Cycling: Cycling Ireland will hold its agm tomorrow, the election of several new board members just one item on a busy agenda.
Eight people are seeking votes. Jack Watson and Cathy Mansfield are going for the post of honorary secretary currently held by Watson.
Outgoing honorary treasurer Rory Wyley has been nominated to run again in that particular role, as has Peter Thornton.
Seán Herlihy, Eddie Keogh, Paddy O'Callaghan and Geoff Seymour have been put forward for positions on the board.
Michael Concannon will remain as president; he has a year remaining of his two-year term.
The year 2006 saw some good developments for the federation, though the annual reports will highlight areas in need of attention. On the plus side, the overall number taking out licences grew, CI's finances improved considerably, and the establishment of the Seán Kelly-ACLVB M Donnelly and Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group continental teams was an important step forward. Both squads will help young Irish riders hoping to land ProTour contracts in the years ahead.
Established internationals including David McCann and Nicolas Roche recorded important results in 2006, and there were strong performances in mountain-bike, track and women's racing.
Underage and junior racing are, however, of urgent concern, as the low numbers do not bode well for the development of the sport in Ireland.
Underage commission chairman Mickey McKenna has called on clubs countrywide to make an effort to recruit youngsters and increase the number of races for such riders.
A welcome boost for the sport comes via funding from the Irish Sports Council, which has enabled CI to seek the appointment of a performance director.
A separate grant from the Sports Council of Northern Ireland will enable the federation to simultaneously appoint a coaching and performance development director, the positions to be finalised this month.
Both individuals should assist considerably in ensuring riders have the best possible support structures.
The agm will take place from 11am in the Tara Towers Hotel on Merrion Road, Dublin. It will be followed by the Champions' Night dinner and awards, which will see riders and officials honoured for their efforts in 2006.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday: CC Ulster cyclo-cross league, round 2. Lurgan Park, starts noon; Cycling Ireland AGM, Tara Towers Hotel, Merrion Road, Dublin, 11am (champions' night dinner and awards from 6.30pm).
Sunday: Tour of Meath leisure cycle, Balreask Arms, Navan, 11am.
