While Ciaran Power continues to impress in the Tour Down Under, the Irish Cycling Federation yesterday announced details of a revolutionary initiative to promote the professional ambitions of Irish cyclists. From February of this year, six elite riders will be based in the Marseilles region of France, spread between the VC La Pomme, AVC Aix and VC Martigues clubs and supported by the ICF.
The squad, to be known as Team Ireland, comprises some of the country's best amateurs. Brian Kenneally, Stephen O'Sullivan, Tommy Evans, Micheal McNena, David O'Loughlin and former professional Morgan Fox have all committed themselves to the project. Indeed O'Loughlin has decided to forgo his place with the UVCA Troyes in favour of the federation's initiative.
According to ICF president PJ Nolan, the scheme, which has evolved through collaboration with the Sports Council and the NCTC, will ensure that the riders deliver on their potential: "It places the best Irish guys abroad with good clubs and good racing, but by supporting them financially we have control over their development and ensure that they will be available for international teams. While the goal is to bring them on as cyclists, their participation requires that they sign a good behaviour clause; to improve, but to do so while racing clean."
Nolan was keen to stress that places on international teams are not limited to the six riders and that any cyclist who proves his worth will be considered. Although the ICF expects that the initiative will cost in the region of £25,000 per year, they expect that some of this will be offset by travel costs previously incurred in sending riders to races abroad. The federation is also hoping for support from the Sports Council under the soon-to-be announced annual grants scheme.
On the domestic front, the ICF president has confirmed that due to practical constraints, a return of third-category racing will not be in place by the beginning of the season. He is hopeful, however, that a league of novice racing may be staged later this year. This and other matters will be discussed at the informal ICF meeting at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Sunday.
Also on the programme is a 70-mile training spin for those aiming to get on national teams, a 30-mile ride for leisure cyclists, and the prize presentation for last year's championship races.
