Cycling Ireland has said most of the public wants road racing banned and has urged those racing cyclists abusing gardai working at events to desist. It said that scenes like that above - John Priest winning a sprint at the Gorey - can only take place across the full width of the road because of the gardai's work (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Cycling Ireland has urged some racing cyclists to desist from abusive behaviour and to follow the safety instructions of gardai working at races.
The federation issued a statement saying some gardai working on races have reported being abused by riders or that their directions were ignored.
It also said the Gardai aided road racing by organising road closures for key sections, such as sprint finishes, and that the support of the force was at risk if some of the behaviours continued.
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The statement comes at a time when road racing, especially in the Republic, has been under pressure from local councils who in some areas have insisted race organises apply for and enforce road closures.
And Cycling Ireland has gone even further, saying the majority of people want road racing banned from public roads, underling the need to comply with Garda safety instructions.
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Gardai, and other moto marshals, working on the Rás three years ago. Cycling Ireland has pointed out that their help is not only vital for the smooth running of road races, but for the survival of the road scene as we know it (Photo: Paul Mohan - Sportsfile)
“A number of incidents during early season road races have been reported back to Cycling Ireland by An Garda Síochána,” Cycling Ireland has said on a statement issued on its website.
“Such incidents include racing cyclists refusing to adhere to Garda instructions regarding rider safety during races on public roads to racing cyclists verbally abusing members of An Garda Síochána as they attempt to deliver these instructions during a race from the side of the road.
“Such behaviour is appalling and (is) causing irreparable damage for the Irish cycling community at a time when the majority of the public want events banned off Irish roads.
Cycling Ireland continued: “Participants in road racing are reminded that when they pin on their race numbers and sign on for an event, that they are still subject to national law, irrespective of agreements and cooperation between event organisers and An Garda Síochána.
“The assistance of all static marshals and motorcycle marshals who attempt to provide as safe an environment as possible on a public road while still subject to national law in order for you, the racing cyclist, to participate in a slightly less restrictive manner compared to being out training - no longer two abreast but keep to the left side of the road.
“Future incidents like the above will eventually see road racing being severely restricted where participants will struggle to get into an event on a weekly basis.
“A ‘thank you’ instead of verbal abuse to the authorities can go a long way towards maintaining a working relationship for the future. The responsibility is yours to protect the image of your sport, use it.”
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