An Post to sponsor Sean Kelly Cycling Team

6 December 2007

The team is based at the Seán Kelly Academy in Belgium, and is made up of leading Irish and European cyclists. 

Announcing the sponsorship today, An Post Chief Executive Donal Connell said An Post was very pleased to be supporting Sean Kelly’s team for 2008: 

“In our view it is crucial that young Irish cyclists have access to international competition and training.  This is an essential element of their career development and an integral part of the development of this sport across the country. 

“An Post’s sponsorship with enable some top-class Irish cyclists to fulfil their potential at the peak of international cycling, under the expert eye of Sean Kelly, an international sporting legend – and a giant of Irish sport.  We will be announcing a number of other sponsorship initiatives in cycling in the coming months,” he added.

Sean Kelly, who is ranked among the top five cyclists of all time, set up the team two years ago to open up new opportunities for young Irish cyclists wishing to explore the wider field of continental cycling. It is also Cycling Ireland’s high performance centre.

“One of the big advantages of basing our team at the academy in Belgium, is the access it gives our Irish cyclists to top European races. It provides them with the opportunities that we did not have as cyclists back in the 1980’s and that is how it should be,” said Kelly. “It also raises the profile of the Irish cyclists in Europe. If you were to send athletes or teams over from Ireland, the cost can be prohibitive. Basing ourselves in Belgium, we can have a team in a race with all the necessary back up without an issue.”

The team is managed by Belgian Kurt Bogaerts, who originally came to Sean Kelly as a young cyclist and asked him if he could train with him. 

The team for 2008 will comprise a number of Irish cyclists, including Paidi O’ Brien, Stephen Gallagher and Mark Cassidy, who attended the sponsorship announcement.

“Being part of this team has opened up new doors for me in my cycling career” said Cassidy.   “The opportunity to race in Ireland, Europe and America as part of the team is essential for us to develop and gain vital experience in our sport”.

The An Post-sponsored team will take part in a number of UCI Races in 2008, including key races in Ireland.  Kelly also hopes that the team, co-sponsored by
M Donnelly Grant Thornton, will take part in the Tour of Argentina.  

“It’s important for us not only to take part in top races in Europe and abroad, but at home in Ireland,” said Kelly.  “It’s a chance for our Irish cyclists to return home and showcase their success as part of the team”.

/end

For further information:
Máire Scully or Greg Keane
WHPR 01 6690030