The new Midland Racing Team backed by Planet X and Carnac, with ex-pro Morgan Fox second from right.
By Shane Stokes
Former Irish professional Morgan Fox has put his weight behind a new team established in the Midlands, providing sponsorship and his backing to what is currently a six-rider squad.
Fox raced with the Tonissteiner team as a stagiaire in 1999 and then went on to earn a full contract for the following season. However the 1997 national road race champion contracted glandular fever and wasn’t able to deliver on his full potential.
He later returned to cycling and competed with the Murphy and Gunn-Sean Kelly team and Pezula Racing.
Fox has been working for Planet X in Athlone in recent years and after being approached by those behind the squad, decided to do what he could to ensure its success.
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“When we first came up with the idea, myself and one of the girls in Mullingar went to Morgan to see if he would help us in terms of sharing his experience,” said Steve Franzoni, who will act as general manager.
“However he decided to come on board with Planet X, giving bikes and kit. It’s really great. We were really taken aback by what he did for us.
“Morgan will also coaching advice and mentorship, and he is going to be directeur sportif at some of the bigger races. He has so much knowledge so it was important to bring him in.”
Called MRT-Planet X–Carnac (the MRT stands for Midland Racing Team), Franzoni said the aim of the squad was to pool talent that had been racing with various clubs in the Midlands.
The team has already been in action this season; above at the Traders Cup in Dundalk at the weekend (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Six riders are involved and as these previously had been racing with different teams, it proved difficult to both give them as much support as was possible and also to select them for some big events.
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“They did compete together in some races – they would ride as Lakeside Wheelers in some events, Athlone-Shannonside in others,” he said.
“So we thought it would be good for them to come together into one club.
“We were able to do so with the blessing of their previous teams, and are looking forward to a good season.”
The six riders involved are all either A1 or A2 level. They are Morgan Fox’s brother Keith (Athlone), Keith Finn (Laois), Adrian Carroll (Tullamore), Stuart Cox (Westmeath) and the Longford duo Shane Quinn and David Farrell.
Franzoni said that the squad has a clear programme in mind, including some of the biggest races on the Irish calendar.
“We entered the An Post Rás, we decided that was the main goal this year. The Rás Mumhan is a lead in race, plus some other stage races. “
He said that the team is open to further sponsorship offers, with races like the An Post Rás being costly.
There are other events on the calendar too, even if some of the riders cannot take part.
“We will also bring on some riders as guests for the Donegal Three Day and the Charleville Two Day,” he said.
“Long run we want to be a development team giving opportunities to others in the Midlands. A big aim is to bring on young talent.
“Previously we found that we were losing talent in the Midlands once riders got to a certain level – Damien Shaw is one example.
“This will give us a way of nurturing young riders, and also teaching people from various clubs about also being involved, as directeur sportifs or whatever.
“The learning curve is for a lot of people, not just the riders.
“Morgan’s involvement is great. He also has a fair few contacts abroad so if anyone has talent to race abroad, he can direct them to different teams.”
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