Insurance costs high on ICF agenda

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.

Chief executive Eamon Duffy will detail the circumstances leading to a projected doubling of the premium from £31,000 in 2001 to £66,300 for next season, a jump which Duffy says will have to be met through increased membership fees and the acquisition of new sponsorship.

This increase and the ongoing shortfall between income and expenditure are two of the biggest pressures facing the federation.

Duffy, president PJ Nolan and the ICF board will tomorrow seek the official acceptance of their strategy document, which details some of the measures to be adopted by the federation over the next few years as it tries to tackle these and other issues.

A number of other important matters are also on the agenda including a proposed change in name of the federation to Cycling Ireland, and the ratification of the nominees for the slimmed-down six-man board. In the absence of challengers, Nolan looks set to return as president, while Jack Watson's and Peter Thornton's respective roles as secretary and treasurer are also uncontested.

Similarly, there is little suspense with regard to the remaining three positions, as Ciarβn McKenna, John News and Micheal Concannon are the sole candidates for these positions.

The widespread changes within the Ulster Cycling Federation are also likely to be discussed. No fewer than five members of the board resigned at Monday's e.g.m. due to disharmony, with Tom Mateer, Ian Whithorn, Harry Armstrong, Noel Gallagher and recently co-opted Nino Braik all stepping down.

Frank Campbell, Kenny Dunlop, Barry Monaghan and Dave McCall were all elected onto the board, with Briak's replacement to be finalised at a later date.

Finally, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland have announced details of their Blazing Saddles trips for next year. Running between March 12th-26th, the mountain-bike challenge will see up to 50 riders travel to northern Thailand to raise funds for the NCBI.

Meanwhile road cyclists have South Africa to look forward to as the venue for their annual cycling fund-raiser, with the trip taking place in late October and early November. Further information on both events can be obtained by contacting Ann at 01-8307033, extension 203, or by sending an email to events@ncbi.ie.

FIXTURES: Saturday - ICF a.g.m., Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna, starts 10 a.m. Sunday - ICF Bikefest weekend, Portumna.