Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: September 2002
The race was won by Gerert Omloop of the Palmans-Collstrop squad, with Lotto´s Aart Verhouten and RDM Flander´s Minbaug Goncaras placing second and third. O´Loughlin sprinted home 20 seconds after the leading four crossed the line, himself part of a four-man group which was racing for fifth place. ´The result is encouraging for the world championships´, he said. ´I have just arrived in Belgium but have settled in quickly´. Meanwhile other members of the Team Ireland set-up also had encouraging performances over the weekend. Paidi O´Brien and Nicolas Roche placed 8th and 13th in junior events, while Brian Ahern was 10th in a senior contest in Jemeppe. SCANLON 3RD ON FINAL LEG OF PARIS-CORREZE STAGE RACE: (By Shane Stokes Sept 30) Mark Scanlon recorded a fine result in the penultimate race of his pro trial with the AG2r team, taking an excellent third place on the last stage of the Paris-Corrèze event in France. After stating beforehand that he intended approaching the race with a laid-back approaching, preferring to take things easier than in recent events, Scanlon finished midway down the field on the first two stages but then went on the attack on the final day of the race. Scanlon rode well throughout the stage, scooping enough mountain points to jump him to fourth in that classification and then performed strongly in the final kilometres to cross the line just 5 seconds behind Credit Agricole´s Pierrick Fedrigo and Kurt-Asle Arvesen of the EDS Fakta squad. With the bunch five minutes and 20 seconds back, the ride saw Scanlon move up to 16th place overall, take fifth in the most aggressive rider classification and also 8th in the points standings.
Power rode strongly in the blue and yellow of Navigators this year, netted some fine results and also doing valuable team-work for the New Jersey based squad. He is hoping that a restructuring of the team will result in greater leadership opportunities for him in 2003. WORLDS SQUADS ANNOUNCED: (By Shane Stokes Sept 26) Cycling Ireland has announced the full line-up of the squads for the world championships, which run from October 8th – 13th. Mark Scanlon, Dermot Nally, Denis Lynch, Philip Deignan and Gary McQuaid will line out in the under 23 road race, with Scanlon and Nally also down to ride the time trial. Tim Cassidy will travel to Belgium as a reserve. The junior road race will be contested by M. Donnelly Junior Tour winner Nicolas Roche, national champion Páidí O’Brien, Theo Hardwick, Andrew McQuaid and Micheal Concannon, with Frazier Duncan ready to step in if any of the five are laid up. Roche and Hardwick will also take part in the junior time trial event. Ireland will also have two riders in the elite races; US pro David O’Loughlin has been chosen over Paul Griffin to do the Elite Men’s road race and time trial, while French-based national champion Geraldine Gill will compete in the Elite Women’s events. TQ Papers International Women's 2 Day: (By Shane Stokes Sept 26) It may be almost season’s end, but Irish female cyclists have their toughest home test of the year next weekend 5/6 October in the TQ Paper International Ladies Two Day event. A strong field has been confirmed for the two-day contest, with riders from the Dutch and English national squads amongst those travelling for next Saturday’s opening 75 kilometre road race around North County Dublin. Last year’s victor Ester Van der Helm and her team-mate Sharon Van Essen will lead the first of two Dutch teams, the curiously titled Moving Ladies – Groenewoud, while the Allemaria Victrix selection and the German RG-Berlin Charlottenburg team complete the continental entries. English competitors will also be in attendance; the Letchworth, Wightlink, Surrey League and the national womens’ Powerbar squads are all travelling. The Irish national selection is comprised of Louise Moriarty, Lorraine Manning, Roisin Kennedy, Kate Rudd, Gilliam McDarby and either Tarja Owens or Susan O’Mara, depending on the availability of the former. In total the race organisers expect a field of 40 – 50 riders, a healthy turnout for this time of year. * Entry forms should be returned immediately to Susan O'Mara, ph. 00 353 87 2360121. No entries accepted on the day. Moriarty 3rd in Isle of Wight event: (By Shane Stokes Sept 23) Louise Moriarty showed the benefits of over two months racing on the continent when she finished a fine third overall in the WightLink Women’s event on the Isle of Wight, 19 seconds behind English rider Charlotte Goldsmith. Moriarty, who is hoping to secure a place in the elite women’s road race in next month’s world championships in Zolder, Belgium, also finished fifth, third and seventh on stages. ‘On the first day (62 miles), I had a great battle with Nina Davies for the mountains jersey, but she got the better of me in that’, said Moriarty. ‘There were 5 of us 19 seconds down on Charlotte coming into the second day. In the road race in the morning (40 miles), I attacked 3 or 4 times, but Charlotte's team is very strong, and they brought me back. I got third on the stage in a bunch sprint’. ’We had a criterium in the afternoon, I attacked with 5 laps to go. Unfortunately, with the entire front group (but for my one team mate who was still in) chasing me down, I was caught on the final lap. Nonetheless, I moved up on GC from 5th on the first day to 3rd at the end, so it was a good result’. WIGHTLINK WOMENS NATIONAL ROAD RACE Stage 1: 1, Charlotte Goldsmith (SP Systems/Wightlink); 2, D. Moss (SP Systems/Wightlink) at 19 secs; 3, C. Hare (Loughborough students) same time Other: 5, Louise Moriarty (Team Letchworth) same time Stage 2: 1, Lorna Webb (Team Power Bar); 2, N. Davies (Port Talbot Wheelers); 3, Moriarty, all same time Stage 3: 1, Webb; 2, Davies; 3, Goldsmith. Other: 7, Moriarty, all same time Final overall: 1, Goldsmith; 2, Davies, at 19 secs; 3, Moriarty; 3, Hare, both same time
Scanlon was active throughout the 204 kilometre event, going clear in a 12 man breakaway after 100 kilometres and building a decisive lead, then forging ahead in a group of six in the closing stages. 1997 Tour de France yellow jersey holder Cédric Vasseur jumped clear with five kilometres to go, reaching the line 23 seconds ahead, but Scanlon put in a great burst in the finishing sprint to net second of the group and third in the race, a fantastic result given the ranking of the event, the calibre of the field and his relative inexperience at this level. With riders such as Baden Cooke, Museeuw, Virenque and Vandenbroucke finishing behind the Sligoman, it seems the future is very bright indeed. He is expected to sign a pro contract with AG2r in the next fortnight, after which he will line out as one of the favourites in the Under 23 World Championships in Zolder, Belgium. ‘I went up the road after 100 kilometres or so and joined up with a group of 12 guys, including Vasseur, Baden Cooke and Nicolas Jalabert. We worked pretty well together and opened up a big gap, so it was race over for the guys behind. Things split up again when we got onto the finishing circuit, which was pretty tough because of the strong wind that was blowing. I got clear there with five others, but then with five kilometres to go Vasseur took off on his own. He was really trucking along, so he opened up a big lead’. ‘I was second in the gallop of the group to take third in the race. The team are delighted with the result, and how the trial has gone so far. We still haven’t had a chance to sit down and discuss terms for next year but think that will happen at the end of the trial, before the Worlds.’ GP Isbergues, France: 1, Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis) 201 kilometres in 4 hours 35 mins 35 secs; 2, L. Capelle (AG2r – Prevoyance) at 23 secs; 3, Mark Scanlon (AG2r Prevoyance); 4, F. Amorison (Lotto-Adecco); 5, B. Cooke (FDJeux.com) all same time
The final stage was ultimately decided by a bunch sprint, won by Slovenian rider Borut Bozic, and all three Irish riders left in the race finished safely in this group. That left Lynch 16th overall, 12 minutes and 58 seconds behind overall winner Rasmus Dyring of Denmark. McQuaid finished 58th and Cassidy 63rd. The outcome of the race suggests that three riders are in the running for the final two places on the under 23 world championship squad; McQuaid, Cassidy and the in-form Philip Deignan, who missed the GP Tell race but performed strongly in both the Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia and the Tour of the Peak. The identities of the final two to join Mark Scanlon, Dermot Nally and Lynch on the team will be announced this week. Stage 5a, Willisau – Willisau time trial: 1, Gustav Larsson (Sweden) 25 kilometres in 38 mins 42.66 secs; 2, R. Dyring (Denmark) at 3.47 secs; 3, B. Vandborg (Denmark) at 1 min .48 secs; 4, M. Albasini (VC Mendrisio Mapei) at 1 min 22.54 secs; 5, T. Lergard (Sweden) at 1 min 35.84 secs Irish: 25, D. Lynch, at 2 mins 59.38 secs; 65, G. McQuaid, at 5 mins 24.16 secs; 76, T. Cassidy, at 6 mins 14.46 secs Stage 5b, Willisau – Willisau: 1, Borut Bozic (Slovenia) 92 kilometres in 2 hours 7 mins 57 secs; 2, E. Franzoi (Italy); 3, J. Pokrandt (Hofbrau Stuttgart); 4, F. Borghesi (Italy); 5, I. Ravaioli (Italy) Irish: 18, Cassidy; 36, Lynch; 38, McQuaid, all same time Final general classification: 1, Dyring, 15 hours 20 mins 2 secs; 2, Larsson, at 1 min 3 secs; 3, G. Rast (Sweden) at 1 min 16 secs; 4, D. Loosli (Switzerland) at 2 mins 44 scs; 5, Albasini, at 3 mins 12 secs Irish: 16, Lynch, at 12 mins 58 secs; 58, McQuaid, at 27 mins 10 secs; 63, Cassidy, at 28 mins 1 sec IVCA/Obelisk Wheelers Sonny Cullen memorial, Batterstown: 1, Jimmy Lally (Dublin Wheelers) 36 miles in 1 hour 24 mins 59 secs; 2, P. Davis (Usher IRC); 3, P. Halligan (Obeslisk); 4, M. Walsh (USA); 5, D. McGrath (Bray Wheelers); 6, J. McSherry (Newry Wheelers) all same time Primes: 1st lap: 1, K. Simms (IVCA); 2, H. Whelan (Orwell); 3, P. Fitzsimons (Navan Avonmore) 2nd lap: 1, D. Flynn (Obelisk); 2, P. Troy (IVCA); 3, N. Lynch (Navan Avonmore) LYNCH 15TH OVERALL AFTER THIRD STAGE OF GP TELL: (By Shane Stokes Sept 21) Three stages into the GP Tell in Switzerland, promising young cyclist Denis Lynch is riding high in a fine 15th place overall, 10 minutes and 20 seconds off the lead of Swiss rider Gregory Rast. The Ireland rider finished in the main bunch on the dangerous, rain-swept second stage, crossing the line in 21st place, then rode strongly on the following day’s toughest mountain leg to finish 16th on the stage, 9 minutes and 52 seconds off the time set by the day’s winner and almost six minutes ahead of the main bunch. The other Irish riders have been having a tougher time of it; Gary McQuaid, Tim Cassidy and Brian Ahern are 75th, 76th and 90th overall, while Stephen Gallagher and Conor Murphy were listed as non-finishers after the second stage. Lynch has already been confirmed as joining Mark Scanlon and Dermot Nally on the under 23 world championship team, leaving Irish selectors with the task of picking the final two riders. These places will be made up from those racing in the GP Tell, although the absent first-year senior Philip Deignan is also in the running. A final announcement is expected next week GP Tell, Switzerland: Stage 2: 1, Simon Gerrans (Australia) 140 kilometres in 3 hours 29 mins 51 secs; 2, T. Oredsson (Denmark); 3, G. Rast (Switzerland) both same time; 4, F. Borghesi (Italy) at 18 secs; 5, J. Pokrandt (Team Hofbrau Stuttgart) same time Irish: 21, D. Lynch, same time; 60, G. McQuaid, at 2 mins 7 secs; 71, T. Cassidy, same time; 96, B. Ahern, at 16 mins 11 secs DNF: C. Murphy, S. Gallagher Stage 3, Brunnen – Emmenbrucke: 1, Rasmus Dyring (Denmark) 171 kilometres in 4 hours 20 mins 57 secs; 2, G. Rast (Switzerland) same time; 3, M. Albasini (VC Mendrisio Mapei) at 1 min 24 secs; 4, M. Strgar (Slovenia); 5, D. Loosli (Switzerland) both same time Irish: 16, D. Lynch, at 9 min 52 secs; 89, G. McQuaid, at 17 mins 7 secs; 90, T. Cassidy, same time; 91, B. Ahern, at 18 mins General classification after stage 3: 1, Rast, 9 hours 37 mins 16 secs; 2, Dyring, at 18 secs; 3, Loosli, at 1 min 15 secs; 4, S. Gerrans (Australia) , at 1 min 24 secs; 5, G. Larsson (Sweden), at 1 min 25 secs Irish: 15, Lynch, at 10 mins 20 secs; 75, McQuaid, at 21 mins 15 secs; 76, Cassidy, same time; 90, Ahern, at 40 mins 47 secs IRISH TEAM STARTS GP TELL CAMPAIGN: (By Shane Stokes Sept 19) Denis Lynch was best placed of the Irish on yesterday’s opening stage of the GP Tell in Switzerland, ending the 73 kilometre stage around Huttwil in 19th place. Lynch crossed the line 31 seconds off the winning time of Italian rider Fabio Borghesi, who was fastest of a four man break in the final 200 metres of the stage. Of the other Irish, Tim Cassidy (54th), Gary McQuaid (58th) and Stephen Gallagher (84th) came home in a group some 2 minutes and 22 seconds down, while Conor Murphy was four and a half minutes further back in 105th place. The GP Tell continues today with a 140 kilometre stage to Brunnen. Grand Prix Tell, Switzerland, stage 1: 1, Fabio Borghesi (Italian National Team) 73 kilometres in 1 hour 46 mins 7 secs; 2, D. Loosli (Swiss National Team); 3, F. Kessiakoff (Swedish National Team); 4, G. Larsson (Swedish National Team) all same time; 5, M. Albasini (VC Mendrisio Mapei) at 20 secs Irish: 19, D. Lynch, at 31 secs; 54, T. Cassidy, at 2 mins 22 secs; 58, G. McQuaid; 84, S. Gallagher, both same time; 105, C. Murphy, at 6 mins 57 secs General classification after stage 1: 1, Borghesi, 1 hour 45 mins 57 secs; 2, Loosli, at 4 secs; 3, Kessiakoff, at 6 secs; 4, Larsson, at 10 secs; 5, Albasini, at 30 secs Irish: 19, Lynch, at 41 secs; 54, Cassidy, at 2 mins 32 secs; 58, McQuaid; 84, Gallagher, both same time; 105, Murphy, at 7 mins 7 secs
The Kanturk rider has been joined by Theo Hardwick, Micheal Concannon and Andrew McQuaid in Belgium, and reports that conditions are perfect for good preparation. 'The setup here really is good. Eugene (Moriarty) is doing a great job', he said. 'There is a good collection of lads here at the moment, the roads are perfect and so the training is going well. We raced last weekend - that was a good workout, it was pretty hard and pretty warm too. I sat in the bunch to allow myself time to settle in, but will have a go this weekend.' O'Brien got onto television for all the wrong reasons during last year's world championships when he crashed early in the junior road race and was filmed running back to the pits in order to get a new bike. One year later he will be hoping for better fortune, and the chance to show what he can do against some of the world's other under 18's. Fortunately he had a big result earlier this year, which has boosted his confidence; in May, O'Brien won the Omloop der Kempen in Veldhoven, Holland. A flat race with 15 kilometres of cobbles and 130 international starters, the race saw O'Brien slip into a break of ten riders and then decisively win the finishing sprint. He also finished second in a Belgian event and 5th in a big criterium in the Netherlands. 'That win was really good for me', he says. 'It is a big race, very well known. I was surprised to win it - I was in the break, was only hanging on but then had good legs in the finish. It was my first really big win and it did a lot for my confidence'. 'Between now and the start of the worlds I just want to keep the pressure off and to prepare well. I think it is a nice course, it suits me pretty well so as long as I stay away from sickness beforehand and crashes on the day, I hope to do well.' WE ASK PAIDI 20 QUESTIONS HERE...
O'LOUGHLIN 2nd ON LAST STAGE OF HOKKAIDO, GRIFFIN 11th OVERALL: (By Shane Stokes Sept 16) David O’Loughlin was a fine second on the final stage of the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan yesterday. The Mayo rider went clear with Japanese cyclist Yasutaka Tashiro in a two-man breakaway, but was outsprinted in the dash for the line. Paul Griffin took 16th on the stage and finished best of the Irish overall in 11th, 1 minute and 49 seconds off the winning time of Simone Mori (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse). O’Loughlin and Griffin were 8th and 9th in the points classification, while the Irish squad were sixth in the team rankings.
The race was won by Charles Dionne of the 7Up Nutra Fig team, a US based criterium specialist who spoiled Lance Armstrong’s homecoming by taking a race the crowd were hoping the Tour de France champion would win. Armstrong rode strongly during the race but despite the assistance of US Postal team-mate Vjatceslav Ekimov and 2001 winner George Hincapie, he was unable to escape the clutches of the other riders in the successful breakaway group. Armstrong finished a disappointing sixth in the seven-man sprint to the line, with Ekimov fourth, while Power crossed the line 4 minutes and 41 seconds later. San Francisco Grand Prix: 1, Charles Dionne (7Up/Nutra Fig) 176 kilometres in 4 hours 18 mins 49 secs; 2, H. Vogels (Mercury Cycling Team); 3, M. Giunti (Acqua & Sapone-Cantina Tollo); 4, V. Ekimov (US Postal Service); 5, T. Leaper (Navigators Cycling Team); 6, L. Armstrong (US Postal Service) all same time Other: 22, Ciaran Power (Navigators Cycling Team) at 4 mins 41 secs Letter From Abroad: This new feature to IrishCYCLING.com offers a glimpse of what it is like to compete outside Ireland, against other internationals in the very competitive foreign arena. Written by riders for riders, we hope that those racing abroad will contribute their news, views and experiences of what it is like to live and compete outside Ireland. Read the First Letter by Louise Moriarty Here NALLY TO BEGIN PRO TRIAL: (By Shane Stokes Sept 16) Continental based Irishman Dermot Nally will start a trial with the professional Colombia - Selle Italia team this Saturday, and will race with the second division squad until the end of October. The Spanish-based cyclist competed in Italy this year with the Maltini Lampadari team and took a number of good wins, including a stage victory and the points classification in the Giro d’Abruzzo. Nally is back home in Spain at the moment as he is scheduled to have talks with the Jazztel team tomorrow about a possible contract. However he is not very optimistic that this will translate into a deal for 2003. ‘My agent has lined up the talks but I am not sure if anything will come of it as their budget is very tight for next year. We will meet them anyway, hopefully there will be some good news.’ Nally is equally uncertain about his prospects with the Colombia – Selle Italia team. He was scheduled to join them in June but the fall-out of the Giro d’Italia drug scandals caused a cut in the team’s budget. Now the main sponsor is pushing for a greater number of Colombian riders to be signed for 2003. ‘I don’t know what are the chances of getting a deal. I will ride as well as possible in the trial and see how it goes’, he said. SEYMOUR WINS WORLD RANKED POG CHALLENGE: (By Shane Stokes Sept 15) Robin Seymour yesterday added the Leinster Championship to the National cross-country title he won in July when he proved best in the world-ranked Pog Challenge in Ballinastoe Woods. The Mapei Scapin rider, who lined out on this occasion in the colours of the promoting Wicklow Off Road Club, drew clear of English rider Adrian Lansley (Pedalon.co.uk) on the third and final lap of the 36 kilometer Gran-Fondo style event and crossed the line almost two minutes ahead. Third place went to Glen Kinning who, in finishing to the fore of this fifth and last round, won the National Points series title as well as taking a handful of UCI ranking points. Meanwhile Lewis Ferguson benefited from the mass-start format introduced yesterday to draw well clear of the rest of his competitors and win the junior race by a staggering 17 minutes and 47 seconds. Sorrento CC’s Knud Jensen was also impressive in the veterans race, coming home over 9 minutes clear of team-mate Aidan Ryan. Pog Challenge, Ballinstoe Woods (incorporating Leinster Championship) Elite race: 1, Robin Seymour (Team WORC) 36 kilometres in 1 hour 40 mins 47 secs; 2, A. Lansley (Pedalon.co.uk) at 1 min 49 secs; 3, G. Kinning (XMTB) at 4 mins 22 secs; 4, P. Cooper (Blue Sky Cycles) at 5 mins 22 secs; 5, C. Cole (Midlothian RT) at 11 mins 30 secs; 6, M. Dempsey (IMBRC) at 15 mins 46 secs; 7, B. Nelson (IMBRC) at 21 mins 58 secs; 8, M. Kenny (Rocky Mountain/Team WORC) at 22 mins 22 secs Women: Meave Baxter (unattached) 2 laps in 1 hour 56 mins 44 secs Juniors: 1, Lewis Ferguson (XMTB) 2 laps in 1 hour 16 mins 54 secs; 2, K. Quille (Newbridge CC) at 17 mins 47 secs; 3, P. Roche (MAD) at 18 mins 31 secs; 4, D. Kearns (Newbridge CC) at 24 mins 4 secs; 5, P. MacJorley (Apollo CC) at 36 mins 37 secs; 6, M. McCutheon (MAD) at 42 mins 29 secs Masters: 1, John Doris (Sorrento CC) 2 laps in 1 hour 22 mins 21 secs; 2, M. Jordon (IMBRC) at 1 min 22 secs; 3, D. King Smith (Team WORC) at 3 mins 11 secs; 4, P. McConville (Newry Wheelers) at 3 mins 11 secs; 5, V. Fitzsimon (unattached) at 14 mins 38 secs; 6, I. Grace (Cycleways) at 20 mins 49 secs. Veterans: 1, Knud Jensen (Sorrento CC) 2 laps in 1 hour 24 mins 3 secs; 2, A. Ryan (Sorrento CC) at 9 mins 14 secs; 3, J. May (IMBRC) at 9 mins 30 secs; 4, E. Mullin (unattached) at 15 mins 14 secs; 5, B. Rafferty (Team WORC) at 17 mins 59 secs; 6, G. Coopland (Apollo CC) at 26 mins 35 secs Sports: 1, Peter Jones (Lakeland CC); 2, R. McClure (MAD); 3, D. McGann; 4, M. Harman; 5, P. Bonnie; 6, C. Campbell Under 16: 1, Thomas Jensen (Sorrento CC); 2, A. McCullough (XMTB); 3, M. Mulvenna (Ards CC); 4, D. Quille (Newbridge CC); 5, M. Ferguson (XMTB); 6, B. Nolan (Sorrento CC). Under 14: 1, David Gordon (XMTB); 2, G. Boyd (XMTB); 3, N. McGimpsey (XMTB); 4, G. Troy (unattached); 5, D. Cassidy (Killarney CC); 6, D. Malone (Garda CC). Under 12: 1, Christy Brown (XMTB); 2, W. Boyd (XMTB); 3, M. Gordon (XMTB); 4, J. Laird (XMTB); 5, J. Laird (XMTB); 6, A. Little (unattached) FUNDRAISING RIDES FOR ARC CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE: (By Shane Stokes Sept 15) The ARC Cancer Support Centre will next year hold a number of fundraising cycles abroad, with tours in venues as varied and exotic as Cuba, Majorca and the Bavarian Alps. All proceeds are in aid of ARC, a voluntary organisation and registered charity which offers support to people affected by cancer and those who care about them. The free services offered are designed to work alongside primary medical treatment, providing education and psychological care. The ARC tours begin with a stay in Stephen Roche’s training camp in Majorca in February, offering some welcome warm weather spins while Ireland is still caught in its customary rain-lashed chill. This trip will see participants spend one week at the camp, during which time Stephen will meet the group and accompany them on cycles around the island. Next up is the Cuban Cycle Challenge from March 21st – 30th, nine days spent cycling over mainly flat terrain in this unique country. Great craic is promised, along with a fascinating insight into the Cuban way of life and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside and weather. The splendour of the Baviaran Alps beckons in late September, but this time participants will swap cycling shoes for hiking boots as they take in four excursions up the German slopes. The highest of these is over 2, 200 metres, ensuring a good workout in the mountain-fresh air. It’s perhaps the ideal off-season break from the bike, a time to recharge batteries and try something different. The final ARC challenge is a return to Majorca and Stephen Roche’s training camp in October, for more of the same. Pedalling in the warm Autumn sunshine, thoughts of damp Ireland a long way off. It’s an ideal end to the fundraising year. ‘The trips will be a fabulous experience and great fun too’, said Grainne Barnett of ARC. ‘It is for a very worthwhile cause. People on previous trips have really enjoyed themselves and got a great sense of achievement, both in finishing the cycles and also raising money for charity. They have made a lot of great friends too, and even some relationships! One of our riders married a Cuban girl last March – he met her on the beach the day before he went home and went back to visit her a few times. Next thing, they were married!’ ‘I would encourage everyone to consider the trips. You would be surprised how quickly it is possible to get the money together. Some people are a little concerned that it might be difficult but it can be quite simple. An ideal way to raise funds is to have a static cycle in a shopping centre – some of our participants have raised the money for most of their trip in a single afternoon.’ For more details (and fundraising tips), go to http://www.arcchallenges.com/challenges.asp, or contact ARC’s Grainne Barnett at 01-2881401/087 2055566. Details of ARC can be found at http://www.arccancersupport.ie/ Early booking is advised in order to secure places – space is limited!
The effect of yesterday’s race and Scanlon’s tender 21 years eventually saw him losing contact with the breakaway 50 kilometres from the end of the race, after over 100 out front, but the team were delighted with the exposure he had earned them. ‘They were very happy with how I did. We were up the road for most of the day and that translates into a lot of publicity for the team, with the media and the tv cameras being there. I felt pretty tired after yesterday’s race and wasn’t too confident of finishing, but decided to go up the road early on and just go as hard as I could for as long as possible.’ ‘It was amazing being up there, alongside someone like Jalabert. We were flying along and I was riding really hard. At one stage he told me to take it a bit easier so that felt pretty good! We held off the teams chasing behind for a good while, two teams were trying to bring us back but we still took time out of them.’ ‘I eventually ran out of steam and was caught by the bunch. My team told me not to bother trying to finish the race, that I had ridden very hard over the weekend and there was no point putting myself into a body bag just to get to the end.’ It will be another week or two before Scanlon and AG2r sit down to discuss the plans for 2003 but it seems that things are going to plan. ‘Nothing has been finalised yet but things are looking pretty good’, he said. (The GP Fourmies was won by Gianluca Bortolami, with Laurent Jalabert taking a hard-earned second place). (The GP Fourmies was won by Gianluca Bortolami, with Laurent Jalabert taking a hard-earned second place).
The Kerryman sprinted home fourth of a 25 man leading group, crossing the line metres behind today’s winner Kazuya Okazaki at the end of the 159 kilometre stage to Iwamizawa. Griffin’s Ireland team-mate David O’Loughlin finished a further six seconds back in 27th place (7th yesterday), while Paddy Moriarty was 44th on the stage, 48 seconds off the winners time. In terms of the overall classification, Griffin is best placed of the Irish team. With just tomorrow's stage remaining he is twelfth, one minute and 54 seconds off the leader Simone Mori of the Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse team, and is sixth in the points standings. Moriarty is 23rd overall, with O’Loughlin 25th. The Irish trio are sixth in the team’s classification. Tour of Hokkaido stage 3: 1, Shinri Suzuki (Shimano Racing) 170 kilometres in 4 hours 17 mins 41 secs; 2, D. Peras (Canada); 3, K. Okazaki (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse) at 3 secs; 4, A. Hestler (Canada); 5, P. Griffin (Ireland); 6, K. Kermer (Marco Polo); 7, D. O’Loughlin (Ireland) all same time Other Irish: 25, P. Moriarty, at 10 secs. DNF: John O’Shea, Craig Sweetman Stage 4, Hidaka to Iwamizawa: 1, Kazuya Okazaki (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse) 159 kilometres in 3 hours 49 mins 35 secs; 2, S. Suzuki (Shimano Racing); 3, K. Kermer (Marco Polo); 4, Griffin (Ireland); 5, A. Hestler (Canada) all same time Other Irish: 27, O’Loughlin, at 6 secs; 44, P. Moriarty, at 48 secs General classification after stage 4: 1, Simone Mori (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) 16 hours 55 mins 13 secs; 2, T. Kanou (Shimano Racing) at 29 secs; 3, M. Teteryuk (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 20 secs; 4, K. Okazaki (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 25 secs; 5, S. Suzuki (Shimano Racing) at 1 min 31 secs Irish: 12, Griffin, at 1 min 54 secs; 23, Moriarty, at 7 mins 8 secs; 25, O’Loughlin, at 7 mins 33 secs Points classification: 1, Okazaki, 76 pts; 2, D. Peras (Canada) at 69 pts; 3, Suzuki, at 65 pts. Other: 6, Griffin, 35 pts Teams classification: 1, Nippon Hodo, 50 hour 48 mins 39 secs; 2, Shimano Racing, at 1 min 3 secs; 3, Islamic Rep. Iran, 3 mins 12 secs. Other: 6, Ireland, at 13 mins 37 secs Denis Whelan Memorial, Batterstown: (By Shane Stokes Sept 14) 1, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC); 2 M. Cassidy (Cycleways); 3, T. Ferris (Dublin Wheelers); 4, A. McMahon (McNally Swords); 5, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 6, S. Whelan (McNally Swords) Other: Senior 2: S. Kelly (Newbridge Cutlery), Senior 3: K. Slowey (Bray Wheelers), Junior: J. Lattimore (Usher IRC), Veteran: H. Davis (Usher IRC), Woman: L. Moriarty (Dublin Skip), 11th PLACE FOR GRIFFIN: (By Shane Stokes Sept 13) Paul Griffin was once again the best of the Irish at the end of today’s second stage of the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan. The Kerryman sprinted home 11th on the stage, crossing the line to the fore of the main bunch which finished some 8 seconds behind stage winner Dominique Peras of the Canadian national team. David O’Loughlin and Paddy Moriarty also finished in the same group, while Craig Sweetman was listed as a non-finisher. Swiss rider Simone Mori continues to lead the 2.5 ranked Tour. The Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse competitor is 29 seconds clear of the next rider and a total of 1 minute and 54 seconds ahead of Griffin, who lies 13th overall. Paddy Moriarty is next best of the team, 6 minutes and 13 seconds down. The Tour of Hokkaido continues tomorrow with a 170 kilometre stage from Rubeshibe to Shimizu. Tour de Hokkaido stage 2, Shari – Kitami: 1, Dominique Peras (Canada) 171 kilometres in 4 hours 17 mins 44 secs; 2, M. Yamamoto (Shimano Racing) at 8 secs; 3, H. Imanishi (Shimano Racing); 4, K. Hashikawa (Bridgestone Anchor); 5, K. Okazaki (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse); 6, K. Kermer (Marco Polo) Irish: 11, P. Griffin; 59, D. O’Loughlin; 60, P. Moriarty all same time; 92, J. O’Shea at 13 mins 35 secs; DNF: C. Sweetman General Classification: 1, Simone Mori (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse) 8 hours 47 mins 54 secs; 2, T. Kanou (Shimano Racing) at 29 secs; 3, K. Hashikawa (Bridgestone Anchor) at 55 secs; 4, M. Teteryuk (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 20 secs; 5, K. Okazaki (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 40 secs; 6, H. Imanishi (Shimano Racing) at 1 min 44 secs Irish: 13, Griffin, at 1 min 54 secs; 37, Moriarty at 6 mins 13 secs; 41, O’Loughlin, at 7 mins 29 secs; 92, O’Shea, at 27 mins 14 secs GRIFFIN 12TH ON STAGE 1 OF TOUR OF HOKKAIDO: (By Shane Stokes Sept 12) Paul Griffin was best of the Irish team on today’s first road race stage of the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan. The Kerryman came home as part of the main bunch at the end of the 176 kilometre stage to finish 12th, 1 minute and 47 seconds off the winning time of Swiss rider Simone Mori. Paddy Moriarty and David O’Loughlin were next best of the team, but in losing 5 minutes 56 seconds and 7 minutes 27 seconds respectively, it is clear that Griffin is now the best hope for the overall classification. Mori now leads the Tour of Hokkaido with Griffin 1 minutes 54 seconds down in 13th place overall. The 2.5 ranked race continues tomorrow with a 171 kilometre road stage from Shari to Kitami. Tour of Hokkaido stage 1, Kushiro-Rausu. 1, Simone Mori (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) 176 kilometres in 4 hours 26 mins 46 secs; 2, T. Kanou (Shimano Racing) at 27 secs; 3, K. Hashikawa (Bridgestone Anchor) at 58 secs; 4, M. Teteryuk (Nippon Hoda – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 9 secs; 5, S. Suzuki (Shimano Racing) at 1 min 47 secs; 6, S. Hirose (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) same time Irish: 12, P. Griffin, same time; 42, P. Moriarty, at 5 mins 56 secs; 51, D. O’Loughlin, at 7 mins 27 secs; 92, J. O’Shea, same time; 94, C. Sweetman, at 15 mins 19 secs General classification: 1, Mori, 4 hours 30 mins 2 secs; 2, Kanou, at 29 secs; 3, Hashikawa, at 55 secs; 4, Teteryuk, at 1 min 20 secs; 5, K. Okazaki (Nippon Hodo – Jura Suisse) at 1 min 42 secs; 6, Hirose, at 1 min 45 secs Irish: 13, Griffin, at 1 min 54 secs; 44, Moriarty, at 6 mins 13 secs; 51, O’Loughlin, at 7 mins 29 secs; 91, J. O’Shea, at 13 mins 47 secs; 95, C. Sweetman, at 15 mins 40 secs O’LOUGHLIN 23RD In Prologue of Tour of Hokkaido: (By Shane Stokes Sept 11) Despite the hampering effects of jet lag caused by their late arrival in Japan, the Irish team leaders David O’Loughlin and Paul Griffin got off to a solid start in the world-ranked Tour of Hokkaido today. The opening 2.5 mile prologue time trial in the Kushiro Sports Park was won by Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse rider Kazuya Okazaki in a time of 3 minutes and 12 seconds, 1 slender second faster than Canadian Andrew Pinfold. O’Loughlin was 9 seconds back in 23rd place, while Griffin was a further 2 seconds down in 27th. The remaining team members John O’Shea, Paddy Moriarty and Craig Sweetman were 51st, 67th and 79th respectively. The Irish team arrived a day and a half late in Japan due to the effects of a strike by French air traffic controllers. They are hoping to have further recovered from the journey by the time they line out for tomorrow’s stage, a 176 mile road race from Kushiro to Rausu. The team enjoyed great success last year, with David McCann, Griffin and Moriarty finishing 1st, 3rd and 4th respectively. Tour of Hokkaido, Japan. Stage 1: 1, Kazuya Okazaki (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse) 2.5 kilometres in 3 mins 12 secs; 2, A. Pinfold (Canada) at 1 sec; 3, M. Iijima (Sumita Ravanello Pi) at 2 secs; 4, S. Hirose (Nippon Hodo-Jura Suisse); 5, M. Takehiro (Bridgestone Anchor); 6, H. Sakaguichi (Asian Kogyo) all same time Irish: 23, D. O’Loughlin, at 9 secs; 27, P. Griffin, at 11 secs; 51, J. O’Shea, at 17 secs; 67, P. Moriarty, at 21 secs; 79, C. Sweetman, at 25 secs Teams: 1, Canada 9 mins 48 secs; 2, Bridgestone Anchor, same time; 3, Nippon Hondo, at 4 secs; 8, Ireland, at 26 secs Overall standings: as stage placings SCANLON HAPPY WITH TRIAL SO FAR: (By Shane Stokes Sept 10) Following a strong display at the weekend, Mark Scanlon’s prospects of securing a contract with the AG2r team for 2003 have taken another step forward. The 21 year old stagiaire showed his excellent form in finishing toward the fore of both Saturday’s 1.1 Coppa Placci event and the Giro di Romagnia one day later, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s top professionals and impressing the French team with his strength. ‘They were happy with how I was going’, he said. ‘On Saturday I was in the group sprinting for first place, then on Sunday we were going for 19th. I am not sure exactly where I finished but think it was about 25th each day. They are both very tough races, with some really good pros, so it is a pretty good sign’. Scanlon is in ongoing talks with the first division team with regard to racing with them next season and expects that a decision will be made before the world championships in early October. For now he is keeping mum about his chances, preferring not to comment when asked what his prospects are. However many will speculate that the 1998 junior world champion’s good display should prove to be enough to convince AG2r of his worth. Next on Scanlon’s programme is the famous Paris-Brussels race, a 1.1 semi-classic this Saturday, with the identically-ranked Grand Prix des Fourmies following 24 hours later and the 1.2 Grand Prix d’Isbergues on September 22nd. The team have decided to change the next events on his schedule in order to maximise his chances of performing in the world championships, and so Scanlon will now line out in the 2.3 Paris-Corrèze stage race from September 27-29th and the 1.3-ranked Paris-Bourges on October 3rd. ‘The team felt that the Giro della Provincia di Lucca was a little close to the world championship time trial so rather than running the risk of me going into the worlds a bit tired, they have decided to change the programme a little’, he explained. Remaining races on Scanlon’s AG2r Schedule:
(note: exact finishing positions for last weekend’s races are unavailable at the moment) DEIGNAN 4th IN TOUR OF THE PEAK: (By Shane Stokes Sept 9) Totalcycling.com’s Philip Deignan followed up his excellent display in the recent Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia when he once again finished to the fore in a major race. First year senior Deignan registered a strong ride amongst older, more experienced international riders to place fourth in yesterday’ Tour of the Peak in Buxton, the final race in the UK Premier Calendar series. First across the line was Compensation Group rider Mark Lovatt who netted a formidable fifth straight win in the event. The 2002 Shay Elliot Memorial winner outsprinted his team-mate John Tanner in the final two hundred metres after bridging across to the former British champion after the Bradwell climb. Tanner’s second place ensured he retained the Premier Calendar crown he took last season. Next home was FBD Milk Rás regular Anthony Malarczyk (Atom Frames/Cottrills) who outpaced Deignan in their two-up gallop for the line, two minutes and one second after the leading pair. James Flanagan (Team Milton Keynes) and Surrey 5 day winner Kristian House were a further seven seconds down, completing the top six placings in the tough 85 mile event. Tour of the Peak, Buxton: 1, Mark Lovatt (Compensation Group) 85 miles in 3 hours 25 mins 11 secs; 2, J. Tanner (Compensation Group) same time; 3, A. Malarczyk (Atom Frames/Cottrills) at 2 mins 1 sec; 4, P. Deignan (Totalcycling.com) same time; 5, J. Flanagan (Team Milton Keynes) at 2 mins 8 secs; 6, K. House (Lombarden CT) same time STRONG TOUR OF HOKKAIDO TEAM LEAVES FOR JAPAN: (By Shane Stokes Sept 9) Ofoto-Lombardi professional David O’Loughlin will this week lead an Irish quintet in their attempt to defend the Tour of Hokkaido title, which was won last year by David McCann. O’Loughlin has made a rapid recovery from a broken collarbone and highlighted his current good form with a spate of wins in recent weeks, including two this weekend in the Beechmount Cup and Collins Christle Memorial. Also likely to figure in the overall standings are Paul Griffin, who won a stage, took the mountains classification and finished third overall last year, and fourth-placed Paddy Moriarty. The team is completed by John O’Shea and Stamullen M. Donnelly’s Craig Sweetman, called up at the last moment after Stephen O’Sullivan made a late withdrawal from the squad. Hampered by the French air traffic controllers strike, the team left today for Japan a day and a half after their scheduled departure. ‘The strike has caused chaos everywhere’ said Cycling Ireland’s Ciarán McKenna. ‘The riders were due to head out early yesterday morning but now will be arriving a day and a half late. The problem was finding seats on alternative flights – at one stage we were thinking of not going but as we won the race last year, we decided to go ahead. It is not really ideal preparation, though.’ The Tour of Hokkaido starts this Wednesday and runs until next Monday, making jet lag a real consideration. However McKenna feels that the team can nevertheless leave their mark on the race. ‘Paul Griffin was going very well in the Tour of Slovakia and always performs well in the big events – he should do something big. David O’Loughlin will also be up there, although I think it may take him a day or two to really get going as he is not long back racing after breaking his collarbone. And the other riders could do well too.’ Meanwhile French based rider Denis Lynch (VC La Pomme) and five others will compete in the GP Tell in Switzerland next week. Running from Wednesday 18th until Sunday 22nd, the under 23 race will see Lynch, Stephen Gallagher, Gary McQuaid, Brian Ahern, Conor Murphy and Tim Cassidy line out in what will act as a selection race for the world championships team.
With nine miles remaining, O’Loughlin raced clear from this group and rode strongly to eke out a 40 second winning margin by the line. Second place went to the impressive national junior champion Páidí O’Brien (Kanturk Credit Union), who proved faster than Greg Swinard (Usher IRC) , Eddie O’Donoghue (Cidona Carrick) and six others in the finishing sprint. Philip Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) won the bunch gallop to take eleventh place and the first veterans prize, while the senior 2, 3, junior and women’s awards went to Mark Colbert (Cidona Carrick Wheelers), Ken Moloney (Navan Avonmore), Páidí O’Brien and Gillian Martin (Bray Wheelers) respectively. Meanwhile in the Leinster underage championship races, winning rides were recorded by Shannonside’s Mark Nestor (under 16), Navan Avonmore’s Isaac Speirs (under 14) and the under 12 Niall Rock of McNally Swords. Collins Christle Memorial, Kilmessan: 1, David O’Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi Sports) 53 miles in 2 hours 3 mins 10 secs; 2, P. O’Brien (Kanturk Credit Union) at 40 secs; 3, G. Swinard (Usher IRC); 4, E. O’Donoghue (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); 5, P. Healion (Usher IRC); 6, M. Kiernan (Totalcycling.com) all same time Senior 2: Mark Colbert (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); Senior 3: Ken Moloney (Navan Avonmore RC); Junior: O’Brien; Veteran: Philip Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand); Woman: Gillian Martin (Bray Wheelers CC) Beechmount Cup, Kilmessan: 1, O’Loughlin 26 miles in 58 mins 20 secs; 2, S. O’Sullivan (unattached) at 9 secs; 3, B. Ahern (Naas Fig Rolls); 4, P. Doyle (Deeside Tile Choice CC) both same time; 5, R. Whelan (Navan Avonmore RC) at 22 secs; 6, P. Dunne (Navan Avonmore RC) at 24 secs; 7, O’Brien; 8, Healion both same time Senior 2: Mark Gilbert (Deeside Tile Choice); Senior 3: Paul Nugent (Classic Walls CC); Junior: Andrew McQuaid (Emerald CC); Veteran: Brannigan Leinster underage championships, Kilmessan: Under 16: 1, Mark Nestor (Shannonside CC); 2, P. McMahon (Bray Wheelers CC); 3, U. Monks (Bray Wheelers CC) Under 14: 1, Isaac Speirs (Navan Avonmore RC); 2, M. Daly (McNally Swords CC); 3, C. Jensen (Sorrento CC) Under 12: 1, Niall Rock (McNally Swords CC); 2, C. Farrell (Hillcrest Hire Kilcullen); 3, C. Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers CC) IVCA CP, Ashbourne: 1, Sean Lally (McNally Swords) 48 miles in 2 hour 15 mins 6 secs; 2, J. McSherry (Newry Wheelers) at 38 secs; 3, J. Lally (Dublin Wheelers) at 1 min 55 secs; 4, L. Kennan (Orwell Wheelers); 5, H. Davis (Usher IRC); 6, JJ Boylan (IVCA) all same time POWER TO BE A NAVIGATOR IN 2003: (By Shane Stokes Sept 7) Encouraged by his strong season racing on the American circuit, Irish professional Ciarán Power is set to remain in the blue and yellow jersey of the Navigators team for next season. The 2002 FBD Milk Ras winner is in the process of finalising details prior to re-signing with the New York-based team, and a contract is expected to be drawn up in the next few days. ‘We expect to have everything sorted out very soon’, says his agent Frank Quinn. ‘Ciarán had a good year with the team and will consequently have better terms for 2003. We had been looking at the possibility of getting a place on a first division pro team in Europe but things are very tight there at the moment. There is no point in going back to a second division set up - the money is better in America and besides, Ciaran enjoys racing there’. ‘I think he will have more opportunities next year - he spent a lot of time this season riding for the other guys on the team but with Kirk O'Bee's suspension, he should have a greater chance to lead the team in some races.’ Power has identified the tough San Francisco GP next weekend as his major end of season target. There is an opportunity for him to ride the world championships road race after Pat McQuaid effected a change in UCI legislation, enabling riders in the world's top 500 to gain entry, but as Power's wife Lisa is due to have their first child at the same time he has decided not to ride. A lack of racing mileage is also a factor, as all his recent races have been short, fast events rather than the longer-distance contests required to prepare for the Worlds. 'It is a pity but Ciaran feels that he wouldn't have the miles to do either himself justice in the world championships’, said Quinn. ‘Lisa's pregnancy is also a factor as the baby is due at the same time.’
After the notification of his initial positive reading, the Volksbank Ideal professional requested that his B sample be tested but this confirmed the original finding. McCann then attended a Cycling Ireland hearing on August 29th and was given a six month suspension and a fine of 2000 Swiss Francs. Excluding the months during the winter off season, the sanction means that he will be unable to compete until May 29th of next year. Contacted earlier today about the news, the despondent 2002 Manx International champion insisted that he had never knowingly taken a banned substance. 'I am hugely disappointed by this ', he said, 'I have always competed cleanly. I have no idea why it (norandrosterone) was in my system but think the most likely source was contamination of a nutritional supplement I was using at the time. There have been a large number of positive tests for this substance in recent years and to me something seems very wrong. I am considering lodging an appeal about this as I feel it is a big injustice.' Norandrosterone is a metabolite of the steroid nandrolone, which has been behind a spate of high-profile positives in recent years. Although many athletes have pointed the finger of blame at contaminated nutritional supplements, IOC and UCI rules state that the competitor is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all products consumed are free from traces of banned substances. It is therefore unlikely that any appeal would prove successful. 'The result is a big disappointment for cycling and for David himself', said Cycling Ireland president PJ Nolan today. ‘He got a very fair hearing but under the rules, once a banned substance is present then we have no choice but to impose a sanction. It is the rider’s own responsibility to ensure that they don’t consume anything that could cause problems.’ Nolan went on to warn all cyclists to be extremely vigilant when taking nutritional supplements. “Recent studies have shown that up to twenty per cent of nutritional supplements tested contained concentrations of certain substances that could result in positive tests for athletes. It is the athlete’s own responsibility to make sure every supplement they use is free of contamination. Labelling or even written assurances that products are free from banned substances are not enough to rely upon. My advice would be that if there is any doubt, do not take anything that could cause problems.” GARDA Cycling Championships, Elphin, Co. Roscommon: 1, Thomas Lavery 35 kilometres in 54 mins 36 secs; 2, E. Malone 58 mins 36 secs; 3, K. Gallagher 1 hour 38 secs; 4, T. Lavery 1 hour 3 mins 54 secs Unplaced veteran: John Caulfield 1 hour 12 mins 53 secs HEALION WINS IN THE PARK: (By Shane Stokes Sept 4) Jumping clear inside the final kilometres, Dubliner Paul Healion beat a small breakaway group to win the Usher IRC-organised race in the Phoenix Park last night. Healion, Usher team-mate Dave Peelo, Peter Dunne (Navan Avonmore), Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans), Dave Smith (Naas Fig Rolls) and Fintin McCormack (Newbridge Cutlery) slipped clear of the main bunch in the closing stages of the race and opened up what proved to be a decisive lead. Healion then timed his effort to perfection to head Dunne, Peelo, Smith and Lennon in the charge for the line. Sixth place went to McCormack, who crashed on the second last corner but remounted quickly enough to reach the finish before the main bunch. Usher IRC Phoenix Park race: 1, Paul Healion (Usher IRC); 2, P. Dunne (Navan Avonmore); 3, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 4, D. Smith (Fig Rolls-Naas); 5, B. Lennon (St. Tiernans); 6, F. McCormack (Newbridge Cutlery) crashed on second last corner…got up again nearly caught Senior 2: Jonathan Cruise (Bray Wheelers); senior 3: John Heraty (Staggs Lucan); veteran: Ronnie Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers); junior: James Scott Lennon (Bray Wheelers) SCANLON 15th IN SECOND RACE OF PRO TRIAL: (By Shane Stokes Sept 3) Mark Scanlon has registered another strong ride during his trial with the AG2r professional team, finishing high up the results sheet at the end of the his second race with the French outfit. The 21 year old Sligoman came home 15th at the end of the hilly 188 kilometre Tour de Finistère yesterday, 3 minutes and 38 seconds off the winning time of Carvalhelhos-Boavista rider David Bernabeu and more than five minutes ahead of the main bunch. He was best placed of the AG2r team in the French 1.5-ranked race. ‘I was up the road from the start of the race for about 20 kilometres but was brought back’, he said. ‘One of my team-mates went clear a bit later on so I was just following wheels for a while, but his group was reeled in too’. ‘I then got clear in the front group when we were going onto the finishing circuit and stayed with them until about two laps to go. I had done a bit too much early on - the circuit was really savage, it was about eight and a half kilometres with three hills, including a 39x21 climb. It was really hard.’ Scanlon was caught by a group on the run-in to the finish, and the tiring Sligoman lost contact with these soon afterwards. ‘That was a pity as they were going for 7th place. Still, the directeur sportif was really happy with my ride. My form is good, I just did too much.’ Scanlon's next events are the Coppa Placci and the Giro de Romagna in Italy this weekend. ‘They are really big races, the directeur sportif said that they will be way harder than the two we have done so far. He told me to make sure I recover this weekend, not to do too much, and then see how next weekend goes.’ Tour du Finistère, France: 1, David Bernabeu Armengol (Carvalhelhos-Boavista) 188 kilometres in 4 hours 34 mins 43 secs (41.15 km/h); 2, J. Coenen (Marlux-Ville de Charleroi) at 1 min 14 secs; 3, E. Lembo (St. Quentin-Oktos); 4, M. Pichon (Bonjour); 5, R. Lhuiller (FDJeux.com); 6, B. Poilvet (Credit Agricole) all same time Irish: 15, Mark Scanlon (AG2r) at 3 mins 38 secs NCBI
SEAN KELLY IRISH CYCLING TOUR: (By Shane Stokes Sept
3) Limited places are still available this week for the NCBI’s (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) 2002 Sean Kelly Irish Cycling Tour, which has the aim of raising much needed funds for this worthy charity. Eighty participants have signed up so far to ride alongside the cycling legend in the four-day trek, which will see the riders travel from Westmeath to Clare, Galway and Mayo next week. They will cover over 300 miles between Wednesday the 11th and Saturday the 14th of September. The
fundraising target for participants is 850 euro, a sum which will cover the
costs of all meals, accommodation, insurance and the transportation of luggage
along the way. It will also raise vital funds for the NCBI, which is the primary
service provider to the vision impaired population of over 6,500 in the Republic
of Ireland. SOLID START FOR SCANLON: (By Shane Stokes Sept 2) Former world junior champion Mark Scanlon had an encouraging start to his trial with the AG2r team today, finishing as part of the bunch in the 1.3 ranked Boucles de L'Aulne - GP le Telegramme French cup event. Scanlon rode for the team in the early stages of the race but still had enough strength to hold on to the peloton towards the end of the four and a quarter hour contest, crossing the line in 55th place. The race was won by Credit Agricole rider Chris Jenner. 'I rode pretty well today', said the 21 year old afterwards. 'I was told by the team to mark everything for the first two hours. I felt good and finished with the bunch. The atmosphere on the team seems good, I am happy with how things have gone.' 'Basically I will be told what to do in each race. I will be riding for the team a lot but I might get a chance to do something in some of the smaller events on my programme - I am not sure yet.' Scanlon's next event is the 1.5 ranked Tour de Finistère in France tomorrow. He then travels with AG2r to Italy to take part in the 1.1 Coppa Placci and the 1.2 Giro de Romagna next weekend. AHERN BEST IN DICKIE COMERFORD MEMORIAL: (By Shane Stokes Sept 2) Brian Ahern (Naas Fig Rolls CC) showed the benefits of his recent duty with the Irish team in the Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia when he proved to be the strongest at the end of the Dickie Comerford Memorial in Batterstown. Ahern kicked for home inside the final 300 metres, winning the sprint from Stephen O’Sullivan (unattached), Phil Finnegan (Cycleways Lee Strand) and Robert Looby (Newbridge Cutlery CC). St.Tiernan’s rider Brian Lennon was fifth. In the Andy Mahon Memorial for senior 3, veterans and juniors, McNally Swords rider Keith Daly got the better of Terry Ferris (Dublin Wheelers CC) and John Heraty (Stagg Cycles Lucan) to win the race. Dickie Comerford Memorial, Batterstown: 1, Brian Ahern (Naas Fig Rolls CC); 2, S. O’Sullivan (unattached); 3, P. Finegan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 4, R. Looby (Newbridge Cutlery CC); 5, B. Lennon (St. Tiernan’s CC); 6, Andy Mahon Memorial (senior 3, veteran, junior race): 1, Keith Daly (McNally Swords CC); 2, T. Ferris (Dublin Wheelers CC); 3, J. Heraty (Stagg Cycles Lucan); 4, H. Davis (Usher IRC); 5, R. Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers); 6, J. Lawless (Usher IRC), First unplaced veteran: Brannigan; first unplaced junior: Lawless MUDBATH FOR MTB CROSS-COUNTRY RIDERS: (By Shane Stokes Sept 1) Irish riders had a tough time of it in the world mountainbike championships today in Kaprun, Austria, with the contest plagued by the worst weather since the rain-soaked series in Metabief, France in 1993. Mountainous, dangerous and unrideable in parts, the course caused the field in each race to fragment early on and ensured a difficult day for the Irish who were starting towards the back of the grid. Robin Seymour finished 54th in the elite men's cross-country race, 27 minutes and 1 second off the pace set by successful defending champion Roland Green of Canada. John Mason crossed the line in 80th place, while Tarja Owens was 47th in the women's event, 1 lap behind Norwegian victor Gunn-Rita Dahle. The under 23 race was won by Frenchman Julian Absalon; Glen Kinning finished one lap back in 73rd position. 'They forcast rain to start at 6 am, they were out by just 20 minutes', said team manager Geoff Seymour. 'It lashed down all day. It varied from really, really torrential weather to Irish-style rain, and it made the conditions very difficult out there.' 'It was a hard day for the riders but they did well to get through the race and finish', he said. 'It was a really terrible day', agreed Robin Seymour. 'I am struggling to see at the moment as I so much mud and rubbish in my eyes. The course was going to be hard enough if it was dry as the profile was either straight up or straight down; that meant there would be little time to get a breather out there. But once the rain started it made things tougher again. In some parts of the course the mud was six inches deep and there was no way to ride it - there was quite a bit of running, it was more like a cyclo-cross race, really.' 'I made an error in the choice of tyres I used, which meant I was sliding quite a bit', he continued. 'The running part of things was okay but I found it hard to get going again once I got back on the bike. I started well, but on the second lap I slowed down a bit and dropped back to 77th.after that I came around again and moved up a good few places. ' Seymour still doesn't know whether or not his Mapei team will continue next season. The road squad is certainly winding to a halt, team sponsors wearied after the doping scandals of this year's Tour of Italy, but there had been talk that the off-road division may continue in 2003. But now that seems unlikely. 'We have been told nothing yet, but my hunch is that it will stop', said a sombre-sounding Seymour. 'That is the impression I get - I asked recently and didn't get an answer, I was told that the team would talk to us after the Worlds. It doesn't look too good.' 'It was a bit of a strange year. I rode strongly in races in Italy, but didn 't really perform as well in the bigger international races. I have one more world cup race next week in Les Gets, then I will come back to Ireland and spend a bit of time there. I want to take a break for a few weeks, then work out what the plan is for next season.' World MTB Championships, Kaprun, Austria. Cross country, elite men: 1, Roland Green (Canada) 2 hours 19 mins 2 secs; 2, F. Meirhaeghe (Belgium) at 19 secs; 3, T. Frischknecht (Switerland) at 1 min 35 secs; 4, L. Fumic (Germany) at 6 mins 12 secs; 5, T. Kalberer (Switerland) at 6 mins 35 secs; 6, R. Paulissen (Belgium) at 8 mins 27 secs Irish: 54, R. Seymour at 27 mins 1 sec; 80, J. Mason at 2 laps Elite women: 1, Gunn-Rite Dahle (Norway) 2 hours 14 mins 5 secs; 2, A. Szafraniec (Poland) at 1 min 23 secs; 3, S. Spitz (Germany) at 2 mins 48 secs; 4, A. Sydor (Canada) at 3 mins 36 secs; 5, P. Henzi (Switerland) at 8 mins 21 secs; 6, M. Rusca (Switerland) at 8 mins 37 secs Irish: 47, T. Owens, at 1 lap Under 23: 1, Julien Absalon (France) 1 hour 59 mins 1 sec; 2, R. Naef (Switerland) at 2 mins 32 secs; 3, R. Hesjedal (Canada) at 3 mins 33 secs; 4, F. Vogel (Switerland) at 4 mins 49 secs; 5, M. Fumic (Germany) at 6 mins 1 sec; 6, R. Manetsch (Switerland) at 6 mins 28 secs Irish: 73, G. Kinning at 1 lap |
O´LOUGHLIN
SEVENTH IN BELGIUM: (By Shane Stokes Sept 30) With
his ride in the world championships Elite road race fast approaching, David
O´Loughlin had a huge confidence booster yesterday with a strong display in the
Grand Prix of Gemeente pro kermesse in Belgium. O´Loughlin, now staying at the
Team Ireland base to prepare for the championships, was in the thick of the
action from the moment a 20 man breakaway went clear early on in the race.
Riding strongly, the Ofoto Lombardi Sports professional made the late eight-man
selection in the closing stages and eventually finished in 7th position.
POWER
RE-SIGNS WITH AMERICAN TEAM: (By Shane Stokes Sept 26) 2002
FBD Milk Rás winner Ciarán Power is set to continue racing on the American pro
circuit next year after re-signing with the Navigators team. The Waterford
cyclist has finalised a new contract with the squad and will build on his strong
2002 season next year, racing in prime American events and also competing from
time to time on the European circuit.
EXCELLENT
RESULT FOR SCANLON: (By Shane Stokes Sept 22) Mark
Scanlon posted what is probably his best result since winning the junior world
title in 1998 when he finished an excellent third in the 1.2 ranked GP Isbergues
in France today. Lining out alongside riders of the calibre of Johan Museuuw,
Frank Vandenbroucke and Richard Virenque, the placing is a hugely encouraging
sign for a rider who is still just 21 years of age.
LYNCH
FINISHES 16TH OVERALL IN GP TELL: (By Shane Stokes Sept
22) Denis Lynch showed that his preparations for the under 23 world
championship are proceeding well when he finished an encouraging 16th in the GP
Tell today. Lynch was 25th on stage 5a’s individual time trial, won by Swedish
rider Gustav Larsson, and then rode aggressively in the concluding road race in
an effort to get clear of the main bunch.
O'BRIEN
BUILDS TOWARDS THE WORLDS: (By Shane Stokes Sept
17) Irish Junior Champion Páidí O'Brien moved to the Team Ireland base
in Belgium last week in order to finalise his preparation for the world
championships this October in Zolder. A strong sprinter and a good all rounder,
he has been winning ever since the season began and represents one of Ireland's
best hopes for the championships.
POWER 22nd IN SAN
FRANCISCO GP: (By Shane Stokes Sept 16) Ciarán
Power yesterday finished 22nd in his last major race of the 2002 season, the
gruelling San Francisco Grand Prix. Watched by an estimated crowd of half a
million spectators, the 176 kilometre race saw the riders tackle several laps of
a circuit which included the torturous 1 in 5 climb of Fillmore Street.
MORE
GOOD PERFORMANCES BY SCANLON: (By Shane Stokes
Sept 15) With just three races remaining in his pro trial with the AG2r
team, 21 year old Irish road race champion Mark Scanlon looks all but guaranteed
to secure an important professional contract for 2003. The former world junior
champion performed strongly once again this weekend, reaching the end of
yesterday’s mammoth 266 kilometre Paris-Brussels semi-classic with the main
bunch and riding selflessly to lead out team-mate Jaan Kirsipuu in the lead-up
to a hectic bunch sprint. Scanlon finished 38th. Today saw a veritable exploit
by the Sligoman who, despite the fatigue of yesterday’s seven and a half-hour
race, went clear with three others just 53 kilometres into the 210 kilometre
Grand Prix des Fourmies. Also present in the breakaway was French legend Laurent
Jalabert, and Scanlon earned vital publicity for his team as well as valuable
recognition for himself when he rode strongly alongside the Tour de France King
of the Mountains title-holder in this front group.
GRIFFIN
4th ON STAGE 4 OF TOUR OF HOKKAIDO: (By Shane Stokes Sept
15) Following a fine fifth yesterday, Irish cyclist Paul Griffin today
went one place better on the fourth stage of the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan.
TWO
WINS FOR O’LOUGHLIN: (By Shane Stokes Sept
8) David O’Loughlin showed that his form is building nicely prior to
the start of the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan on Wednesday when he won both road
races held in Kilmessan over the weekend. On Saturday the Ofoto-Lombardi
professional jumped clear of Stephen O’Sullivan (unattached), Brian Ahern
(Naas Fig Rolls) and national criterium champion Paul Doyle (Deeside Tile
Choice) in the closing stages of the Beechmount Cup, to win by nine seconds.
Then, in today’s six lap Collins Christle Memorial, the Mayoman and nine other
riders went clear with two and a half laps to go and opened a decisive lead over
the remainder of the field.
McCANN
TESTS POSITIVE: (By Shane Stokes Sept 6) Irish
cycling has been rocked by the news that the former national champion David
McCann has tested positive for norandrosterone. The 2000 & 2001 road race
champ underwent a random urine test on the 16th of June during the Tour of
Austria, analysis of which later revealed traces of the substance above the
permitted level of 5 nanograms per millilitre.