Kelly’s Academy major boost to Irish cycling hopes

IT began with a few notes on the back of a paper napkin, but yesterday in a Brussels suburb, leading figures from the world of sport gathered for the official dedication of the Sean Kelly Cycling Academy.

Kelly, ranked among the top five cyclists of all time, was not only present at the dedication of the building, where Irish cyclists have been based for the past three years, but he also designed it.

It has already produced a winner this season and the bouquets were still fresh for yesterday’s visit. Ciaran Kelly, 17, from Leixlip, won two races in the past two weeks and not only did he win Saturday’s race at Wombeek but he also won the KOM classification.