The racing season was due to begin in earnest this weekend with competitors travelling to venues in Annaclone, Navan and Cork, but these events are now off because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
According to Ciaran McKenna of the ICF, races are likely to be suspended for the next fortnight at least, with further cancellations certain if the crisis lingers. The ICF have also asked competitors not to travel to events abroad.
However, for the moment at least there appears to be no immediate danger to the country's premier event, the FBD Milk Ras. Race organiser Dermot Dignam stated yesterday that he is confident that the eight-day stage race would continue as planned in its May 20th-27th time slot.
As regards those based abroad, Ciaran Power was 34th in last weekend's Haribo Classic, and tomorrow lines out in the Swiss GP Cittc di Chiasso.
On Sunday, fellow professional David McCann begins his season with the CCC Mat team in Switzerland and then goes on to a race in Camaiore, Italy on Tuesday.
The Team Ireland cyclists are equally busy with their French clubs: Tommy Evans and Michael McNena spent the week in a training camp in Italy and are currently racing there, while Brian Kenneally lines out in the French GP De Vence tomorrow followed by the Valrias national event. Morgan Fox competes in Montastruc on Sunday.
As for David O'Loughlin, his last-minute decision not to take his place with the Team Ireland set-up has caused complications, with the Mayo rider experiencing delays in being released by ASPTT Montpellier and thus joining the CC Nogent-sur-Oise team.
The foot-and-mouth crisis has also forced him to cancel an 80mile, point-to-point record attempt in Mayo tomorrow.
Finally, the closing date for the Milk Ras is approaching (March 18th), while applications are also invited for the Beaumont foundation's sponsored cycle across Cuba. Fifteen places are left on the trip, which takes place from November 22nd until December 1st.
Further details and application forms can be obtained by contacting event administrator Paula Chapman at (01) 8092161 or paula.chapman@beaumont.ie. Alternatively, go to the Foundation's website at www.cuwhen.com.
Spaniard David Etxebarria won a sprint for the line to take the third stage of the Tour of Valencia, a 149.5km run between Denia and Benidorm yesterday. He outsprinted compatriot Aitor Gonzalez and Dutch ace Erik Dekker.
Dutch rider Michael Boogerd of the Rabobank team, who won Tuesday's first stage, holds the overall leader's yellow jersey.
