Brammeier still waiting to land contract for 2014

Although he indicated last Saturday he would likely sign a contract this week, multiple Irish road race champion Matt Brammeier is understood to still be finalising his plans for 2014, but is expected to have something in place soon.

He was left in a precarious position when his Champion System team folded this autumn. Although his solid work ethic in the peloton, ability to go on long attacks and his distinctive national championship jersey – which helps gain media and fan attention – should help secure a contract, the market is particularly difficult for riders this year as a number of squads have folded.

This has led to a glut of riders on the market, making it difficult for anyone without a deal in place for 2014.

Brammeier was at Cycling Ireland's annual awards on Saturday night at the O'Callaghan Alexandra Hotel in Dublin, where Tour de France stage victor and Liège-Bastogne-Liège winner Dan Martin was named International Rider of the Year there, while the Outstanding Achievement for 2013 went to Catherine Walsh.
OTHER CYCLING IRELAND AWARDS:
Lifetime achievement: Shay Elliott, Seán Kelly, Stephen Roche, Peter Crinnion, Joe Christle and Dermot Dignam, Harry Reynolds, Pat McQuaid, Morris Foster, Alice Sherratt, Peter Purfield, Dan Curtin, Alo Donegan, Bertie Donnelly, Morris Foster, Richard James Mecredy, JJ McCormack, Jack Watson, Isabel Woods, Denis Toomey.
Volunteer of the Year: Steven McKenna;
Club of the Year: Omagh Wheelers;
Domestic Male Rider of the Year: Eddie Dunbar;
Domestic Female Rider of the Year: Amy Brice;
Competitive Event of the Year: An Post Rás;
Leisure Event of the Year: The Giant's Causeway Coastal Challenge.