Maria Larkin was the delighted winner of the women’s race at the cyclocross international in Belfast last year. The event will not be back; certainly not with UCI grading (Photo: Toby Watson)
Having been a great success last year and holding great potential to develop further, the Mallusk International UCI-ranked cyclocross event will not take place this year.
The race, which was UCI graded and so carried UCI points,
was the first cyclocross race of its stature in Ireland.
It was hoped that in time it would attract not just the
best of Irish but also riders from abroad.
And its establishment was seen as a natural next stepping
for the Irish cyclocross scene which has been so vibrant in recent years.
The events had the added bonus to giving Irish riders the
chance to score UCI points and so improve their gridding position for the World
Cyclocross Championships.
Advertisement
However, in what is starting to become something of a
pattern in Irish cycling, the event has been scuppered for lack of money.
A fixture may still be held this year, but it will not be
an international UCI-ranked event.
Glenn Kinning, who has been a top cyclocross and road rider, was instrumental in getting the inaugural race off the ground last year.
However, the Kinning Cycles owner said the cost of
hosting a UCI-level event was a lot of manage.
And while he had promoted races in the past simply for
the good of the sport, rather than financial gain, the monies required to run
the UCI-level event were a hurdle he had been unable to overcome.
Related News
He also said he had hoped for more expert assistance from
Cycling Ireland, though he said the federation did help him.
And with several sponsors having pulled out for the
proposed event next winter and fewer riders than hoped for riding last year’s
races; pressure had come from several directions.
“It is with regret that we have to announce that this
year's cyclocross race at Mallusk will not have a UCI status,” he said on the
event’s social media channels today.
“We have unfortunately been forced to make the decision
as we do not have the necessary financial backing required to run the race
properly, due to the withdrawal of a number of key financial backers this year.
“We wish to acknowledge the excellent support we received
last year through the crowdfunding, and also the great assistance we got from
the race helpers and support from our club
members.
“And again I thank those that helped out; I
could not have done it without your help. It was a steep learning curve and
there were a few procedures that I wasn't made aware of until it was too late.
“These ended up
causing a few issues and some costs. The federation did help, but I was
expecting more guidance and knowledge at this level. It was a case of the blind
leading the blind.
“Last year’s race cost several thousand more than
estimated. This was covered by Kinning Cycles Shop and the club. From a
business point of view, I saw no return or support.
“I've never run these races to make money or promote the
shop but I cannot afford to put this type of money up time after time. Last
year’s entry was lower than expected which was another setback.
“I have had several chats with the British Cycling
Federation to get a date that suits both ends and hopefully attract riders
over. I have approached some riders with an invite but still no confirmation.
“The UCI registration fee has been paid, €700. If there
is anyone that feels they could run this they have my full backing. By my
calculations, another £5000 is needed to run the race.
“I wouldn't rule out running this race again in the
future but at present, I cannot get the backing needed.
“Again sorry for the decision and I hope this gives
riders enough time to make other plans.”
Topics
