December 2001 |
|
ORWELL WHEELERS CHRISTMAS HAMPER RACE: (Dec 23 Clonee) 1, Simon Whelan (Swords CC); 2, A. Engermann (St. Tiernans); 3, S. Baker (Usher IRC); 4, J. Lally (Swords CC); 5, M. Maguire (BH); 6, P. Finnegan (Cycleways) KELLY WINS CHRISTMAS HAMPER RACE: (By Shane Stokes Dec 16) Former top professional Sean Kelly had a return to winning ways today when he took the keenly disputed Christmas Hamper race based near Carrick on Suir. <Read More Here> Teams Looking for Riders: <If Interested Click Here>
Paddy Sullivan in Hospital: (Dec 14) Everyone reading this site knows or has heard of Paddy Sullivan. Paddy has been involved in cycling for over 40 years. He was one of those who started separate races for Juniors. I remember when he ran the Summer League from the Ashtown Tin Box, he would cycle up on his Mercian run the race and then cycle home. He took many of you away on teams. Paddy was involved in the running of the Old Tours of Ireland and also The Junior Tour. Before the world of Computers he provided us all with our licences. He was to be seen at all the Park Gallops shouting at you all to sign on and would then disappear to Cabra Gate to marshal without seeing one lap of the event. Cycling was his life. Four months ago Paddy had a bad stroke and is in St. Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park, unfortunately he will remain there in Unit A. He made many friends throughout his time in cycling and a Christmas Card or even a Visit from some of you would not go astray. He may not recognise you at first, but with a little chat about old times things come back to him. Remember without the Paddy Sullivans of this life we could not run our sport the way we do. Paddy's address is : Paddy Sullivan, Unit A, St Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Or if you prefer send him an e-mail to paddysullivan@irishcycling.com and it will be forwarded onto him - Happy christmas to you all. Alice Sherratt.
The Hibernian NCBI rider, who last won the race back in 1994, was part of a group of veteran competitors who started off 5 minutes ahead of the scratch group of first-category riders. Over the 30 mile race, based around the village of Mothel, this latter group managed to reduce this advantage all the way to the finish. However, with the chase somewhat disorganised and the now-veteran Phil Cassidy powering Kelly's group along, they crucially retained two minutes of their lead, paving the way for a five-rider sprint. In the final 200 metres, Kelly unleashed
his famous burst of speed to outsprint Omagh’s Mick
Gannon and Cassidy, thus adding to his long list of wins
in the event. Paudi O'Brien was the first of the junior
riders, with Willy Ormonde taking the unplaced veterans
prize and Kathleen O'Hara first of the female
competitors.
McCann, who raced professional with the CCC-Mat teaam last season has almost completed negotiations to sign with a new Polish Pro. Team: Ceresit Hankel. Ceresit were a minor sponsor of the CCC-Mat team but will provide the main backing to this new Division II team. Also there were the Sports Council's David Seaton (MBE), Dundonald Physiotherapy's Mike Jones & his Hi Power conditioning coach to outline his strategy for medal success. "I'm not doing too many miles, as I'm just getting back in training after a much needed rest. I'm very pleased to have the use of a top quality facility like the Hi power club, which I'll use as my home training base between events." Manager Karen Mornin added "Its great that David has chosen to train with us and we were only too happy to sponsor him. David said: Racing from February to November breaks down a lot of muscle tissue, so initially I'm focusing on building my strength here in the gym. It's also a great way to burn off a few extra calories in the weeks up to Christmas! After that I'll be on a strict maximuscle diet plan." Praising the support of the Lottery Sports Fund which he said was "invaluable" in enabling him to make it into the Pro ranks. The Irish Champion presented David Seaton with one of his leaders jerseys from this years Tour of Hokkaido, as a token of thanks. "Lottery funding will allow me to do the best training possible, travel to the best races as preparation for Manchester, have the best injury care and compete with the best equipment. Past funding has definitely made me a stronger rider." "The travel involved in top level cycling is staggering. This year I've spent over 4 weeks in total on aeroplanes and in airports racing from Egypt to Okinawa and Australia. It's very tiring." He also thanked his physio Mike Jones for getting him back in the saddle after struggling for 2 years with a knee injury which almost put him out of sport for good. He then outlined his games strategy. Winter strength conditioning followed by a January training camp in Majorca with up to 8 hours a day on the bike. "I'll take a bit of a rest after that before launching back into the professional race season." His motivation? "Well, my brother Cormac won NI's last Commonwealth road cycling medal with the Team Time trial Bronze in 1986, so I have to go one better! Cormac's advice has been a great help over the years. He's helped me stay focused during difficult periods." Cormac said of his brother's chances, "Well, David was 6th in his first Commonwealths, at 21. But for his knee injury, he would have been right up there in Malaysia. Next year, he'll be coming to the Commonwealths as a 29 year old Professional, Triple Irish Champion, with 2 good Olympic Games performances behind him. I know who my money will be on." 2
More Rás Riders Turn Pro:
(By Gerard Cromwell Dec 11) Two more of the German
Telekom team that rode this year's FBD Milk Ras have
turned professional with the Telekom team for 2002. Also an interesting signing is that of Bobby Julich, who will join his fellow American Kevin Livingston in the Telekom team's efforts to oust compatriot Lance armstrong from his stramglehold on the Tour De France. SEYMOUR STORMS TO 11th CONSECUTIVE TITLE: (By Shane Stokes Dec 9) As expected, Robin Seymour further extended his remarkable unbeaten record in the national cyclo-cross championships on Saturday when he took his eleventh successive title. Seymour, who has also taken 9 gold medals in mountainbike competition, raced into the lead early in the 9 lap race, with chief rival Don Travers (Banbridge CC) initially staying within 6 seconds. However, this gap started to open on the 4th lap and from there an impressive Seymour drew steadily away. <Read More Here> <See Pictures Here> Malarenergi turn Pro: (By Gerard Cromwell Dec 5) Familiar to irish riders and spectators alike from their frequent and successful visits to the FBD Milk Ras, Swedish team Malarenergi have registered as a 3rd division professional team for 2002. Riders such as Jukka Heinikainen and Niclas Ekstrom and former riders Pelle Kil, Krisroffer Ingleby and Kjell Carlstrom have performed well in the Ras in the past and may well be back next year. The team will have a training camp in Spain in early January before tackling the likes of the Post-Giro Tour of Sweden, Tour of Portugal and possibly the FBD Milk Ras again. MACCA’S BACK: By GERARD CROMWELL, (Dec 01) What a difference a year makes. Just ask David McKenzie. After a year in the wilderness that is third division cycling, Australia’s cyclist of the year 2000 is back in the spotlight again. Only this time around McKenzie is not worrying about how to put into words the emotion of winning a stage in the Giro D’Italia. Instead, he finds himself pondering the longevity of body paint as he poses in his new team ‘skin-suit’ under the glare of the photographers’ lights. The launch of McKenzie’s new team, iteam.Nova.com came a little early for the team’s kit manufacturer, but “no worries” as the Melbourne man might say. Showing true professionalism, ‘Macca’ spent six hours getting his new bright yellow and blue kit painted on for the photo-shoot. <Read More Here> Ravens Inter Club Turkey Race Clonee: (By Johnny Moran Sunday 1st Dec'01) Ken Norgrove of DWCC brought home the bacon, or in this case the turkey, as he lead in a group of 5 men at the end of a fast race, taking in 2 laps of the Culmullin circuit. First time through Batterstown Norgrove and clubmate Andrew Donnellan escaped from a 15 man scratch group to give chase to a group of 11 vets who had been given a 5 minute handicap, a tough gap to pull back in such a short race. On the road across to Batterstown the duo made contact with the front group, after almost a full lap of chasing and immediately split the group in 2. The scratch group were back at 1 minute approaching the hill in Culmullin, and began to eat into the deficit once the race was back on the Summerhill road, where a cross headwind made chasing hard, with a lot of riders preferring to shelter behind rather than poke their nose out into the wind. Into the last few miles and 7 men remained at the front, 25 seconds ahead with the chasers closing rapidly. Andrew Donnellan lead out the sprint and Ken Norgrove just got the verdict ahead of Terry Ferris and Tosh Lavery. The chasing group came up quickly in the last mile but just failed to catch the leaders. 1 Ken Norgrove DWCC 32 miles in 1 hour 16 mins 10 secs 2 Terry Ferris DWCC ST 3 Tosh Lavery Garda Motorway ST 4 Andrew Donnellan DWCC ST 5 Jimmy Lally DWCC ST 6 Seamus Kennedy Navan at 7 secs 7 Shay Weston DWCC ST 8 Derek King Ravens at 9 secs 9 Eugene Murtagh Ravens ST 10 Ciaran Farrell Ravens ST
Cyclo-cross Killcullen Co.Kildare: (Dec 1) Results: 1 Robin Seymour WORC, 2 Aidan McDonald Apollo CC, 3 Myles McGory Apollo CC, 4 Tony Hare Apollo CC, 5 Justin McGee Ravens CC, 6 Fintan McCormack Newbridge Cutlery CC. November 2001
The changes of Articles of Association down for change at the AGM couldn’t go ahead and all business was suspended after the Officers reports. There will be an EGM called in mid January to put the new article of association and name change up for approval and the new incoming board will be ratified after the approval. The existing board will sit until then. The Champions dinner was held later that night with 320 in attendance with new lifetime awards were given to Paddy Sullivan (Eagle CC), Wallace McNaul (Team Route) and Debbie Kane (Northern CC) for their contributing to cycling over the years. Volunteer of the Year went to Hugh Kelly for his work with the underage in Limerick City, Cyclist of the Year went to Tim Cassidy for his 19 wins and 15th in the World Championship, Club of the year went to Killorglin Credit Union Cycling Club for is work with underage development and race organisation. National event of the year went to National MTB Cross Country Championships, in Killruddery organised by Wicklow off road club (WORC), and international event went to the FBD Milk Rás.
Ulster Cycling Federatrion EGM: (By Pat Clarke Nov 22) After just two months from the 2001 Annual General Meeting, there were changes at the top of the Ulster Cycling Federation Executive at the special convened Extra-Ordinary General Meeting. The plush surroundings of the Lisburn Civil Centre was the setting for the largest ever attend General Meeting with upto 75 in attendance. For the Evening, PJ Nolan and Ciaran McKenna, both of the ICF Board took the role of Chairman and minute secretary for the meeting. The pending resignation of Tom Mateer and Ian Whithorn, was confirmed on the night by the two concerned. Additional Harry Armstrong and Noel Gallagher also give notice of the resignations. Nino Braik, who was co-opted onto the Executive in October also resigned. There followed a lengthy debate on several points that was raise by the outgoing Chairman and the council delegates in attendance. The debate lasted for over an hour and was positive at times. Due to shortage of time remaining, it was felt that election should proceed quickly. PJ Nolan requested for nominations and here Frank Campbell was duly elected unopposed for position of chairman. The post of Secretary took a turn after the nomination of Dave McCall, when former Secretary and the current PRO, Pat Clarke was proposed. Due to his position on the Executive, Clarke took the option of resigning from the Executive and to stand for the position of secretary. This resulted in a ballot which Clarke had a majority victory over McCall. With now three Executive positions to be filled, there were four nominations, namely Kenny Dunlop, Barry Monaghan, Dave McCall and Brendan "Bo" Graham. The latter withdrew his nomination and with no others, Dunlop, Monaghan and McCall were duly elected. This then was follow by the debate of the policy of the U.C.F and the debate involved many issues including Commonwealth Games, cycling promotion in Ulster through the forthcoming strategy document. The strategy document is expected to be soon in place and no later than January to meeting the new funding format of both the Sports Council N.I and the Irish Sports Council. With applications already approved for events, cycling will see many top class events in Ulster and Northern Ireland throughout 2002 and with the possibility upto and including 2004 During this section of the meeting, it was seen as positive to see many new faces in cycling giving their views, which was welcome by all in attendance. In a race marred by a lot of punctures, including one to Seymour, league leader Don Travers was trailing Seymour by 15 seconds when he punctured on the second lap and after changing a wheel he rode the rest of the 7-lap race with a rubbing brake block, eventually finishing 6th, but he still has a comfortable lead with one more round to come at Phoenix Park on December 2. (There will also be an extra non-league cyclo-cross at Kilcullen Sorts Centre, Co. Kildare on Saturday December 1 giving a full weekend of racing a week before the Irish championship at Lurgan on December 8). The limit group were in receipt of 6 minutes from the scratchmen and Phillip Jennings (Banbridge CC) made the most of his advantage staying out in front until near the end of the fifth lap when he was caught and passed by Seymour but the Banbridge rider held on gamely to finish 5th. Cyclo-cross League, round 5, Newry: 1, Robin Seymour (WORC) 56.10; 2, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 1.50; 3, R. Lamont (XMTB) at 2.20; 4, A. McDonald (Apollo CT) at 3.35; 5, P. Jennings (Banbridge CC) at 4.00; 6, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 5.00; 7., W. Mulligan (Banbridge CC) at 5.30; 8, P. Anderson (Banbridge CC) s.t.; 9, L. Ferguson (XMTB) at 7.50; 10, G. Rodgers (Banbridge CC) at 8.10. Underage: 1, Kelly Corrigan-Cork (unatt.); 2, R. Davidson (XMTB). <See Pictures Here> The Irish in France: (By Harry James Nov 15) The recently issued French National Classification won by David McCann in 2000, shows that Ireland's leading rider was former World Junior champion, Mark Scanlon in 20th place whilst Tommy Evans was 21st, just 24.65 points behind. Aidan Duff finished in 97th position. Whilst those riders retained their Elite status, the question of UCI points obtained during International selection events, thus influencing the overall positions, is again raised. Stephen Gallagher who benefited from 800 points obtained from his 9th place in the 2000 Irish National Championship road-race drops out of the National category altogether, whilst Micheal MacNena finished his season in 1577th position and Brian Kennealy 2663rd. As in 2000, the National Classification does not included professional riders normally in the Elite 1 category and appearing in the UCI International rankings. However those riders who would have filled the first 500 places in the National category classification, now find themselves in the newly introduced Elite 3 category. The National category rankings for 2002 now concern riders classified from between 751st to 2700th. Modifications being introduced for National Division teams for the 2002 season, require ¾ of the riders forming the DN group to be aged less than 25 years. In 2003 further modifications will require all DN3 teams to consist purely of Elite-Espoir riders and their race calendar will be axed around events within that standard. Geraldine GILL again maintained her position as leading female rider in the Breton region, finishing 13th in the overall National Classification, despite being deprived of points through illness during the season or those similary acquired by the Irish male riders through International selections. Geraldine's points tally was virtually double those of French Olympic selection Alexandra Le Henaff who was the 2nd best Breton, before finally being classified 15th in the National rankings. Geraldine Ollivier, a French international, obtained enough points to become only the 3rd Elite 2 rider in Brittany, was ranked 25th overall. Cycling Results Tour de Okinawa Japan 180km 1 Makoto Iljima Japan @ 4:59:20 Irish Placings 23 David McCann Team Ireland @ 6:54 24 Paul Griffin Team Ireland @ 6:58 56 Denis Lynch Team Ireland @ 14:52 58 Dermot Nally Team Ireland @ 14:56
Two of the positive results came at the Tour of Guadeloupe, where some unnamed BCF riders also tested positive; while the other came in a Welsh Cycling Union sanctioned event in September. Winn has been given a two year suspended sentence and must educate young riders in the dangers of taking banned substances. POWER'S NEW TEAM: Ciaran Power's French team continue to beef up their squad in preparation for for the new season. New manager Jean Jacques Loup has already signed four Swiss riders including Jean Nuttli. His latest acquisitions are Phillipe Koehler (Fra) from Mapei, David Lefevre (Cofidis), Arturis Kasputis, Daid Delriu and Gilles Maignen all AG2R. Maignen won the Tour Down Under in 2001.
However the expected return match between him and Irish champion Robin Seymour did not materialise as the Wicklow rider didn't make the journey north. The field went off in four groups and from the early starters Matt Ferguson (XMTB) led for the first three laps before being overtaken by middle-marker Tony Haire (Apollo CT). Travers left the rest of the scratch group
on the second circuit and had got through into the lead
at the start of the sixth lap, with two other
scratchmen, Robert Lamont (XMTB) and Roger Aiken
(Banbridge CC), 20 seconds behind. On the
seventh lap Aiken was second at 20 seconds with Lamont
10 seconds further back but the position were reversed
at the bell where Travers led Lamont by 32 seconds with
Aiken a further 20 seconds down and it stayed that way
to the finish. CLUB's & GROUP's TRAINING: (By Gerard Cromwell Nov 8) As it's winter time and most clubs will have training groups going out on a Saturday and Sunday from now on, we have added a MEET AND TRAIN page to our site. This page is designed to encourage newcomers to the sport to get in touch with their local club and give cycling a try as well as helping seasoned cyclists to keep in touch during the winter. With this page you should be able to meet up with a local group no matter what part of the country you find yourself in. If you have a regular club spin just click on the link and add your information. Don't forget to tell us where you meet, what time, type of group ie: beginners, juniors, leisure, fast group and distance etc. Maybe even a contact number if you have one, would be helpful. see Meet and Train. Try adding a link to the MEET AND TRAIN section yourself <Go Here> POWER SIGNS NEW CONTRACT: (By Gerard Cromwell Nov 5) After a disaster filled season, Ciaran Power has been offered another contract by Saint-Quentin-Oktos, he revealed on Friday. The team will be completely overhauled for 2002 with only Power, Laurent Paumier (France) and Arturis Trumpauskis (Lithuania) remaining from this years squad. Saint-Quentin will also have a new directeur sportif for 2002. Ex-Phonak directeur, Jean Jacques Loup brings with him Swiss riders Jean Nuttli, Vincent Bader, Florian Ludi and Roman Peter. "I spoke to the new directeur on the phone today (Friday) and there is no problem. There is a place for me on the team next year. " says Power. "He has signed some new riders (Frederic Gabriel) from Bonjour and (Alexandre Chouffe) Big Mat and some from AG2r. The budget is bigger and hopefully we will get to ride some of the big races like we did this year." Power has just returned from honeymoon in Edinburgh with new wife Lisa and can't wait to begin racing again. "This year, I've had a very bad year. Things just went from bad to worse, but it's over now and with a month off the bike at the end of the season I can't wait to get back racing again. I'd love to ride the new races in Ireland next year, but it depends on the team. I'd love to ride the Ras too. I just want to start winning again. It's been two years since I won a race and I don't care if I win the biggest race or the smallest race in the world. I just want to win again." <For More Read Power's Struggle Here>
The President Hein Verbruggen then announced the new Commissions for the next 4 years and nominated McQuaid as President of the Road Commission - a position which he had held for the last 4 years. The Road Commission is the most important Commission within the UCI with responsibility for the control and development of Junior, Under -23 and Women's cycling worldwide. CYCL0-CROSS LEAGUE, ROUND 3, BANGOR: (By Jim Traynor Nov 3) Don Travers (Banbridge CC) inflicted a rare defeat on Irish champion Robin Seymour (WORC) in the Ards CC promotion at Bangor's Castle Grounds. The Banbridge rider, who over the past season has established himself as the number two Irish off-roader, took off at top speed on the very fast course and led Seymour by 26 seconds after the first of 9 laps and although Seymour reduced this to 20 seconds on the second circuit he never really got back on terms eventully coming home in 3rd place 23 seconds down. The big field were sent off in four groups and for the first three laps Jonathan McGlade (Apollo CT) and Paul Anderson (Banbridge CC) stayed out in front until they were caught and passed by middlemarker Ross Blayney (Toyota North Down). Travers had pulled away from the scratchmen, pursued by Robert Lamont (XMTB) at 12 seconds with Seymour and Alastair Martin (Ards CC) another 10 seconds behind. On the sixth lap Travers had gone into the lead and at the bell he still led Lamont and Blayney by 13 seconds. However in the final mile the Banbridge man punctured and had to run to the line, only just holding off the fast finishing Lamont. Seymour took third place in a close sprint from Martin and Blayney. Cyclo-cross League, Round 3, Bangor, 11m.: 1, Don Travers (Banbridge CC) 50.17; 2, R. Lamont (XMTB) at 6 secs.; 3, R. Seymour (WORC) at 23 secs; 4, R. Blayney (Toyota North Down); 5, A. Martin (Ards CC) all same time; 6, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 1.51; 7, M. McCorry (APolo CT) at 2.08; 8, C. Campbell (Newry Haldane Fisher) at 2.13; 9, A> Layhe (APolo RT) at 3.21; 10, A. Haire (APollo RT) at 3.53. Under 16: Samuel Curran (Banbridge CC). Under 14: Matthew Ferguson (XMTB). Under 12: Graham Boyd (XMTB).. |
KELLY
WINS CHRISTMAS HAMPER RACE:
(By Shane Stokes Dec 16) Former top professional Sean
Kelly had a return to winning ways today when he took
the keenly disputed Christmas Hamper race based near
Carrick on Suir.
McCann
sets sights on Commonwelth Games: (By Jim
Trainor Dec 15) David McCann has his sights on bringing
back gold from next year's Commonwealth Games in
Manchester. He spoke of his plans to the Press at the
Finaghy's Hi Power Health & Fitness Club.
Phoenix
Park, Cyclo Cross:
(By Dave Gill Dec 2) The final round of the all Ireland
Cyclo-Cross League took place in the Phoenix Park this
Sunday with a good turnout of 40 + riders taking part in
what was set to be a fast race over the hard packed
course, and also a very open race as the starts were
handicapped so anyone was in with a shout of a victory.
Series leader Don Travers started in the scratch group
along with current Cyclo-Cross Champion Robin Seymour
and also Aidan McDonald. On lap four of the race Seymour
attacked and from there on he made his way past all the
other riders to win with a margin of over two and a half
minutes on Don. Second place was good enough for Don to
take the victory in the All Ireland Cyclo-Cross League,
adding to his title of All Ireland Mountain bike League
Champion that he won earlier this year. Seymours win
promoted him to second in the leauge with Robert Lamount
in third after missing today's race due to injury. The
seasons finale next weekend in Lurgan Park, the
highlight of the Cross year, the National Champs will
see the top riders battling it out for the title with
Seymour after today’s race looking like the hot
favorite to take his 11th consecutive title.
Irish
Cycling Federation’s 13th AGM: (By
Ciaran McKenna Nov 25) The Irish Cycling Federation had
its first Bikefest incorporating the Federation’s
congress (AGM) in Portumna Co.Galway over the weekend.
This year was to see the adoption of the new board
changes and the changing of it name to “Cycling
Ireland” The name change and the changes Articles of
Association all had to be suspended when it emerged that
the 1998 name change from Federation of Irish Cyclist to
Irish Cycling Federation had not got the proper approval
from the Minister of Trade and Enterprise office at the
time.
Insurance
costs high on ICF agenda:
(By Shane Stokes Nov 23) A doubling of insurance costs
for next year, due in part to the after-effects of the
events of September 11th, is one of the topics to come
under discussion at tomorrow's a.g.m. of the Irish
Cycling Federation in Portumna. 
Cyclo-Cross
Round 5, Narrowwater, Newry: (By Jim Trainor
Nov 17) Irish champion Robin Seymour won the fifth round
of the cyclo-cross league, promoted by Newry Haldane
Fisher CC near Narrow Water, Newry, wiping out a six
minute handicap and going on to win by 1.50 from Roger
Aiken (Banbridge CC).
WINN
FOUND POSITIVE: (Nov
11) 2000 FBD Milk Ras winner Julian Winn of Wales has
been found positive three times for the banned drug
ephedrine. Winn was found to have a level of 15mcg/mL,
whereas the UCI linit is 10mcg/mL.
CYCL0-CROSS
LEAGUE, ROUND 4:
(By Jim Traynor Nov 10) Don Travers had his second win
in a row in 4th round of the Ulster Cyclo-cross League
promoted by XMTB at Castle Park, Bangor.
McQuaid
Re-Elected to World Body:
In Lisbon Pat McQuaid was re-elected to the Executive
Committee of the UCI for a second 4-year term. At the first meeting of the New UCI
Executive there was an election from four candidates for
the three Vice Presidents and McQuaid narrowly lost out.
The three who were elected were Vladimir Holocek from
the Czech Republic, Ray Godkin from Australia and
Laurent de Baaker, President of the Belgian Federation.