NICF AMALGAMATE WITH CYCLING ULSTER

THE NORTHERN Ireland Cycling Federation (NICF) is to cease its affiliation to British Cycling and will amalgamate with Cycling Ulster, which will enable them to affiliate to the UCI via Cycling Ireland. The move is to take effect from January 1, 2007.

NICF delegates voted 29 in favour and two against for the proposals at the Federations Special General Meeting chaired by NICF chairman Alan Mark last week. The voting was led by Ballymena Road Club, one of the biggest clubs in Ireland, supported by North Down CC, Team Madigan, Old Bleach CC and West Down Wheelers.

According to NICF?s Anthony Mitchell, dissenting members numbering between 10 and 15 are considering a legal challenge.

Brian Cookson, British Cycling President, said: "I'm delighted that there seem to have been positive developments in the discussions between the NICF and the other bodies in Ireland and Northern Ireland. When we have received formal notification of exactly what has been agreed, I'm sure British Cycling will want to be supportive, in the best interests of our sport".