Galway Bay Cycling Club has urged riders to get behind a new plan for Irish road racing, when it is launched, saying as the road scene is at a low point at present, those cyclists still currently racing must be supportive.
The club has made it very clear it did not want to get into pointing the finger at anyone, but it believed a hoped-for revival of the domestic scene can only happen with rider support.
It made its comments after the Galway Classic race - a unique event with gravel sectors - had to be scaled back last weekend. Rather than run several races, a combined A2-A3 event was held, with A1s not catered for.
This was despite the face the race has been a very popular fixture since it was launched in recent years. However, a switch in dates, from early season to August this year, did not go according to plan.
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Only four A1s had entered by the time the club decided to abandon having two races, not cater for the A1s and combine the other categories. This year's poor entry from the A1s was in stark contrast with recent years when 35 to 40 have entered, it said.
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On the day an A2-A3 race was held, won in fine style by Milo Donaldson after the Killarney rider struck out solo and had the legs to take his effort all the way to the line.
Galway Bay CC have used the experience of organising last weekend's race, and experiencing a lower take-up than hoped for, to issue a measured call for support for domestic cycling.
"Irish amateur road racing is at a particularly low ebb at the moment but we don’t wish this to turn into a blame game," it said in a brief statement.
"Yes, there are bigger picture issues at play but given the small number of riders we have in the country right now we look forward to the implementation of the new road racing plans for 2025.
"And (we) hope all riders will get behind them for a positive change for our sport. Here’s hoping for brighter days ahead."
