Cycling Ireland's new high-performance director Iain Dyer has said he is primarily focussed on the long-term future in his role, emphasising the need to look further ahead while also doing what he can to aid athletes in the current season.
The Briton was named on Thursday as taking over at the helm of the high-performance section of the federation, thus stepping into the position held by Brian Nugent until last year and filled more recently on an interim basis by Aaron Buggle. Dyer spent 21 years with British Cycling and has experience of five Olympic Games campaigns to his credit.
He told the Irish Times on Friday what he sees as the most important targets.
“My priorities will be to get familiar with the current programme and plans and facilitate where I can, and get to know everyone involved,” he said.
“I am aware some pieces of work such as selection policies will warrant my immediate attention, but wherever possible I’d like to assimilate all activity across the disciplines and build towards a successful longer-term future, rather than quick fixes.”
However, he said that helping riders in the short-term was also important. “There’s no question we’ll need to work hard to support athletes with competitive targets on the horizon this season.”
Dyer's two decades with British Cycling saw him work as sprint coach, helping riders such as Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny to world championship and Olympic success. In recent years he became head coach and lead track coach, but announced his departure from British Cycling in mid December. He said at the time it was a good moment "to press pause".
Cycling Ireland chief executive Matt McKerrow said that Dyer’s interactions during the recruitment process highlighted his qualities.
“It was apparent to the recruitment panel at any early juncture that Iain thoroughly understands the many interconnected elements of a cycling federation, and especially the role of high performance – not only in enabling athlete achievements that inspire the community; but in attracting future participants, coaches, volunteers, funders and stars to the sport. I’m delighted to have such an experienced operator with this holistic vision and a real enthusiasm to realise the potential for Cycling Ireland joining the team.”
Dyer's appointment was announced six days after Nicolas Roche was named sporting director for Cycling Ireland's senior road programme.
Meanwhile, the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan has called on teams to return entry forms by February 18th, saying that there has been “enormous interest” from club and international teams for the race. The event announced on January 19th that it will return this season, some three years after it was last held. It will take place over four days at Easter Weekend.
Interested teams can download entry forms from the race website.
