CYCLING: The drive to increase the number of high-level coaches in Irish cycling has moved forward with the National Coaching and Training Centre agreeing a procedure for the assimilation of experienced coaches and athletes from this year onwards.
Coaching has been recognised by Cycling Ireland as a vital element in the mechanism for the development of the sport, and it is hoped the progress in this area will act as a catalyst for the future success for Irish riders.
In order to assist coaches to move towards these level two and three grades, Cycling Ireland has announced it will run a number of level-one courses in the next two months.
Cycling Ulster will hold such a course in Craigavon on January 18th-19th, with the Munster Cycling Federation hosting one in Mallow from February 7th-9th. The Connacht Cycling Federation will also run a level-one course, spanning five weekday evenings in February and March.
Paddy Doran will act as lead tutor for these free sessions. Further details on the Cycling Ireland-organised courses can be obtained by ringing their offices at 01-8551522, while the regional federations should be contacted directly.
In May 2003 a group of volunteers will travel to Cappadocia in central Turkey on a nine-day cycling trip with the specific aim of raising funds for children and adults with physical disabilities.
The organisers, Enable Ireland, are seeking volunteers for the tour, which will see the participants travel through valleys and canyons of volcanic rock and take in the area's unique scenery during this mainly off-road trip.
All those taking part will be entered into a draw for a Falcon mountain bike and one of five Speakeasy mobile phones. For further information and an application form, contact Enable Ireland at 1-800-204-304 or e-mail pdaly@enableireland.ie.
