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.

“Unfortunately, we did not get the support, but I have already told the people in Killarney that, while I am no longer in a position to invest in the event, I would give it my total support if they could convince the present minister, John O’Donoghue, to back their bid.”

With the respect McQuaid already commands within the UCI, combined with the fact that he looks certain to take up the most influential position in world cycling, his support would ensure success for such a bid.

The Dubliner is currently midway through his second four-year term on the Management Committee of the UCI . On his election he was immediately appointed President of the Road Commission and is spearheading a major restructuring of world cycling at professional and the lower levels.

“Who will succeed the current President will be a matter for Congress in Madrid in two years time,” he said.

“But I would hope that I will certainly be a candidate. Hein Verbruggen has brought cycling forward. Ten years ago he took up office with a staff of three. Now the UCI has a staff of 60 and a magnificent complex in Aigle in Switzerland that cost €20m to build.”

Jack Watson, who has been Secretary of Cycling Ireland, the Federation of Irish Cyclists and the Irish Cycling Federation over the years , has been awarded the Order of Merit Award at the UCI Congress in Canada.