Sean Kelly criticize Ireland's withdrawl from UCI World Championships - "I feel that the government and the sports council of Ireland are not really pushing much into cycling"

The UCI Road World Championships are just two weeks away, and the Ireland team has opted not to participate. Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly has voiced his concern and opposed the decision.

In a conversation with Cyclingweekly, he said, “It’s great to compete at the World Championships because you’re there with all the other big cycling nations, and you’re representing your country.”

He blames the sports council and government for not encouraging cycling as a professional sport for youngsters.“I feel that we should have more numbers there in the professional peloton, but for some reason or another, we don’t. I feel that the government and the sports council of Ireland are not really pushing much into cycling."

Ireland Cycling team disclosed that lack of financial means was the main reason they decided to take such a hard decision. But Kelly says these are small excuses, “When I did my first Worlds in 1977, I wasn’t going to do the Worlds because Cycling Ireland wasn’t sending anybody," Kelly said. “There were a lot of times where I had to pay for my own later because I reckon I had a chance to get a medal or do a good ride, so it was either my team who paid for me or I had to pay myself.”

Kelly felt sorry for riders who were eagerly preparing for the event only to be disappointed later. “They would certainly be very keen to go. And with the crop they have there, there is talent coming through,” concluded Kelly.