Seymour set for Italy

CYCLING/News round-up: After competing in America for much of last season, multiple national mountain-bike champion Robin Seymour has opted for a European base this year.

The Wicklow rider will join his partner Tarja Owens in the Lucca area of Italy, competing in national and international mountain-bike events while Owens will line out with the twoKtwo road team.

Seymour had a somewhat inconsistent season in 2001, riding strongly in some events but performing below his expectations in others. He is hoping that competing in Italy will enable him to achieve better results.

"The standard and scene is so much better over there," he says. "It will be a challenge to rise to that level but being based in Lucca means that I will be able to train on the road with some professionals and that will help."

The 30-year-old is currently in discussions with potential sponsors, although nothing will be finalised until he arrives in Italy next month. Before then, he and Owens will get in some more valuable pre-season kilometres in Gran Canaria on a two-week training session.

As the season approaches, the renamed governing body, Cycling Ireland, is hard at work. The federation will launch its new "pedal-for-points" scheme on February 11th, which offers a range of benefits to members. These will include free legal aid, discounts on insurance and monthly holiday giveaways.

The re-introduction of a third category for senior competition is also currently a big focus. Beginners and those returning to racing after an absence of three years will be entitled to compete in this group, which will join with existing events for junior, veteran and female competitors.

It is hoped that this move will bring about an increase in Cycling Ireland membership and numbers participating in races. Separate events for first and second category seniors will continue as before. More details can be found by logging on to www.cyclingireland.org.

Owens' introductory mountain-bike session for women will be held tomorrow. All levels of riders are welcome, including beginners, on the off-road spin. For further details phone 087-7811360.

The off-road season had an encouraging start last Sunday when the Cork Downhill Club ran an open winter race.

A field of 75 competitors turned up to compete, with over half of these being under-age riders. Indeed it was an under-16 entrant Jamie Popham (Bullfrog Racing) who set the fastest time of the day when he raced down the course in one minute 36 seconds.

Mark Nugent (under-14), James Cummins (junior), Karl Young (masters), Amy Mahony (women), and the senior-rider Larry Douglas were the fastest in the other categories.