Some in the Irish cycling community are surprised and annoyed that two riders - Darnell Moore (above) and Adam Ward - are not selected on the Irish team for the World Championships in Innsbruck (Photo: Toby Watson)
Meeting follows surprise at omissions from Irish Worlds team
A cycling event has been organised for noon tomorrow, Sunday, to mark the achievements this year of two cyclists not selected for the World Road Championships.
The event is to celebrate the achievements of Darnell Moore and Adam Ward. And it is being held in response to neither rider being selected onto the Irish Worlds team.
Moore is the national U23 road race champion, national hill climb champion and national elite cyclocross champion.
He was also second in the nationals elite road race in July; won by Aqua Blue Sport pro rider Conor Dunne.
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Ward is the national junior champion and took a stage at the Junior Tour of Wales two weeks ago. He has won a series of elite races this year and is the top ranked junior in Ireland.
Moore rides for Caldwell Cycles Omagh. Ward has been a Powerhouse Sport rider for the last couple of seasons, though began racing with Omagh Wheelers.
And it is in Omagh, from the town’s leisure centre, that the gathering tomorrow will happen. Anyone interested can also join a ride-out; a 25 mile support and solidarity leisure ride.
Both riders have been picked for the Irish junior and U23 teams this year. But they are not in the Irish selections for the junior or U23 road races at the Worlds later this month in Innsbruck, Austria.
Adam Ward and Darnell Moore take junior and U23 gold respectively at the National Road Race Championships in Sligo two months ago (Photos: Sean Rowe)
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A Facebook page – Celebrate our National Champions - has been established to publicise tomorrow’s event.
A message posted on the page, and shared by many on social media, explains why the event has been organised.
Addressed to “cyclists, fans of cycling and friends” it explains who the riders are and why they deserve support after being omitted from the Irish team revealed in recent days.
“This is a get together to celebrate our local national champions - Adam Ward and Darnell Moore,” the message says.
“Adam Ward has 14 victories in four countries this year. (He) won every jersey at the Newry Three day (and was a) stage winner at Junior Tour of Wales.
“(He) is ranked number one in Ireland; and is the current national champion in road and track in Ireland.
“Darnell Moore is currently holding three national jerseys - U23 (road race), hill climb, cyclocross - bronze in national criterium champions, is Ulster champ and (scored) consistent podiums and wins throughout the year.
“Both riders found out this week they have not been selected to ride the World Championships this month.
“Many of us believe they deserved to be selected. Either way, they are true champions to us.
“Being selected for a team doesn’t define someone’s success. Both athletes have excelled in their performances - at home and abroad.
“Let’s all come and show our support for these fine men and let them know what we think of them.
“Let’s come and celebrate their success and show our pride for these national champions.
“We will have a controlled 25 mile training ride with our champs (Omagh-Dromore-Fintona-Omagh).
“Everyone is welcome, irrespective of age, ability or club. Some of the lads will get another one or two hours after (the ride out) for those interested.
“This is not a Cycling Ireland event. It is just a cycle with friends. There is no cost. The only cost is your presence, time and appreciation.”
The message stresses that U16, U14 and U12 are welcome to join what will be a controlled ride, though parents or clubs will be responsible for the younger riders.
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