By Shane Stokes
A long-running political split has come to an end with the announcement that the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation (NICF) will amalgamate with Cycling Ulster in 2007, this affiliating them to the UCI.
NICF clubs recently voted in support of the change in direction, which took place after long negotiations to overcome the political hurdles.
The agreement unites a sport that has been divided for three decades. As a result, NICF member clubs will switch affiliation from British Cycling to Cycling Ireland. The members will still be able to opt for their preferred nationality code, thus preserving their political and cultural identities.
A spokesman for Cycling Ulster said, "This is an historic occasion and will see the Ulster region become the strongest of the four provincial federations. Relationships between the two groups have been harmonious for the past number of years and this coming together can only benefit cycling in the long term."
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
