McQuaid encouraged by international growth

Cycling Round-upUCI president Pat McQuaid has spoken of his optimism for the international growth of cycling, citing the development of the sport in the US and Asia in recent years.

The Irishman, who attended the recent Asian Games, said the racing there and at last week's track World Cup provided a clear sign the global expansion he has targeted is taking place.

"The standards were very good at the Asian Games," he told The Irish Times this week.

"The racing was very good across all the disciplines, especially the track, where some good times were set. I was also in Moscow last Saturday and there were 41 different nations taking part in the World Cup there, which is a record.

"It shows that cycling is developing, it is growing worldwide and the standards are going up and up.

"And the American scene is also thriving, with a very strong structure of professional cycling there."

Europe has been the traditional base for the sport for many years and hosts all 27 of the top-level ProTour races. But McQuaid said the UCI are considering the possibility of granting the running of some of these events in the US, Australia and Asia in the next few years.

"There is no reason why the ProTour cannot go outside Europe. The demand is growing all the time and it is going to be more difficult to say no to them," he stated.

In other news, it was announced this week that the coaching company WinningSolutions.ie will combine with the Global Racing Team in Belgium, offering important opportunities for Ireland's female cyclists.

The sponsorship agreement follows talks between the team and former Irish international Scott McDonald of WinningSolutions. The deal means the Global Racing Team, formerly Team FBUK, will take on an Irish rider to compete as a professional for the 2007 season.

In addition, it will work with Cycling Ireland's women's commission to look after as many guest riders as possible.

This will have a clear role in helping to develop riders at the top international level.

"We believe it is a fantastic development, and a first for women's cycling in Ireland," said Valerie Considine, chair of the women's commission.

Finally, Northern Ireland Cycling Federation member clubs recently voted to amalgamate with Cycling Ulster in 2007, thus affiliating them to the world governing body, the UCI.