CYCLING: Spanish-based Irish cyclist Dermot Nally yesterday reaped the rewards of several years' effort when he signed a professional contract to race with the Paternina-Costa Almerica team.
The Valencia resident had a number of strong rides on the Italian circuit this season, impressing the team sufficiently to be awarded a two-year contract. He will begin racing in their colours early next year.
The news ends Nally's fears that he would have to remain amateur in 2003. The deal is more significant given that Spanish cycling is in a recession and a number of established professionals are without teams for next year. "This is a dream come true for me," Nally said yesterday. "Being a pro cyclist has been what I wanted most for a long, long time."
The organiser of the FBD Milk Rás has confirmed the race will again enjoy the backing of FBD Insurances and the National Dairy Council in 2003, making it their 20th and 21st year respectively as the sponsors of the national tour. According to race organiser Dermot Dignam, a number of professional, national and amateur teams from abroad have already requested places in next year's race, which will run from May 18th-25th.
Cycling Ireland have expressed their satisfaction with the a.g.m. held last Saturday in Dublin. Outgoing board members Jack Watson (secretary), Peter Thornton (treasurer) and Ciarán McKenna (director) were re-elected to their positions, while the delegates present were cheered by the news that CI's large deficit of 2001 is expected to be cleared by the end of the present year.
A further boost was the announcement that the governing body has received a €180,000 grant from the Sports Council, which will be used to fund the purchase of high performance equipment over the coming months.
Finally, difficulties in securing permission to use Phoenix Park have led to a change in the date and location of the national cyclo-cross championships. The event will take place on December 7th, in the grounds of Wicklow's Powerscourt Waterfall.
CYCLING IRELAND CHAMPION'S NIGHT AWARDS: Best cyclist: Mark Scanlon; club: Usher IRC; event: MTB downhill championships; volunteer: Kay Howard; lifetime award: Mike Casburn.
FIXTURES: Sunday: National cyclo-cross league round six, Knockreer Estate, Killarney National Park. Racing starts at noon.
