TWO stalwarts of the Federation of Irish Cyclists (FIC), Paddy O'Callaghan and Karen Madden, are not seeking re election to the board of 10 who govern the sport at the annual general meeting in Malahide tomorrow. They will be replaced as treasurer and publicity officer by Peter Thornton and Conor Lally.

O'Callaghan, the treasurer for seven years, has decided it was time to stand down. He was nominated for the PRO position, but is not going forward against Lally.

Madden was initially secretary for four years. Then, after a year out, she was elected publicity officer two years ago. She feels it's time for another break, although she is continuing as secretary of the Mid Eastern Region.

Thornton, the Southern Region treasurer, will take over the responsibilities of the FIC finances following a year in which income totalled £299,264 and the expenditure was £325,557.

Affiliation and licence fees are set for an increase next year when the proposed income and expenditure budgets are £211,850.

The meeting gets under way at 10.30, with the address from the president, Pat McQuaid. The only ballot will be for the position as chairman of the under age committee. Pierce Butler has opposition from Richie Beatty.

Jack Watson has no challenger as secretary, and Frankie Campbell is unopposed as chairman of the sporting committee. Other members of the board, in addition to McQuaid, who are entitled to stay in for another year are Dermot Dignam, Tommy Campbell and Paddy Griffin. Eamonn Lawlor was co opted to fill the vacancy as chairman of the mountain bike committee at the last FIC meeting a fortnight ago.

One of the motions on the list is from the FIC board calling for the abolition of the third category senior racing licence, leaving just A and B. And it is also proposed to eliminate two of the regions and have just one in each province. The business on the agenda will be completed tomorrow, so it will not be the usual, two day session.

The annual dinner and prize presentation is on tomorrow night and there will be a special presentation to Martin Earley following the announcement of his retirement from competition.

Meanwhile, David McCann is joining a club in Brittany next year. After negotiations between Frank Quinn and Bruno Roussel, manager of the Festina team, a place has been secured for the 23 year old Belfastman at Pontivy, which is a Festina nursery. If he does well there he could get into the elite Festina squad.