Fifteen days to go, and all indications point towards a particularly eventful a.g.m. for Irish cycling. After over two months of stalemate between ICF president Mick Lawless and the federation's board, who cast a vote of no confidence in him at the end of August, both sides finally came together for a board meeting last Saturday.

It was, according to PRO Ciaran McKenna, an unproductive sitting. Stating that Lawless and the board "remain at loggerheads over certain issues," McKenna says that little was achieved on the day due to the ongoing poor relations. "There is much to be done at the moment. Membership is down 15 per cent on last year and this has to be addressed, while the strategy document to be presented to the Sports Council has been delayed by the events of the past couple of months."

While McKenna is one of the seven board members who backed the no-confidence motion in Lawless, he readily admits that at this stage it is up to the ICF members to judge who is right and wrong. "What is certain is that the current situation cannot continue," he says. "Probably the best solution is for the board members, and Mick, to stand up at the a.g.m. and to state their case to those attending, who in turn can decide who is best serving Irish cycling."

Lawless himself is not due for reelection until next year, but readily admits that the current situation is not a satisfactory one. "These issues stem from problems I inherited when I became president. It is important that there is a high turn-out at the a.g.m. and that everyone hears the full story. "

Away from matters political, the theme of uncertainty continues for a number of riders who remain unsure as to their destination for next year. Despite earlier hopes that several Irish cyclists would secure a place in the professional ranks for 2001, only Ciaran Power and Mark Scanlon have, to date, found contracts abroad. Brian Kenneally's trial with the Linda McCartney team ultimately proved fruitless, while Morgan Fox's place with Tonissteiner looks increasingly unlikely after a re-occurrence of glandular fever ruined his debut season. Both David O'Loughlin and David McCann continue to look for contracts.