PAT McQUAlD, president of the Federation of Irish Cyclists, has finalised an agreement with his counterpart in France, Daniel Baal, to help improve the development of cycling in Ireland.

Arrangements will be made for Irish coaches to go to France and study the coaching methods while Irish commissaires will also attend some races there to gain more experience.

Irish regional and international teams, at junior and under-23 level, will take part in more events in France and there will be a reciprocal arrangement for French teams to come here.

In addition the French president is to facilitate more FIC members who want to join club teams in France so there will be plenty of opportunities for Irish riders to improve their standard.