Picture this ...a cold damp January morning, 2001. The morning dew still fresh from last nights fall. Eight o'clock and he is already behind schedule. While the rest of you are sleeping off you hangover he is preparing for a grueling four hour training spin. If you haven't guessed it already, he is a member of the WIT Cycling Team. That's right, WIT has seven cyclists, all currently training for the forthcoming season, which kicks off …??(soon enough?)

Last year proved a successful season for the lads! Graduate Jonathan Malone (BCAM) rode well during that year, with two outstanding wins in Stamullen and Stage 3 of the Gorey Three-Day. His experience and winning ways must have rubbed off on Thomas Lavery, currently Rec Man 2, as he had high finishes in both the Gorey Three Day and RAS Dun NA Gael stage races. He was 1st in Stage 2 of the Dun Boyne Three Day and many more high placing including a 5th place in a regional race in France.

Next we turn to Diarmuid Carew (BCAM4), a Tipp man who has proven to be a talented rider, riding through the junior ranks with many successes. Just 21 last year, he has on numerous occasions showed his true colors as a talent and an up and coming cyclist. He has had many promising finishes, in particular a first place in the well-known Kelly Roche Classic in BallyBoughal, Swords, Co. Dublin. Carew proved last year that he has ability and determination, two attributes every cyclist hungers for! Mark Sights (BBS4), another 21 year old, notched up several convincing performances last year. Mark showed early success. Mark showed early season form in one of the toughest races of the year, the Des Hanlon Memorial in Carlow. This race is one for the climbers and Mark certainly had his climbing legs on in mid March. He was in the leading group going into the last 30 km but unfortunately due to a puncture and slow wheel change he never regained contact with the leaders. It was an unlucky day for Sights but his sportsmanship and determination saw him come back with a bang on the Final day of the Goery 3 day where he was one of the driving forces in the break away which stayed out in front for most of the day! Our youngest member Robert Reidy, and yes, you've guessed it, he's a First Year Rec Man.

Last year Robert was not only preparing for the 2000 cycling season, but he was also tackling the Leaving Cert in order to get himself a place in WIT! He not only achieved this, but also completed a promising season as a second year Junior. Robert put in some good results, especially in the latter part of the season, where he competed in the Junior Tour of Ireland. He mixed it with the cream of International Juniors during the seven-day tour. Waterford man and BBS 4 Frank Kelly is preparing for his first serious season as a racing cyclist and is most definitely in good company among his other team mates. We wish him well in the 2001 season. Finally we come to our most experienced member, Cavan born Fergal O'hanleran, who is currently a lecturer in WIT. Fergal has raced at a good competitive level in the past, but is unsure about the 2001 season. Time is one thing a cyclist needs, and because of Fergal's busy schedule he finds it hard to get the time to train. We all have big plans for this season, with Reify stepping up into the Senior ranks, we have a full Senior team for 2001 and I'm sure we'll have a lot more write home about! Watch this space!