakelants worried if they aren‘t?Ketterechts22-09-2026
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