Open Message from Old Cyclist to CI and IVCA

fixie fox

I am an Old Cyclist ('Veteran', or 'Masters', or whatever polite term you want to call it, but 'old' nonetheless).

I am a member of Cycling Ireland which is the official (UCI) cycling governing body for Ireland. Unfortunately, this governing body does not provide 'Masters' events or national championships in the various disciplines (road, track, TT, etc) beyond the single 'Veteran' category (road at least - not sure about track, TT, etc). So, as I am over 20 years older than the Cat 1 riders who win the 'Vets', CI does not cater from my 'Masters' level.

Nor, to my knowledge, does our National Federation provide support to Masters cyclists representing 'Ireland' at World Championships etc (age descrimination?)

On the other hand, we have the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association (IVCA). This is an independent organisation and (to the best of my knowledge) outside of the remit of the UCI and Cycling Ireland. They seem very well run and organised but, unfortunately for me, are largely centred around Dublin. They have suitable competition for me but, again unfortunately, I can't join as their rules clearly state that members have to regularly steward if they are to compete. I live about 200k away from most of their events, so stewarding and regular competition is out, even though I would love to compete in their 'national championships' (they can't be true 'National Championships' if not run by the official governing body, can they?).

Curiously, IVCA give considerable financial support to some aspects of Cycling Ireland - events and individuals - even though they don't support their own members going abroad to represent 'Ireland' at UCI European and World Championships etc.

Even if I could join IVCA, it would cost me a large amount of money to be a member of my national governign body AND the 'other' body which caters for my age group.

So, I am a victim of this 'split' in Irish cycling. I can't compete at my age group at national level. Can you imagine this situation existing at any other age level. (at least this is my reading of it - I may have some of the detail wrong).

Dear IVCA: I understand that you don't actually need Cycling Ireland - you are getting on just fine and catering for the needs very well. And I can understand why you would be a bit pissed off by Cycling Ireland members having it both ways - doing CI events when it suited and turning up at your events when it suited. But perhaps you are a little smug and insular. Could you not find some way of accommodating those of us out in the sticks who can't be part of the usual gang. Who knows, IVCA might even spread beyond The Pale. But, if it did, would that upset things too much?

Dear Cycling Ireland: you are not going to be able to provide regular competition or various National Championships for Masters riders. And your regular clubs are just not interested - there isn't a critical mass of us old guys outside The Pale. So, can you not recognise that IVCA can do this best and bring these into the official fold. And can you not recognise that athletes competing UCI international Masters competitions as worth supporting.

Dear IVCA and CI: this is little 'split' in Irish cycling and is not very serious, as it effects only old guys. A much bigger SPLIT was resolved successfully before by wise people. Can ye not bang heads seriously together please.