Killarney

By Sean Moriarty
<h3>Killarney cyclist Sam Bolger&nbsp;(18) has been selected as one of four riders for the Belgian Project &ndash; one of the most prestigious stepping stones for Irish riders with ambitions to turn professional.</h3>
Northern Ireland-based Belgian Danny Blondell is the man behind the project.
For the last 15 years Blondell selects between four and six Irish riders and sends them to Belgium where they stay with local families and contest pro and semi-pro races.
As a race commentator Blondell is well placed to decide who is deserving of inclusion in the project.
Over the first six months of the year he makes decisions while attending early season races.
Those lucky enough to get selected go to live and race in Belgium for the second six months of the year.
Bolger, from Lewis Road, was selected after winning the junior race in the Cycling Ireland National Road Series in Mayo in March and the Orwell Stage Race in County Wicklow in June.
&ldquo;He is delighted, it is a very big deal,&rdquo; his father Paul told the Killarney Advertiser.
&ldquo;He has had a very good year and the wins in Mayo and Wicklow secured the Belgium Project.&rdquo;
Bolger will head to Belgium in late July and after to the Junior Tour of Ireland which takes place in County Clare between July 12 and 17.

Rising cycling star selected for Belgium Project

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