THE FIC president, Pat McQuaid, has arranged an important meeting in Athlone tomorrow which should be of great benefit to Irish cycling over the next few years.

The 10 members of the FIC Board meet in the Hodson Bay Hotel for a workshop with the officials of the six regional committees invited.

Early in the year McQuaid and the secretary, Jack Watson, visited the regions and it was agreed to have this meeting at the end of the season before the annual general meeting.

A varied agenda is planned, starting at 10 o clock with a five minute address by McQuaid followed by 10 minutes of discussion. There will be similar presentations by Watson and other top officials, with discussions up to lunchtime.

McQuaid said: "I hope this talking shop will produce some good ideas as to the future structure, direction and working methods of the FIC and that it will motivate the regions into taking a positive approach to the autumn and into next season and beyond. We must look at ourselves how we do things, how we are structured and how can we improve. How we can gear up if the Tour de France comes in order to maximise from it.

There are six different categories on the agenda with the board members split up to chair the discussions with McQuaid and Karen Madden at the head of the list for the number one item FIC structure to 2,000 and beyond.

Listed at number two is FIC finances and financial structure: then there is Underage and get in gear Mountain bike, leisure and touring Development and calendar Coaching and sporting.

A good attendance is expected of those committed to the development of the sport into the next century and McQuaid is seeking "plenty of positive contributions.

. MAD have a programme of mountain bike races for all grades in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, 12.0.