# Harry Sweeny: Overcoming Covid Setbacks and Finding His Place in Cycling
For 22-year-old Australian cyclist Harry Sweeny, transitioning to professional racing hasn’t been the smooth ride he envisioned. Sweeny, who began his pro career at the UAE Tour, faced an unexpected hurdle when the coronavirus disrupted his training and racing schedule, just as he was gearing up for his first Flemish spring season. After a long hiatus from competition, Sweeny made his return on the rugged roads of the Tro Bro Leon, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on his debut, Sweeny expressed, “It was really nice to turn pro and the UAE Tour was an ideal race to get started and to find my fade a bit before going into some hard races on the calendar.” He highlighted his experience in the lead-out train during the final stage of the UAE Tour, where teammate Caleb Ewan secured victory: “Being part of the lead-out train and Caleb finishing it off at the end was just awesome.”
Despite his initial success, Sweeny’s trajectory took a hit when he contracted Covid-19 just as he was preparing for the Flemish Classics. “It was a massive shame that I got Covid because I was just sort of starting to hit my stride before the Classics,” he lamented. The 16-day break from biking proved mentally challenging for him, stating, “It did take me a while to come back, and I had to take it slowly.”
Yet, in reflecting on his experience, Sweeny found a silver lining. “Despite the disappointment of getting Covid, I think it was also a blessing in disguise,” he noted. The unexpected downtime allowed him to settle into his new life in Nice, where he shaped his surroundings and adjusted to a new culture. “I really feel at ease and happy now, which is really nice,” he added.
Sweeny’s return to racing at the Tro Bro Leon was marked by enthusiasm and a positive mindset. “Tro Bro Leon was a great race to get started, actually. I have done it previously in 2019 and I love that sort of racing, the grinta of it,” he shared. Although he couldn’t quite maintain his place in the leading group during the race, he remains optimistic about his performance and future races: “I’m happy with where’s my form at and I’m looking forward to the next races.”
Through his journey, Harry Sweeny exemplifies resilience and adaptability, navigating the challenges of a professional cycling career while making the most of unexpected setbacks. As he continues his pursuit in the sport, he stands as a reminder of the strength found in both triumphs and tribulations.
