Dan Martin received financial backing from UK schemes like the Dave Rayner Fund and says young Irish riders should get the same support.
With the UK having long had a number of funds to give emerging cyclists the financial backing they need to race and train abroad, Dan Martin has now launched a similar concept for Irish cycling.
The Emerald Fund will seek to raise money by promoting a number of events and will then disperse the cash to emerging Irish riders with the potential to become the stars of tomorrow.
“The idea came about as a result of talks with key people in Irish cycling,” Martin said in a statement launching the fund.
“The time is right to step up and support the next generation of riders coming through across all disciplines.
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“I was lucky to avail of support from both the Dave Rayner Fund and the Braveheart Fund, our hope is that likewise the Emerald Fund can assist upcoming riders take that next step to what is a very tough, but extremely rewarding career.”
The Emerald Fund Sportive will one of the main revenue generating activities for the new project and will take place on Saturday, 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.
The price of the tickets has not yet been set but the event will include an auction of cycling memorabilia including Martin’s winner’s jersey from Volta Catalunya 2013.
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Those unable to attend the banquet or sportive but who still want to financially contribute to the project can do so by donating via the fund’s PayPal account.
While still in its early stages, the fund hopes to financially support around 10 young Irish riders in its first season in 2016. The money would assist them in living, training and racing abroad.
The concept may grow from that level, just as the Braveheart Fund and Dave Rayner Fund in the UK have. Many Irish riders have received funding from those two initiatives.
Applications are now open for riders hoping to secure funding for next season from the Emerald Fund.
Riders must demonstrate the potential to develop into winners at the European Championships, World Championship and at Olympic level.
Clubs with a specific youth focus will also be eligible for funding; a development that means the monies raised will reach the grass roots of Irish cycling rather than simply a small number of riders at the top of the sport.
Any rider or club wishing to apply for funding can get more information by following this link.
All applications must be received by December 4th, with the recipients of the first round of funding to be unveiled in mid January.
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