CYCLING:THE 2008 US Olympic cycling coach Andy Sparks has given a big vote of confidence to Ireland's Martyn Irvine, one of the riders he guides, saying he believes the 26-year-old has made serious progress in the sport and that Olympic qualification is possible.
With three points-gaining events left, Irvine is sitting only slightly adrift of qualification. He competes in the omnium discipline, a collection of multiple events much like the decathlon in athletics, and has stepped up a level this season.
“Martyn has shown constant improvement,” said Sparks. “Here is a guy who had never raced bunch races at a world-level before and is now racing in a field completely comprised of Olympians, Olympic champions, World champions and World Cup winners. Martyn was the least experienced by far and was discouraged last year . . . but he has fought and fought.
“The results this year speak for themselves: fifth place at the European Championships and fifth place at the Cali World Cup. With these results alone he has almost qualified his spot for London. This makes me very proud as Martyn and I started this journey over a year and a half ago and to say that we have worked hard would be a massive understatement.”
Irvine would already be in a qualifying position had he not been controversially disqualified from the Astana World Cup in November.
He pulled out too late out from the elimination race and the UCI commissaires put him out of the overall competition. The judgment was harsh and commissaires ignored a more serious breach of the rule by a Colombian rider at this month’s Colombian round of the World Cup. That rider went on to win the competition.
Sparks believes Irvine will secure his place in London 2012. “I said it last year and I still firmly believe it: Martyn Irvine is one of the most naturally talented bike riders in the world. He is now on the cusp of qualifying and we have three more opportunities to make it to the Olympics.”
Meanwhile domestic riders are finalising their preparation for the national cyclo cross championships, which will be held in St Anne’s Park in Raheny on Saturday week.
The organisers have indicated that entry is by registration only. Entry fees (no cash) can be posted to Robin Seymour, Sugarloaf Farm, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow, or register online on irishcx.com.
Seymour is the defending champion, having taken a staggering 17th title last January.
