McQuaid backs world bid

PAT McQUAID is the front-runner to succeed Hein Verbruggen as president of cycling’s world governing body (UCI) in two years time.

And McQuaid confirmed yesterday that he will give his support to Killarney should they bid for the world cycling championships in 2008 - a bid that fell by the wayside due to lack of government funding some years ago.

“That bid was for next year’s championships and I have no doubt that had we got the support from the then Sports Minister, Jim McDaid, Killarney would be a hive of activity right now,” he said.