It has, in one sense, been a good year for Irish cycling. Political squabbles and dwindling numbers dominated headlines towards the end of the season, but in terms of international results 2000 was an encouraging time.

The year began on a high note with the return of Irish riders to the professional peloton after a long absence. Two cyclists made their debuts, with Ciaran Power riding well in races such as the Tour of Langkawi and the Tirreno Adriatico where he finished a fine 11th on the final stage.

Power then went on to scale greater heights when he became the first Irishman to finish a Grand Tour in seven years, completing the three week Giro d'Italia and sprinting home fifth and sixth on stages.

It was, however, a more difficult season for fellow professional Morgan Fox. The 25-year-old showed he was coming into good form in late spring with solid rides in the Tours of Asturias and Japan, but a reoccurrence of glandular fever scuppered both his Olympic ambitions and chances of retaining his contract for 2001.

Happily, the year brought better fortunes for mountain bike rider Robin Seymour, who placed 28th in the Olympics, 34th in the world championships and took his seventh consecutive mountain bike and tenth straight cyclo-cross national titles.

Of the other elite riders, David McCann and Mark Scanlon were the most impressive, returning to top form and securing professional contracts in the process. McCann had an outstanding year: best amateur in France, Irish national road race champion, second place in the Manx international and a fine 43rd in the Olympics.

Fixtures

Sunday: John Sweeney Memorial race. Starting at 10.30 at Kepak, Clonee. Omagh Wheelers 10 mile time-trial. Starting on the Dromore Road, Omagh at 1p.m. Open to all age groups.