TO have four Irish cyclists qualified for the Olympics has to be regarded as satisfactory but the failure of the five men in the world amateur road race championship in Colombia to qualify is disappointing. The road event in Atlanta is now open to professionals.

It is ironic, however, that two of the places earned are on the track, a branch of the sport practically ignored by the top Irish officials in recent years, and the others are in the new event of the Olympic programme, the mountain bike race.

As there is not a proper track here Philip Collins had to make several trips to Manchester to prepare for the Bogota assignment but his commitment to the task paid off and he was one of the 20 qualifiers for the 4,000 metres pursuit in Atlanta.

After missing out in the kilometre time trial the American based professional Declan Lonergan got into the 24 to contest the points race.

Only 25 teams of two will be in the mountain bike event and Martin Earley qualified with Alastair Martin in the world championship in Germany.

In each instance it is the country that qualifies, not the rider, but, barring injury or illness Collins and Lonergan are assured of their places in the Olympic line up.

The same applies to Earley but Martin will have opposition from Robin Seymour for the other berth on the mountain bike starting grid in Atlanta.

That will be resolved after the early season World Cup events.

The dismal performance of the road race team in Colombia it only needed one of them to finish in the top 70 led to the FIC requesting the resignation of the national team director Alasdair MacLennan.

The Scot, who has another year of his contract to run, refused to comply and he said last week that any differences between himself and the FIC have been resolved and he will be continuing in his role.

After spending Christmas at home in Waterford Lonergan will be back racing in California next month and will continue to compete on the American road circuit until he switches to the final phase of his preparation on the tracks there.

Collins will, as usual, be taking part in the road events on the local scene until it is time to concentrate on whatever track competition he can get, with Manchester the most likely venue.

Earley, who is based in Stoke, will also be racing on the road in Britain whenever he can avail of opportunities but he is primarily a member of the Raleigh mountain bike team.

Earley was a member of the Irish team in the road race at Los Angeles in 1984 when he was best finisher in 19th place Paul Kimmage was 27th, Gary Thomson 39th and Seam us Downey 43rd.

Lonergan was a surprise omission from the road team for the last Olympics after he had finished third in the FBD Milk Ras in 1990 and second the following year.

He then went to America and returned to win the Ras in 1994 but has now, surprisingly, qualified to take part in the Olympics.