CYCLING HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME:CYCLING IRELAND has announced it is conducting a review of its high performance process and under the reshuffling, will be appointing a new HP manager in the near future.
A communiqué issued this week by the federation indicates that Frank Campbell will not continue in his current position, and that CI, the Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland will oversee the appointment of a new person to that role.
"The existing programme has brought success on European and world stages for squad members," stated CI in the release. "These successes are due in no small way to the enormous effort of the high performance team working under performance director, Frank Campbell. The legacy that Frank leaves behind will be the platform that the new structure builds upon."
According to CI, the new appointee will fulfil "a leadership and administrative function to ensure the smooth operation of the high performance plan".
The high performance programme was faulted in recent weeks by two of Ireland's most experienced riders, David McCann and Ciarán Power. They were dissatisfied with their non-selection to events, with Power also faulting CI on other grounds. It is unknown if either of these two instances prompted the change at the top. Cycling Ireland defended itself last week, but it was clear that there was at least a communication problem between elements of the federation and some of its top performers.
CI has said that under the review, a bigger emphasis will be put on track events rather than road and MTB because of the greater number of Olympic medals up for grabs there.
In related news, Orla Hendron will move from working with the women's commission to sitting on CI's board. She will replace Seán Herlihy, who resigned at the last board meeting on September 29th. Her appointment will need to be ratified at the CI agm.
Finally, the untimely passing of Davy McCall has prompted the establishment of a cycling foundation in his name. The 46-year-old was tragically killed in an accident during a road race in August. McCall clocked up 32 Irish and Ulster championship road medals over an 18-year period and was also heavily involved in coaching. Donations may be sent to David McCall Cycling Foundation, c/o 5 Kenilworth Drive, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 3UQ.
WEEKEND FIXTURES:Saturday: Cyclo cross open, Larne, Co Antrim (contact Danny, 0044 7969738893; Youth commission agm, Cregan Court Hotel, Athlone, starts 2pm. Monday: Cycling Connacht agm, Baltimore Inn, Claremorris, starts 8pm. Tuesday: Track Commission agm, West County Hotel, Dublin, starts 8pm.
