CYCLING:THE TEAMS of three of Ireland's top four riders have secured UCI ProTeam places for 2012, handing the squads automatic qualification for races such as the Tour de France.
Earlier this week the UCI announced the Ag2r La Mondiale squad of Nicolas Roche and Matt Brammeier’s Omega Pharma–Quick Step team had met the requirements for ProTeam licences. They thus joined Dan Martin’s Garmin-Cervélo squad, which had been given one on November 2nd.
The Irish trio will be in the running to ride some of the top races in the sport. Both Martin and Brammeier are yet to make their debuts in the Tour, but will hope to do so next season.
Ireland’s other top rider, Philip Deignan, signed a contract in recent weeks with the United Healthcare team. While it did not apply for a 2012 ProTeam licence and will thus need to secure invites to the biggest events, the Donegal rider will be one of the leaders of the squad. He had little personal opportunity this year on the RadioShack team, but will have far more chances next season to show what he can do.
In other news, the general manager of the An Post Grant Thornton M Donnelly Sean Kelly team has spoken about the future of the team. Kurt Bogaerts said he still had the long-term aim of securing a Pro Continental licence for the squad, but that if the necessary funding was in place to acquire the upgrade, that he would hope to also retain a young Continental team to help Irish riders develop.
“The current set-up is really good for the young guys, and so we’d need to make sure that things were done in the best way if we went Pro Continental.”
The Irish-sponsored, Belgium-based team yesterday announced the signing of three British riders; Mark McNally will return after a deal with the Europcar team fell through, while former Saxo Bank SunGard pro Jonny Bellis and 20 -year-old Jon Mould are joining.
Bellis is still trying to regain top form after sustaining head injuries in a September, 2009 motorbike crash. The team has confirmed that Irish rider Philip Lavery is leaving. His 2012 team has not yet been announced.
Fixtures: Tomorrow: Pedal Fever 2011 cycling conference, Helix (DCU), Dublin. Sunday: Ulster Cyclo Cross round six, Kilbroney, Rostrevor; sign on at 9.30am; Connacht MTB League, Rd 4, Moore
Hall Wood, Carnacon, Co Mayo.
Racing starts 11am.
