Recent Club AGM

Cuchulainn Cycling Club's members recently gathered for their AGM, where they reviewed 2011 and looked ahead to 2012. The night was kicked off with a quick presentation of the Louth Championships Jerseys, for the respective road and off road categories (Pictures of all winners can be viewed on the club's Facebook page)

. Afterwards the various officers put forward their 2011 reports, the most worrying of which is always the treasurer's report. However Peter Tomany assured the members that all was good and the club had manged to donate to various charities over the course of the previous year. As well as the usual racing round up, Philip Kerely talked members through the huge amount of activity on the touring side. The club had highlighted 11 cyclosportive events for 2011 that they would target. Jason Boyle excelled as the only club member to finish all 11, which is very impressive given the horrendous conditions the 200km long Wicklow event was run off in.

Elections for 2012 officers saw almost all 2011 officers return to their posts. Youth Development Officer Sé Weston however had to step down due to work commitments but was replaced by Peter Collins. There has been a significant increase in the number of female cyclists in the club and their interests will be managed jointly by Kathleen Byrne and Michelle Dolan. A number of committees were formed to cater for off road cycling, track cycling, road racing & the rapidly growing BMX area. With BMX racing now an Olympic Sport and with the opening of a dedicated track in Ratoath, Co. Meath this area of the sport will continue to see rapid growth.

As ever the club will undertake to run a plethora of events in 2012, the mainstay being the 3 leagues. The FPM Accountants Summer league will continue for it's 8th edition since being reincarnated back in 2004. The Mountain Biking League will be moving back to the excellent facilities at Bellurgan Park, where credit must be giving to the dedicated crew who are responsible for both the construction and maintenance of the circuit. The Beginner's league will revert to a new format in 2012, being open only to women and underage riders (under 18).

On the racing side the club will start with the annual Traders Cup on February 26th. other events for the year include holding all the Louth Championships, the Leinster Time Trial Championships, the Táin Team Tour, a round of the Irish Veterans league and finally the National Championships for Vets and Juniors in late August. On the off road side the club will again be hosting a round of the prestigious National Points Series, as well as other events like the Marathon Championships.

Not to be outdone, the touring section has the most ambitious plans, undertaking the organising of a club trip to the Alps in early August. Here riders will tackle many of the famous Cols used in epic professional races such as the Tour de France. In addition June's Tour of Louth will feature it's traditional 100km route, plus it's shorter 50km route and the 10km town family event.

The club will beginning preparations for it's season opener, The Traders Cup being held on Sunday February 26th