Following their campaign in the Australian Herald Sun Tour event, the Irish quintet of David McCann, Mark Scanlon, Tommy Evans, Aidan Duff and Paul Griffin are gearing up for the final event on their 2001 schedule.
The squad are under pressure to scoop some of the world ranking points on offer in Sunday week's Tour de Okinawa in Japan, as their Sun Tour efforts reaped little reward. Tommy Evans registered a string of top-10 places, including fourth place in stage three, but with UCI points only available to stage winners and those finishing in the top 10 overall, the spoils went elsewhere.
The Irish Cycling Federation have said they are examining the Team Ireland structures, with a move to northern France being considered for 2002. The decision to support some of Ireland's best riders while they lived and raced on the continent was important, but the inaugural year of the project has produced limited world-ranking points. Ireland lie 38th in the UCI list. However, despite the teething problems, retaining the Team Ireland structure is of crucial importance for the future development of Irish riders.
Domestically, the ICF's continuing drive to improve the sport has taken an important step forward. Their recently-appointed development officer, Padraig Marrey, has commenced work in the new role. Marrey, who coached Mark Scanlon in the run-up to his junior world title, will aim to give the grassroots of the sport a boost, and as part of this recruitment drive he will target schools across the country.
Finally, preparations for December's national championships continue with the third round of the cyclo-cross league taking place in Bangor tomorrow. Current national champion Robin Seymour won last week's outing and is a clear favourite to take his 11th straight title next month.
