After unexpectedly being told to ‘Schwinng his hook’ just before Christmas, by Team Schwinn – his sponsors for the last four years – Dual / DH rider Dave Cullinan has got verbal agreement on a deal with Diamond Back Racing.After a “miracle” come back from heart failure Cullinan had another lousy year in 2000 as a result of a long term wrist injury., His Schwinn place has been given to French young blood Mickael Deldycke, who at 20 is 11 years younger than Cully. Cullinan is obviously pretty peeved at the lack of notice; “It was really frustrating. I always gave 100 percent to the company. I wanted to ride for them until I couldn’t ride anymore. I feel like I kind of got screwed.”

Although the Diamond Back sponsorship is probably a ‘frame only’ deal, his agent still thinks Cullinan has been lucky “…….things are so tight in the industry. It’s difficult to find financial help right now.”

With riders of Cully’s stature having to scrabble around to find a ride, it puts the chances of an all expenses paid place from the local shop in the local fun class series in perspective. Though we’re sure it won’t stop people asking!

Full “got any loose change, guv?” Cullinan story is over with those Velo News folks.