CAMPBELL STEPS DOWN

Frank Campbell’s tenure as a Cycling Ireland national team manager has come to an end with the news that he has advised CI of his decision to cease acting in this role.

Campbell proved to be a successful manager during his time, achieving successes such as the national team’s domination of the 2004 FBD Milk Rás. He played an important part in the Team Ireland operation in Belgium and also assisted Irish internationals in their efforts to achieve strong results abroad and thus secure professional contracts.

Campbell’s resignation is the latest in recent months. CI President PJ Nolan, Mick and Delores Usher of the women’s commission, track commission President Philip Collins plus several others have also stood down from their positions.

CI have not yet announced who will replace Campbell in the driving seat of the Team Ireland car this season. A seven-man national squad will compete in the Tour de Langkawi later this month.

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Today’s CI press release is as follows:

Dublin 5th January, 2005

Frank Campbell has advised Cycling Ireland that he will not be in a position to act as team manager of Irish road racing teams during 2005. Irish teams under Frank's guidance had their most successful period of racing in recent times. That success was shown when the Irish team dominated and won the 2004 FBD Rás and by the fact that at the end of this year we have 7 riders with professional contracts.

The Team Ireland concept and the successful operation of the Team Ireland base in Belgium are a significant part of what Frank has done for Irish cycling. Frank will retain an interest in the operations in Belgium.

During 2005 Frank will develop his interest in cycling in new ways. Cycling Ireland wishes him well in the future and is grateful to acknowledge the extraordinary effort he put into the sport over many years.

For further information please contact, Stuart Hallam, Chief Executive, Cycling Ireland at 01 855 1522 or ceo@cyclingireland.ie