Seymour set to continue winning sequence

One of the most remarkable winning sequences in Irish sport comes under the spotlight again this weekend when Robin Seymour seeks to take his 11th successive national title in the cyclo-cross event.

Seymour, who has also taken eight consecutive MTB cross country championships and one downhill gold, was in dominant form last weekend when he won races in Kilcullen and the Phoenix Park.

National league winner Don Travers, who was runner-up to Seymour in last year's championships, is likely to prove strongest of the other contenders.

However his two-and-a-half minute deficit last Sunday in the Dublin event suggests it would take a puncture or a similar mishap to deny Seymour gold tomorrow in Lurgan.

In the women's race, Tarja Owens is a clear favourite but she will hoping for a decent turnout; she was first across the line last year but due to a lack of other female entrants, her victory was not recognized with a national title.

This remains a problem for the sport as, while the number of women in road races has started to grow, the off-road contingent is in urgent need of a boost.

To her credit, the Delgany rider is seeking to address this issue and will run an introductory mountain-biking day in January. This non-competitive spin is aimed at beginners and newcomers, with Owens stressing that all levels will be catered for. She can be contacted by email at mail@tarjaowens.com.

Meanwhile, the ICF are organising an open meeting this Sunday at the Hudson Bay Hotel in Athlone to look at another area in urgent need of development, namely underage cycling.

Starting at 11 a.m., the morning session will consist of an open forum where parents, coaches and club officials are invited to voice their opinions on the future of the sport, while elections for positions on the new underage commission will take place later in the day.

ICF chief executive Eamon Duffy is urging a good turnout. "This is without doubt the most important commission to date. It is not alarmist to say the future of our sport will depend on the successful implementation of our new four-year underage strategy plan, which in turn will be driven by the Underage Commission."

Finally, due to fears of traffic congestion, next Sunday's Christmas Hamper race will move from its traditional venue of Carrick-on-Suir to the nearby village of Mothel. More information is available from Vincent Kelly on 086 2575805.

Fixtures: Saturday 8th December - National cyclo-cross championships, Lurgan Park, Co Armagh. Race starts 12 noon, mountain bike event beforehand. Contact Miles McCorry at 048 38348627 for details.

Sunday 9th December: ICF underage commission open meeting, Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone. Starts 11 a.m. All welcome.