Name trouble

The Irish Cycling Federation has called an e.g.m. for mid January after last Saturday's congress in Portumna was suspended midway through proceedings.

The decision to halt the meeting after the officers' reports was made after the board informed delegates of their discovery that the 1998 name change from the Federation of Irish Cyclists had never been officially lodged with the Office of the Minister for Trade and Enterprise.

Thus, this prevented the re-launching of the body under the title of Cycling Ireland.

The name change - which was proposed by the ICF as a more user-friendly and marketable title - will now come up for approval in January, as will the official adoption of their new strategy document and the ratification of next year's board.

The current officials will remain in place until then.

One of the biggest headaches facing the governing body is the ongoing cash deficit, which is likely to reach £26,400 by the end of the year. This, and the large increase in insurance costs for 2002 will result in increased membership charges next season.

However, the introduction of the new "Pedal for Points" scheme will soften the blow somewhat, with members qualifying for discounts from a number of companies.

Meanwhile, Usher IRC rider Tim Cassidy was named Cyclist of the Year at the federation's prizegiving ceremony.

Cassidy has enjoyed an impressive season, taking 19 victories and sprinting home an excellent 15th in the Junior world championships in Lisbon.

Lifetime awards were given to Paddy Sullivan (Eagle CC), Wallace McNaul (Team Route) and Debbie Kane (Northern CC), with Hugh Kelly and Killorglin Credit Union CC also honoured in the Volunteer of the Year and Best Club categories.