Cycling ColumnThe prospects for the future of Irish cycling are continuing to improve with the news that the Giant Asia professional team are to be co-sponsored by a Northern Ireland company next season. Jamijo Overseas Property Agents have signed a deal to back the Taiwan-based squad, a move which is likely to lead to increased participation in European events in 2006.

Irish riders David McCann and Paul Griffin raced successfully with Giant Asia this year and have extended their contracts for one and two years respectively. They will be joined by former Flanders rider Stephen Gallagher who, like McCann, is part of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games team for Melbourne.

Jamijo's backing also has a Northern Ireland connection as the company is based in Armagh. It is owned by investment adviser Philip Orr, a former rugby player who became interested in cycling several years ago.

"I have always believed in supporting local sport," he stated at the press launch yesterday. "When I realised that there are a number of Irish cyclists competing on the professional circuit, I felt that it was a cause worth backing."

The Giant Asia team will be targeting races such as the Tour of Siam, the Tour of Langkawi, the Tour of Thailand and the Tour of Taiwan early in 2006. The new sponsorship deal is expected to lead to an expanded international programme, with participation in European events planned for later in the season.

Jamijo are also considering establishing a cycling base in Carcassone in France, which would cater for professional teams, national squads and other riders.

"I think this is a very positive development for the sport here," said Stephen Gallagher yesterday. "Jamijo's backing is the first major Irish investment in international cycling and hopefully it will encourage other companies to also get involved. It is a big boost for Irish riders, and so is very welcome."

Yesterday's news is the latest in a stream of positive stories for Irish cycling. The country will have a number of professionals in 2006, including three riders in the top-level ProTour division. Former world number one Seán Kelly is backing the establishment of a continental racing team to be based in Belgium, in whose colours 10 Irish riders will compete in 2006. And in September, Pat McQuaid was elected to the position of president of the UCI, cycling's world governing body.

The sport may not yet have regained the heights of the Kelly-Roche era, but all pointers are that the future is looking increasingly promising.