Clarity on selection process sought

CYCLING: A NUMBER of motions will be up for voting at this weekend's Cycling Ireland (CI) agm, which will take place tomorrow…

CYCLING:A NUMBER of motions will be up for voting at this weekend's Cycling Ireland (CI) agm, which will take place tomorrow at the Sneem Hotel in Co Kerry.

Comeragh CC has proposed that "transparent and clear selection criteria for all major events (Olympics and world championships, etc) be made available to riders at least six months prior to the event."

It has also requested a "procedure/clear guidelines from CI for appealing the grant system, on what grounds will they or won't they appeal to the Irish Sports Council on the rider's behalf."

Both motions clearly relate to the case of local rider Ciarán Power, who was dissatisfied with the manner of his non-selection for the Olympics Games and with the fact he was passed over for a grant this season.

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The Waterford competitor was fourth in the prestigious 1.HC Rund um Koln in 2007 and felt this should have qualified him for some funding.

Cycling Ulster has proposed that CI rotates the agm around all four provinces, while Clann Éireann requests that all future meetings are "held in future at a place which is within reasonable travel distance for the majority of members".

As per usual, reports will be made by the various commissions relating to the 2008 season and financial accounts will be presented for CI. Five positions are up for election: Jack Watson has been nominated as honorary secretary, Rory Wyley looks set to return again as honorary treasurer, and Edward Keogh, Gordon Parker and Orla Hendron have been nominated to the CI board.

Following the agm, CI will hold the champions' night dinner, where medals will be presented to those who performed with distinction during the season.

Then on Sunday morning they will hold a forum in order to help formulate its strategy from 2009 to 2014. Consultant Neil Park has been appointed and members from CI's provincial executives and commissions are invited to attend.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Cycling Ireland AGM, Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry. Starts at noon. Sunday: Connacht MTB League, Cong. Starts noon. Cyclo cross league, Tymon Park. First races at noon. CI strategy forum, Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry. Starts 11am.

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about cycling