The careers of two of Ireland's brightest cycling hopes hung in the balance last night as crisis talks continued between the Linda McCartney cycling team and its sponsors. The 19-man squad, which numbers Ciaran Power and 1998 junior world champion Mark Scanlon amongst its ranks, was rocked by the news yesterday that the Linda McCartney food company and Jacob's Creek may not back the team this year.
The crisis could spell the end for the British squad, which was founded by Julian Clarke three-years-ago with the goal of eventually competing in the Tour de France.
A despondent Power and Scanlon are due back in Ireland today. "We don't actually know what is the full situation," said press officer, John Deering.
"Some riders were owed cheques from last Autumn, but the general manager Julian Clarke had assured us that everything would be sorted out. Then we found out that there may not even be a team this year. We don't know if there will be a restructuring of the team, or if it will continue at all."
Both Power and Scanlon have one-year contracts with the sterling £2 million squad for 2001. The news is a bitter blow to the two Irish riders, who along with CCC Mat rider David McCann represent Irish professionals in the peloton. The 24year-old Power made his professional debut with the squad 12 months ago.
