CYCLING/Seán Kelly Academy: The chances of Ireland producing future champions in cycling improved considerably yesterday with the official launch of the Seán Kelly Cycling Academy in Mertchem, Belgium.

The initiative, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Irish sport, will see a permanent overseas base established which will serve as the centre for racing and training.

Current Irish professionals Philip Deignan, Ciarán Power and David O'Loughlin were present at the launch, along with Kelly, Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey, Cycling Ireland president Micheal Concannon and Pat McQuaid, who is likely to be the next president of cycling's world governing body, the UCI.

All were highly optimistic about the project, believing it will make it far easier for riders of all age groups to reach international standard in the future.

"If we had something like this when starting out things would have been much simpler," said O'Loughlin, the current Irish road race champion.

"I went to Italy as a young rider by myself, having to cope with a new country, new language and new team all at once. The base in Belgium makes things far easier.

"The Irish guys are all together in a set-up which is very professionally run, with top-class events available nearby and a very good support structure. That will increase the prospects for riders in the future."

Run by Belgian Kurt Bogaerts, the Seán Kelly Academy is the next evolution of a project started several years ago.

Cycling Ireland has had use of the house in Merchtem for the past two seasons, but under the new scheme the federation will be providing greater support to the riders.

Physiological testing using on-site Bike Technology units - based on power output and heart rates - will be combined with coaching support in order to maximise improvement.

Where possible, participants will be encouraged to stay for long periods of time, taking part in international races in Belgium and preparing for other events, such as world championships, from there.

"I am absolutely thrilled with the project," said Hickey. "I think it is extremely professional and it is showing the lead to a lot of sports in Ireland as to what should be done.

"As an example, I believe my own sport of judo should be doing something like this in Paris, as France is the strongest country in Europe in that sport. They should be looking at something similar.

"I think this is going to be great for the athletes. They seem extremely happy, and from what I understand the location means they have a choice of up to six races in a day. So it couldn't be better for them."

Kelly, who spent much of his career in the area, is confident that the academy will boost the prospects of Irish cyclists competing at a high level in the future. He paid tribute to the late Herman Nys - who played a big part in his career and - more recently, was crucial to the establishment of a base in Belgium.

"In the past, Herman was a great help to Irish riders such as myself who were starting off our careers," he said. "He helped us when we were alone overseas. More recently, he helped set up the original base in Tongeren which led on to this.

"It is a great opportunity for riders, people of all categories can come here and race as part of an Irish community abroad. There is a big choice of competitions and a good support structure.

"I think we will get a crop of young riders coming through over the next few seasons because of the academy. We had a few lean years, but we are definitely on the right track now. I think this will help the Irish scene go from strength to strength."

A clear example of the benefits of the Belgian base can be seen from the performances of the promising Irish junior Ciarán Kelly. He has been based in Merchtem since the start of the season, taking two wins and several high placings against top-class competition. "The set-up here has been great," he said. "Living with other Irish riders, such as Páidí O'Brien, has made the move abroad much easier."

Costs of the Seán Kelly Academy will be subsidised by Cycling Ireland and the Irish Sports Council.