One week after the Linda McCartney team disbanded, Ciaran Power and Mark Scanlon remain in limbo with regard to their plans for this season. While their agent Frank Quinn is chasing replacement contracts for the two Irish cyclists, time is running out.
Both are promising talents, as evidenced by Power's Tour of Italy placings and Scanlon's 1998 world title, but with the continental season fast approaching most teams have finalised their 2001 line-up.
It is, said Quinn, simply a matter of waiting and hoping. "All the faxes have gone out. I have talked to a few team managers but there has been nothing yet.
"We just have to hope that slots become available otherwise, the guys will have to race as amateurs for this year."
Power is under the greater pressure. Aged 24 and due to get married next autumn, realistically speaking, a contract must be secured either this year or next.
Scanlon, however, has time on his side. Combine his 20 years with his world junior title and it is clear his long-term prospects are better.
Meanwhile, the prospects of Ireland's top amateurs have received a boost with last week's confirmation of an increase in Sports Council funding.
The increase from £143,243 to £206,700 guarantees the Irish Cycling Federation can pursue its three biggest projects for this season - the Team Ireland initiative in France, the late spring appointment of a Chief Executive and a development officer. Under the Team Ireland scheme, the sextet of Brian Kenneally, Tommy Evans, David O'Loughlin, Morgan Fox, Michael McNena and Stephen O'Sullivan leave for Marseilles on February 15th. They will start racing with their French teams shortly afterwards.
DIARY: ICF level one coaching courses: Park Hotel, Mallow, February 9-11th; Emmaus Conference Centre, Swords, February 16-18th. Contact ICF at 01 8551522 for details.
