After a year fraught with illness, injury and ill luck, Ciaran Power has been told there will be a place for him within the professional peloton for 2002. Power's St Quentin Oktos squad, who handed him a lifeline last January when the Linda McCartney team collapsed, have confirmed that he will be one of only three riders to be retained from the current set-up.
The news is a massive relief to the talented Irish cyclist, who in his debut professional season recorded two top-10 placings in the Tour of Italy.
Much was expected of him in 2001, but the McCartney debacle, a broken collarbone and the sudden death of his fiancΘe's father all combined to upset his chances. However, his retention by St Quentin is a big vote of confidence, especially as they have dropped all bar one of this year's French contingent.
Ireland's other professional, David McCann, is still unsure where he will be racing in 2002. McCann competed this season with the CCC Mat squad but it is unclear if he will be with them next year. The Tour of Hokkaido winner will compete in the Tour of Okinawa this Sunday with the other members of the Irish team, and a strong display would do much to boost his chances.
In contrast, Mark Kenny has the security of knowing that he will once again race in the colours of his current team, Rocky Mountain, next season. Kenny, who races on the international Masters MTB circuit (30-34 age group) registered several solid rides and is motivated to build upon these performances in 2002.
Fellow mountain biker Tarja Owens is still in limbo, however; she competed with the professional Michela Fanini squad this year, becoming the first Irishwoman to start the Tour of Italy. However a bad fall in that race ruled her out of the event and hampered much of her late season schedule. She awaits word from them about a place on the team for 2002.
While the ICF reports a high level of bookings for their Portumna Bikefest weekend later this month (incorporating the annual congress), they have been forced to re-hold the Leinster Cycling Federation a.g.m. after a disappointing turnout last week. It will now take place this Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the West County Hotel and the ICF state that a high attendance is important.
Finally, the ICF track committe are holding another workshop for schoolboys and women tomorrow at the Eamonn Ceannt track, Sundrive road. Contact Will Byrne at 086 8047839 for more details..
Sunday: Cyclo-cross league race, Belfast. Contact Miles McCrory on 048 38348627 for more details.
