Cycling News: The prospects for Irish cycling took another big step forward yesterday with the launch of Ireland's second continental-level cycling squad, Team Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group.

The team will comprise 14 Irish riders and, while it will be primarily based in Ireland, will spend time in Belgium and also compete in world-ranked races in Europe, Canada, South Africa and Asia.

Former Irish road-race champion and Belgian-based professional Morgan Fox will act as captain for the squad, sharing his considerable experience with the other riders and also striving to get back to his top form.

He will be joined by established international and domestic riders such as Conor Murphy, Paul Healion, former Rás winner Andrew Roche, John O'Shea, John Dempsey, Adrian Heddermann, Philip Finegan, Simon Kelly and John Wall.

Promising young riders Mark Nestor, Barry Nolan, Derek Burke and Urban Monks complete the squad and will be its hope for the longer-term future.

"This is second to none in terms of the development of Irish cycling in terms of the last 10 or 15 years," said Fox.

"When I got my pro contract I had to go to Belgium and do it the hard way; the riders will still need to ride the big races and make their mark, but the difference is now that they will have a big support network that wasn't there before. That should help a lot."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was guest of honour at the launch and while his experience is in another sport, he said he was impressed by the set-up of the squad.

"It is great to see young professional sportsmen working within a well-organised, structured environment that will get the most out of them," he stated.

"The Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group team is a great boost to Irish cycling and to all these young riders."

The launch comes five weeks after the unveiling of the Seán Kelly Racing Team, another continental-level squad which will line out in world ranked races in 2006 and beyond.

This marks the first time Ireland has had teams of this standard, greatly increasing the chances of future success on a world level.