The Development Camp was attended by juniors with ambitions of being selected on elite and development squads for the road and track in 2010 along with Under 27 females and Under 25 males who wish to make the national development squad. Cyclists and volunteers arrived from all parts of Ireland, along with some foreign based riders on Friday evening.
Icy conditions on Saturday morning meant the proposed training spin set for 9.15am was postponed until 1pm. Three groups departed the Mayo tourist town for a 50 miles training ride that took in several roads that have been used in recent years for the Junior Tour of Ireland. Ulster representative on the national road commission, Stephen McKenna accompanied the Under 25 males spin. Fellow East Antrim – Audi CC member, Gary Wilson led one of the junior groups and had McKenna’s group who had departed shortly before under pressure to maintain their gap throughout the 50 miles of rolly terrain.
A steady high pace combined with several sprints along the course led to several riders losing contact throughout the day from the various groups. The current level of fitness and abilities of the riders were being tested under the watchful eye of representatives of the Commission’s along with Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Director, Phil Leigh, and Development Coach, Beverley Chamberlain. This was followed by interviews with all of the potential development squad members and elite juniors for 2010.
Conditions overnight remained above freezing, enabling the scheduled 9.15am ride for Sunday to go ahead. 70 miles on hilly and exposed terrain from Westport to Achill and back awaited the riders. The two junior groups and Under 27 females were combined into one group for the second spin of the weekend. With extra riders at his disposal, Gary Wilson ensured this group managed to catch the Under 25 males, making it a tough day in the saddle for several riders.
Cycling Ulster Talent ID Officer, Anthony Mitchell along with Cycling Ulster Track Coach, Brian Cardy were also amongst the province’s mentors that attended the weekend, providing advice and support to the riders throughout the weekend. The North Down CC team vehicle also helped transport some of the riders to Westport which enabled them to attend the development camp.