Reassuringly, since the halycon days of Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche, things have brightened up again in Irish cycling this season with Ciaran Power and Morgan Fox becoming the first new riders in 11 years to graduate to the paid ranks.

Next year Power is expected to stay with the Linda McCartney squad, and will hope to make the team if they succeed in winning a place in the Tour de France in 2001 or 2002. Fox, too, should retain his contract for next year.

Consider also the prodigious talent of Mark Scanlon and the promise exhibited by David O'Loughlin in this year's FBD Milk Ras and there is reason for hope that more Irish riders will make the grade. But despite the positives, there are still legitimate worries about the current situation; numbers competing in the junior ranks are a fraction of the line-ups 10 years ago, while underage races reveal an even more critical situation.

The grassroots are wilting and there is clearly a large need for a drive to bring more into the sport. In the past much of the blame has been levelled at the Irish Cycling Federation, and despite assurances there is little evidence of a concerted, co-ordinated effort to improve the situation. For the future of the sport it is time for some radical thinking, for some fresh blood and new enthusiasm within the governing body. Otherwise future participation in races such as the Tour de France will remain the exception, rather than the rule.

Meanwhile on the domestic front, national junior team manager Mark Keily has selected a four-man squad to dispute the Donegal three-day race on July 21st-23rd. Tim Cassidy, Sean Lacy, former national champion Michael Dennehy and Dunboyne three-day winner Philip Duignan will attempt to win the testing event for juniors and second category riders.

The Dun Laoghaire Grand Prix scheduled for this Sunday has been cancelled due to roadworks on the race route.