Bid plan for 2008 world road race Cycling News round-up

Cycling: News round-up Pat McQuaid and fellow race promoter/organiser Alan Rushdon are working on a bid to stage the 2008 world road race championships in Ireland. The project is in the early planning stage, the two negotiating with Fáilte Ireland and the Government for financial backing. They expect a decision to be made before the end of this year.

Several years ago the two explored the possibility of staging the 2004 world championships in Killarney but were unable to secure the necessary Government backing. An increasing number of promising Irish professionals and progress in cycling's battle against doping mean McQuaid is hoping for more success this time round. He says no decision has been made yet with regards a location, but he confirmed yesterday Killarney was again being considered. Should McQuaid get the green light, his high standing within the UCI - he is tipped to become the next president - and his long history as a race promoter would bode well for Ireland's chances of being awarded the championships.

Meanwhile Cycling Ireland president PJ Nolan will stand down from the position at the a.g.m. tomorrow in Newbridge. Nolan had been due to serve one more year but due to other commitments, he feels he will not be able to give the time required.

CI director Miceal Concannon looks set to take over at the helm. Jack Watson (secretary), Peter Thornton (treasurer), Barbara Connolly and Philip Collins (directors) are also unopposed for those positions.

Cycling Ireland had a mixed year in 2004. Pluses included a number of strong international performances, including Ciarán Power's 13th place in the Olympic road race and downhiller Ben Reid's fourth in the junior world championships. Ireland also moved inside the top 30 nations in the world rankings.

Membership has increased to the highest level since 1992 but, on the downside, CI has expressed concern with the low numbers of youth riders in the sport. The ongoing financial deficit is another big problem.

Following his victory in last weekend's Northern Ireland cyclo-cross league race in Robin Seymour will continue his build up to next month's defence of his national title when he lines out in the second round of the Leinster league in the grounds of UCD on Sunday. The main event begins at 1 p.m.

On the same day, the second round of the Connacht Mountain Bike/Cyclo Cross league will be held in Westport. There will be races for all categories. The first race is at 1 p.m.; for further information, contact 087 2226260.