The Emerald Fund should be of huge interest to the growing number of Irish riders trying to forge careers in the sport (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Brian Canty
The deadline for applications for the inaugural Emerald Fund round of grants is less than a month away.
And those keen on receiving financial assistance are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Only 15 applications have been lodged to date; perhaps a smaller number than expected considering there are more young riders than ever looking to make the next step in the sport.
Individual riders aside, clubs are also encouraged to apply for funding.
A panel of five will review all applications before Christmas and the successful riders and clubs will be notified early in the New Year.
The Emerald Fund has said it would support around 10 riders or clubs in 2016.
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But depending on the number of applications received and the standard of riders who apply, that may change.
Successful riders must demonstrate the potential to be a European, World or Olympic champion.
And clubs that actively promote youth cycling will get preference.
Riders and clubs involved in all disciplines can apply including road, track and off road.
Not only riders are eligible for funding. Clubs, especially those developing young kids - like VC Glendale, above - are encouraged to apply (Photo: Toby Watson)
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Cian Lynch, one of the men behind the initiative, said he was confident more riders and clubs would come forward and apply.
“We’d encourage a spread across the various disciplines and the fund will provide for both male and females,” he said.
The panel set to review the applications will also decide how much is awarded to each club or rider.
And because the project is just beginning, details around whether payments will be made in one tranche annually or by monthly installments are also still being put in place.
“We appreciate that not all will require funding immediately," said Lynch.
"And we are working closely with our sister funds and the current generation of Irish professionals to determine the best system."
Those interested in applying can do so by following this link.
The Emerald Fund Sportive will one of the main revenue generating activities for the new project and will take place on Saturday week, November 14th.
In will begin in Dunboyne, Co Meath, and will take in routes through counties Meath and Kildare with three routes for riders of varying ages and abilities.
The event will cost €30 to enter or €15 for youth riders.
And to add to the monies raised at the sportive, that event will be followed by the Emerald Banquet at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
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