As a child and teenager, he was a neighbour of many people who went on to be famous, including footballers Ian Bishop, David Fairclough and Mick Quinn, musicians Paul Rutherford (Frankie Goes to Hollywood), and most members of The Farm, along with actor and comedian Craig Charles.

McLoughlin's talent and aggressive riding as a junior and young senior caused excitement in the British cycling press.

He turned professional in 1985 and in his second year came 4th in the Dutch one-day classic, the Amstel Gold Race.

[1] Riding for the ANC Halfords professional team, he won the 1986 Milk Race following a long attack through the hills and valleys of South Wales on the Carmarthen to Cardiff stage.

Despite this early promise his wins were few due to a series of injuries (especially tendinitis) and he was unable to ride the 1987 Tour de France with the ANC team.