Foreword Dany, founder ” After 2 difficult years of that dreadful virus about, things look a little bit clearer and a hopefully full season ahead, I only collected the necessary funds of our sponsors (as some had some respite due to the situation) to keep us afloat but could save some money with doing the MC job at more than 30 events + the support and donations of clubs, and individuals which also kept the car on the road to promote our cycling sport to the full. With already most of the loyal sponsors and some new ones aboard for 2022, I have decided to give some early bursaries, to justify the funds received and to support some worthy youth development teams, and individual athletes in our beloved sport…graduation awards (summer racing in Belgium) is still on hold (but I will follow the situation in Belgium very closely, so I will be able to send some graduates down when things improve) but there will be more bursaries awarded in June (Next week you will find info of how to enter the selection pool, including the selection pool of 2020 who never got the chance to compete for this) But coming back to today’s award announcements… this with a difference to other years as we have chosen 2 youth development teams who have done enormous work towards their youngsters, and getting them ready for bigger things to come, both of them with a small budget, and sometimes relying on parents and friends to help out with some of the travel costs to make sure their youth can race and absorbed experience in high profile events as far as GB and the continent in some cases, and localy shine in domestic events…The proof is in the pudding…just have a look at their profiles on social media…it is impressive to say it mildly!! So well done to TC-Racing from Meath and the VC Glendale Youth academy …2 more clubs will be awarded a bursary in June, but we keep that under wraps for now. Here below is a bit more info on the award recipients…Well done is in order!! Each will receive a cheque of £250 at the “Sean Sharkey Memorial CX” next Sunday 30th January in Jenkinstown Co-Louth (Mc Crystal Cycling Track) Info at bottom of the report” This is entirely my unbiased choice, the results, camaraderie, and team dedication of the youngsters and their volunteers made that for me, regards Dany B
VC Glendale’s Youth Academy 2021-2022
This is the VC Glendale Academy our 2021 project to help young up and coming riders get to the next level in their racing program, this includes all disciplines from Road racing to Cyclo-Cross including Mountain Biking and track racing or whatever the riders fancy all the coaching staff will be 100% behind the riders and expect the same commitment in return. More info can be obtained on https://www.vcglendale.com/team-3
TC-racing…a brainchild of DS Tom Clogher
Tom Clogher told social media earlier this month: “Happy New Year from all the team. I would like to thank our sponsors for supporting us throughout the year and all of you who supported us at races and on our Facebook/ Instagram pages it is always appreciated. It was a difficult decision to go ahead with a team for 2022 as our budget is small and a number of riders have moved on from the team but when I looked at the commitment of our young riders in 2021 I decided to give it a go for another year. We have a very young team but they will be greatly supported by our senior riders Faith and Marcia. Hopefully, 2022 will bring on more team sponsors which in turn will support our riders gain more race experience both here and abroad” For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/TCRacingCyclingTeam
The Belgian project is supporting this event with commentary, tunes and plenty of photos. We will present the award winners during the event. Bellurgan Wheelers told social media “Let’s get registering for the 30th.. https://eventmaster.ie/event/9GeZHw5HWJ. We are remembering Sean Sharkey with Full kids and adults races. Entries are strong… smile, ride and enjoy yourself in our last CX race. All for a worthy cause – The Maria Goretti Foundation >> Those of you in the cycling community will remember we lost a very special boy last year, Sean Sharkey. He just loved riding around in puddles, laughing and smiling. Peter, Fiona, and Aoibheann are long-standing dedicated members of our cycling family. We are honored to be hosting a cyclocross race in Sean’s name. Save the date – 30th January 2022. Sean loved spending time at The Maria Goretti center. The Foundation is always seeking to continue to develop the facility at Lordship and we would like to help raise vital funds that will help children like Sean” Gofundme me- https://gofund.me/8f9ed670
