There may be many shaven-legged cyclists training and competing on the roads of the Republic, but only a small handful are women.

This year, 2,500 riders joined the Irish Cycling Federation, the main governing body for the sport; less than 10 per cent were women.

More cyclists exist outside these membership figures, with others affiliated to the Irish Veteran Cycling Association, for example, but the gender imbalance is much the same.

The reasons for the discrepancy are many. A lack of role models seems a big influence. Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly brought many into the sport, but Irish women have not had anything like the same success.

It is a vicious circle: their limited numbers meant they were given little support in the past and few opportunities to race abroad on Irish teams. And that in turn stymied future achievements and caused disillusion.

Fortunately, an influx of new blood into the Irish Cycling Federation means the development of women's cycling - both competitive and leisure-orientated - is now a priority.

Pauline McKay, the national women's squad manager, has started a summer league and occasional cycling workshops, while Eamon Duffy of the Irish Cycling Federation is trying to increase the general numbers cycling.

Both are keen to provide help and advice to anyone interested in taking up the sport.