David O’Loughlin hits back at rumours
Martin Ayres
CYCLIST David O’Loughlin has angrily refuted a national newspaper report that he has missed out on qualification for this year’s Olympic Games.
O’Loughlin dismissed the story as nonsense when The Mayo News contacted him on Monday afternoon. “The facts haven’t changed, the initial allocation of qualifiers comes out on April 14. It’s only then that I will know where I stand,” he said.
The Cong man produced his best ever performance when placing sixth in last month’s World Individual Track Pursuit championship. His 4km time of 5mins 20sec was also the sixth fastest time anywhere in the world this year.
Selection for Ireland would be a formality, but another hurdle has been placed in his path. Only 16 riders will qualify for the Olympic event, and the world governing body, the Union Cycliste International (UCI), will take results in both individual and team pursuit competitions into consideration when making the cut.
Here O’Loughlin is at a disadvantage as Ireland does not contest the team events.
The Beijing field is being restricted in line with IOC policy to cut back on the number of Games participants. But the new criteria pose problems for the sport’s administrators.
“It’s complicated and I’m not sure if even the UCI fully understand their own rules, there’s a lot of possible interpretations,” said O’Loughlin.
Even if the Mayo man doesn’t make the list this month, there will be a final allocation in mid-June. There is also provision for a wild card place and, given his recent form, O’Loughlin would have a strong case.
However, he hopes it doesn’t come down to a wild card plea. “I’m not panicking, I still think there’s a good chance, and I’m still working towards my goal of riding the Olympics,” he added.
