CYCLING IRELAND CONFERENCE

Cycling Ireland is delighted to announce that “Pedal Fever” is once again coming to town. Pedal Fever 2011 will take place on the 26th of November in the Helix (Dublin City University). This conference is aimed at coaches, managers, cyclists and indeed anyone else who might be interested in attending. This year the conference will be a combination of Key Note Speakers and Elected Breakout Workshops.

Conference Details

Date: 26th November 2011
Venue: The Helix, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Time: 9am to 5:30pm (may be subject to slight change)

Content and Speakers

The line up for the day so far:

Prof. Louis Passfield (University of Kent) – Specifying and Measuring Training Programmes.
Dr. Simon Jobson (University of Winchester) – Recording, Measuring and Interpreting Training
Alan Heary (Cycling Psychology) – Mental Toughness
Alan Ringland (Irish Institute of Sport) – Use of Video Capture in Coaching Skills Development
Bronwen Masters (Institute of Sport Northern Ireland) – Use and Misuse of Nutritional Supplements and Ergogenic Aids
Chris McCann (Inspired Cycling) – Bike Setup – Economy, Efficiency and Power Distribution
Andrew Gillott (British Cycling) – (Closing the Gap: Building a Coaching Culture in Cycling)
Declan Byrne (Cycling Ireland, Irish Sports Council & Sport NI) – Anti Doping (title to be confirmed)
Dr. Geraint Florida James (Edinburgh University) – Demands of XC and Downhill Mountain Biking
Carolien Van Herrikhuyzen (Amsterdam Velodrome) – Track Cycling (Event Demands and how to train specifically for them)
“The Panel” Combination of High Performance and Development Coaches and High Performance Riders – Q&A with “The Panel” – To include Paddy Doran (Level 3 Coach), Stephen Gallagher (Rider and former Rás winner and Pro Rider), Gregory May (Sport Scientist), TBC.

Register

Register early for the conference;

Cycling Ireland Members – €40 before the 14th November or pay €50 after.
Non Cycling Ireland Members – €50 before the 14th November or pay €60 after .

Numbers for the conference are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Check out the Pedal Fever website for more information www.pedalfever.net.
For Further Information Contact

Rachel Ormrod
Coach Education Officer
Cycling Ireland
619 North Circular Road
Dublin 1
p: 01 8551644
m: 086 7802937
e: rachel@cyclingireland.ie
w: www.cyclingireland.ie
w: www.subwaysprocketrocket.ie

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“Pedal Fever 2011″ Cycling Ireland Conference

Date: 26th November 2011
Venue: The Helix (DCU)
Website: www.pedalfever.net

More information coming soon…

Tickets cost €45 for the dinner (includes wine, and “musical entertainment” and should be great fun)

Tickets can be bought here: TICKETS

MEMBERS AWARDS 2011 – it’s that time of year, when you can vote for the best club, best volunteer, and top rider of the year!

To vote hit here: VOTE

USHER IRC Recruitment Drive 2011

As one of the oldest Cycling Clubs in Ireland (121 years), Usher Irish Road Club are offering the opportunity to become a member looking forward to the 2012 racing season.

The Usher IRC are looking for cyclists from the West Dublin/North Kildare/South Meath area who are wanting to take part in:

- Supervised Training Spins with experienced riders
- Opportunity to partake in Cycling Weekends away with the club over the Winter
- Opportunity to partake in 20 race interclub league with other Dublin based clubs
- To compete in open Cycling Ireland races Nationwide as part of a club from your area
- To receive support from the club when traveling to races outside of the Leinster Region
- To be a member of a club who promote some of the most popular events in the country (An Post Gorey 3 Day, Junior Tour of Ireland, Mondello Races,Ras na Mban)
- Free Kit* and heavily subsidized quality kit available

If you are interested in being part of a club with a long standing history in Irish Cycling and who are now moving forward with a new structure and new look then contact one of the Committee Members for more info.

Sean Bracken 085-1740563 sbracken(at)eircom.net
Valerie Considine 086-3825842 valerieconsidine(at)gmail.com
Gary McIlroy 086-4088822 garymcilroy83(at)hotmail.com

After 9 years on the Women’s Commission, founding member Valerie Considine is stepping down as chairperson, satisfied that the objectives initially outlined for the Women’s Commission have been achieved. Along with long time member, Orla Hendron, Valerie feels that it is a good time for someone else to come aboard the commission, to maintain, develop and further enhance the already flourishing women’s cycling scene in Ireland.

In 2002 the Women’s Commission was established with the goal of creating a women’s racing scene. This was achieved through the establishment of a women’s cycling structure which included the set-up and running of beginner & national league races; the introduction of a women’s development pathway both for coaches and riders and the proper representation of women in cycling at all levels. Through the activities of the women’s commission, accompanied by the increased popularity of the sport in recent years these goals have been achieved. Over the past four years alone the women’s membership in Cycling Ireland has almost quadrupled and there is now a very vibrant women’s cycling scene from youth to senior elite.

“Women’s racing has never been healthier” according to Valerie, and the presence of Orla Hendron on the Board of Cycling Ireland over the past few years has made a huge contribution in raising the awareness of women’s racing on a national basis. Orla believes that “the time is right to hand over the reigns to new commission members who can take the strong women’s cycling scene to the next level”. It is an exciting time for women’s cycling, and the vacancies on the Commission present great opportunities for anyone who is interested in contributing to progress an already flourishing and growing sport.

If you are interested in a role on the Women’s Commission, please come to the AGM (INFO HERE )

Some Highlights of the work done by the women’s commission:

 2002 – 2009 Boot Inn beginner league
 2002 – 2003 B World Championships programme to qualify a place in the Olympics
 2004 International Women’s Racing Programme including racing in Belgium, UK and Holland.
 2005 Ann Behan National league established
 2006 Rás na mBan first promoted by the women’s commission taking over from Dublin Wheelers’ TQ Papers
 2007 First Women in Sport Grant received – Roisin Kennedy
 2007 – 2009 Development racing programme launched to recruit, coach and stream riders through to international competition under the direction of top coach Paddy Doran
 2007 Wicklow Beginner League established by Jenny McCauley & Alex Dobbs Bray Wheelers
 2008 Track Training camp in Alkmaar Holland
 2008 International Carding Equality case against Cycling Ireland & the Irish Sport’s Council taken
 2008 Women in Sport booklet ‘positive cycle’ printed and distributed, edited by Heather Boyle
 2008 www.womenscycling.ie launched along with women’s cycling kit. Website has been maintained by Heather Boyle since January 2008.
 2008 Orla Hendron appointed to the Board of Cycling Ireland as a director
 2009 Ulster Women’s League established by Louise Fullerton Ballymena Cycling Club
 2010 High Performance Road Programme managed by Richie & Jenny McCauley
 2010 Dundrum and Swords League established Aideen Collard Orwell Wheelers / Bernie McNally
 2011 Rás na mBan extended to 5 days with sponsorship from An Post

The Armoury Café plays an important role by supporting the work undertaken by Glencree’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (a non-profit, non-governmental organisation). ). To increase this much needed revenue in the current climate, we are hoping to attract cycling and walking clubs who come to the Wicklow Mountains.

Chance to win a free lunch! Please complete our survey so we are able to improve your experience of Glencree and the Wicklow Mountains. 5 lucky people will win a luncheon voucher.

Survey finishes 21st October.

Click here to take survey

In 2001 the Boot Inn League was established by Dolores Usher, Pauline McKay, Susan Lavery and Anita Cassidy and was responsible for providing the starting point for most of the top female riders in Ireland today. Ten years later the Boot Inn League hung up the shoes (or boots) and we had at least 5 women’s beginner leagues around the country, along with a stage race, a National League and a Classic League. Way to go, eh!!

Cycling Ireland and the High Performance Director part ways:

Cycling Ireland and the High Performance Director, Dr Phil Leigh have today agreed to part ways.
Dr Leigh and Cycling Ireland agreed that the timing was right as he had advanced the High Performance Programme as far as possible in the current conditions. There will now be a refocused effort on development.

Phil joined Cycling Ireland in April 2009 and during his time he has contributed greatly to the establishment of a High Performance Structure that delivered some key results. The full integration of Paracycling activities has provided a solid platform for this group to deliver consistently excellent results over the past number of years. These results include four world championship titles and several other medal winning performances at world track championships, world cup and road events. There has also been a considerable advancement of the High Performance Track teams. Both team pursuit squads setting significantly improved National Records and more recently Ireland secured a first U23 European Track medal.

Phil has built up key relationships with various service providers and commercial supporters that will benefit Cycling Ireland in the years ahead. New internal systems are now in place to ensure that clear pathways exist for the future development of Irish riders. Phil has overseen a sound logistical support over the past couple of years ensuring riders, coaches and volunteer staff can focus on achieving their performance targets. He has also been in the process of setting up a development pathway from youth upwards to enable talented riders achieve their potential.

Speaking of his resignation CEO Geoff Liffey said he and The Board of Cycling Ireland were very grateful for the contributions made by Phil during his time here and wish him well for the future.

The Agenda is as follows:

1 Minutes of 2010 AGM
2 National League
3 Classic League
4 Beginners Leagues
5 Recruitment
6 Proposed new grading system for women
7 Appoint new commission
7 AOB

1st place, Mary Crosbie

11 ladies signed on for a 20k, 2 laps of the Ring Commons circuit.  For many riders, this was their first race, so there were a few nerves on the start line.  The first group were Mary Crosbie, Lisa Boardman, Siobhan Moore, Suzanne Barron and Louise Morgan, all from Fingal Triathlon club. These ladies had a 2.5 minute lead on the second group, which consisted of Aoife Sheridan (Orwell), Naoise Sheridan (Orwell), Caoimhe Ivory (Bray), Pam Coleman, Caroline Martinez (Orwell) and Sinead McBreen (Orwell).

Lisa and Mary broke away from the first group early in the race and worked hard together to maintain their lead. Going into the second lap, the second group of ladies, Naoise, Caoimhe, Caroline and Sinead were working hard to close to gap, but Lisa and Mary were still 90 seconds clear of the next riders, Louise, Siobhan and Suzanne. Caoimhe put in a huge effort on the second lap in order to try and bridge the gap, which was narrowed to 60 seconds on the finish line.

Mary and Lisa managed to stay away with Mary crossing the finish line about 30 seconds ahead of Lisa. Caroline was just ahead of Caoimhe, Naoise and Sinead in the sprint for 3^rd place.

1. Mary Crosbie (Fingal Tri)
2. Lisa Boardman (Fingal Tri)
3. Caroline Martinez (Orwell)
4. Caoimhe Ivory (Bray)
5. Naoise Sheridan (Orwell)
6. Sinead McBreen (Orwell)
7. Louise Morgan (Fingal Tri)
8. Siobhan Moore (Fingal Tri)
9. Pam Coleman (Swords CC)
10. Suzanne Barron (Fingal Tri)

Aoife Sheridan wins Rd 4. photo courtesy Pat Fitzpatrick

Junior Aoife Sheridan (Orwell) broke free of the pack to take the win in Round 4, with Fionnuala ni Bhradaigh (Bray) taking second and last years league winner Eileen O’Sullivan (Sorrento) in third.  Fiona Crean and Deirbhle Ivory (Bray) held off the stampeding pack to take 4th and 5th ahead of scratch rider Roisin Kennedy (Lucan).  7th place was good enough for Ailbhe Ivory (UCD) to hold onto the lead in the overall league, to take the winners trophy home as she did 2years ago.  Full results and links to photos:

Round 4 Results

I would like to thank every rider who came and rode the league, it was great to see so many of you come out and race so hard; many thanks to all who helped out with the goodies – it really makes these races special, I know how much time goes into it so thank you all for being so generous with your skills and your time;  also many thanks to those who undertook the marshalling duties, the unsung heroes who allow these events to go ahead; and thanks of course to my wonderful photographers – esp for helping me with the placings at the end!  Thanks also to the Womens Commission for their unstinting work in supporting womens racing, who funded the trophies and prizes for the overall league.

Pat Fitzpatricks photos can be seen here, thanks Pat.

Brendan Culleton also made the trip down from Dublin to visit us last night, his photos can be found here.

Ailbhe Ivory wins overall. Pic courtesy Pat Fitzpatrick

Full Overall Results of Wicklow League 2011:

Eileen O’Sullivan (Sorrento), Fiona Duggan, Fionnuala ni Bhradaigh and Deirbhle Ivory (U14) (all Bray) rounded out the top 10.  Many thanks to all riders, marshals and helpers for turning up in such horrible weather - Midsummers day, longest day of the year and I’m amazed that so many hardy souls showed up on such a rotten evening.   Special thanks to all who baked such wonderful goodies for the picnic this evening – made it all worthwhile!  Only one more evening to go, results of Rd 3 are below, and beyond that is the points table after all the rounds so far.

Pat Fitzpatrick braved the bad weather to come and take pics of all you glamorous ladies, many thanks Pat, his photo’s can be found here.

Points Table after 3 Rounds:

Orwell Wheelers CC in conjunction with the Women’s Commission and Sundrive Track Club is delighted to announce two Ladies Track Training Days on Sundays 26^th June and 24^th July 2011 at Sundrive Road Track, Eamon Ceannt Park, Dublin 12.  The Training Days are open to female riders of all ages and fitness levels.  Sunday 26^th June will be devoted to accreditation and introducing riders to the new and exciting Olympic Omnium event, Team Pursuit & Team Sprint.  Sunday 24^th July 2011 will comprise of a mock racing day including all six Omnium events (flying lap, 500m TT, Pursuit, Scratch, Elimination and Points Races) and depending on numbers, this may be divided into ability groups.  This will be run in the format of a national racing event without the pressure of competition.  In order to obtain the maximum benefit, it is recommended to attend both days.  Those are already accredited but have not ridden on the Track for some time are also advised to go through accreditation again.  Accreditation comprises of learning Track etiquette and how to ride on the track safely.  These training days are aimed at preparing riders for the forthcoming International Track Grand Prix on Saturday 2^nd July, Women’s Two Day Omnium & demo Team Pursuit & Team Sprint on 30^th-31^st July and National Track Championships on 2^nd-4^th September 2011.  Riders who are serious about track racing are also encouraged to compete in the Wednesday evening Track League and partake in some of the Saturday morning & Monday evening training sessions.  For further information on track racing and training events in Ireland, please see www.trackcycling.ie.

The Programme for Sunday 26^th June is as follows:

11.30am         Sign-on for those requiring accreditation & collect/set-up rental bikes

12pm              Accreditation

1.30pm           Sign-on for those not requiring accreditation & collect/set-up rental bikes

1.45pm           Break for riders who obtained accreditation

2pm                Warm-up

2.30pm-4pm  Introduction & run through of the six Omnium events, Team Pursuit & Team Sprint using start gate.  Note: New riders will be confined to the time trial events and experienced riders with a Club/full racing licence may partake in all events.

The Programme for Sunday 24^th July 2011 will be finalised nearer the time.

Entry is €5 to include coaching & bike hire (which is subsidised by the Orwell Wheelers & the Women’s Commission), an ordinary Cycling Ireland Membership Licence will suffice for 26^th June but a racing or one-day licence will be required for 24^th July.  Bikes are equipped with either Look Delta pedals or have toe-straps for runners. Pedals may not be changed over.  Properly fitting helmets are compulsory.  Bikes are available in most sizes and saddles may be adjusted to suit the riders.  There are new shower facilities available.  Please bring a snack, drink and a warm jacket with you.  To confirm your place and for further information, please contact Aideen Collard, E-mail: aideen.collard@gmail.com, Tel: 087 4179967.

Aideen Collard, Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club

Rachel Glendin (Orwell) solo’d from her group tonight to win alone in fine style, while behind her we were treated to a thrilling sprint for the podium places by Ailbhe Ivory (UCD) and Rachel Kaye-Mellor (Orwell), both sprint specialists, with Ailbhe throwing her bike over the line just ahead and taking 2^nd.  (links to photos added)

Another Ivory, U16 Caoimhe (Bray) showed her grit and took 4^th spot ahead of Fiona Cooke (Marble City Cycles), with U14 Naoise Sheridan (Orwell) doing a truly hard-ass ride and finishing 6^th, while just behind was U16 Rebecca Heaney (Orwell) – and with another U14 Deirbhle Ivory making her debut appearance in the Wicklow League this year the future is looking good! Keep up all the track cycling girls ‘cos it’s sure paying off!

With the handicapped groups working well and performing more strongly than expected, the scratch had a hard time making up the extra lap they had to do, even though their lap times were consistently excellent – less than 8mins a lap for Roisin Kennedy (Lucan) and Anne Dalton (Orwell). So be warned – we know what ye are all capable of now – there’ll be no hiding next week!

Many thanks to all the marshals who helped out tonight, to Pat Fitzpatrick and John Shiels for coming to take photos, and of course to all the women who travelled out to take part.  Also great to see the womens commission ride down to keep an eye on proceedings – just in time to miss the finish – have to ride faster next time girls!

Round 2 Wicklow League 2011

photo Pat Fitzpatrick: Roisin on the way to winning Rd 1

The opening round of the Wicklow League was a tough hill time trial which produced a very close finish, which promises a fascinating battle for position in the next 3 rounds. Roisin Kennedy (Lucan) just pipped Caroline Conway (Usher) by one second for the win, with Anne Dalton (Orwell) hot on their heels in third.

Under 14 rider Naoise Sheridan (Orwell) did a stomping ride to finish in 10^th, while promising young U16 Rachel Kaye-Mellor (Orwell) was 9^th on the night. The next 3 weeks will be laps of Ashford, starting at the Ashford Co-op just outside the town, the same as last year – see the map. Many thanks to all my helpers who came along to give a much-needed hand tonight.

Photos by Pat Fitzpatrick can be found here, many thanks to Pat for the great pics.

Full results of Round 1 below: