CYCLING: With the start of the 2004 racing season rapidly approaching, Cycling Ireland has received the boost of a ride in the prestigious Tour of Lankawi in Malaysia.
The 10-day 2.2-ranked event starts in Penang on February 6th and will feature several top professional teams, all eager to hone form and post some early-season results. The tour is organised by Pat McQuaid and is regarded as the fourth-richest in the world.
A seven-man Hibernian Team Ireland squad will line out in the event. Following Tommy Evans's prominent guest slot last year, each will be motivated to make a mark on the race, particularly with Olympic selection to be gained this season.
The identity of the team will be revealed at Cycling Ireland's open meeting this Sunday at the ALSAA club near Dublin Airport.
Also due to be laid out are the selection criteria for the two places in the Olympic road race, plus the Hibernian Team Ireland international race programme for 2004.
"We are going to name the team for the Tour of Langkawi on Sunday and also list the selection criteria and race programme for 2004, so that riders can identify targets and plan their season," said Olympic team manager Martin O'Loughlin yesterday.
In addition to those riders aiming for the Olympics and other international events, all those who wish to work with teams such as managers, masseurs and mechanics are also invited to attend.
"As a volunteer organisation we really do rely on volunteers to keep the sport going," said O'Loughlin. "Sunday is an opportunity for people to get involved at this level and so we are hoping for a big turnout."
The programme will start at 8.30 a.m. with a four-hour spin for all those interested in international participation in 2004.
While the riders are out on the road, there will be a series of meetings for all potential volunteers interested in working with teams in 2004 and beyond. World hour record holder and 1992 Olympic champion Chris Boardman, John Keegan and Dolores Usher will act as facilitators for these sessions.
The afternoon session will see Boardman and Irish rowing world champion Sam Lynch give their thoughts and advice on top-level international performance.
CI's high performance commission will then outline the provisional Olympic road selection criteria and the international road race programmes for 2004, enabling riders to come away from the meeting with a more structured approach to the season.
It is hoped that this will in turn lead to better levels of performance and results, plus the strongest-possible showing by Irish riders in Athens next summer.
