Cycling Round Up

Archives: August 2003

LYNCH, LUCEY TAKE NATIONAL TITLES IN DUNLAVIN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 31) French based rider Denis Lynch went one better than the silver medal he took last year with a storming ride in the national under 23 road race championships in Dunlavin today. The VC La Pomme cyclist recovered from an untimely puncture to rejoin a breakaway group of four others on the third of eight laps, and then pressed ahead with team-mate Paidi O'Brien and Conor Murphy of the Crannog Ireland club with two to go. Shortly afterwards he made his move and rode strongly from there to the finish, crossing the line a minute and a half clear of O’Brien and Murphy. See Pictures by Peter Purfield here....

The six lap junior race resulted in a surprise win for Killarney's Michael Lucey, who outwitted the race favourites when he attacked a small breakaway group with just two miles remaining. Paul Brady (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale) took silver while Northern CC rider Frazer Duncan netted bronze.

The day’s action began with an early break by Daniel Lynch, O’Brien, Murphy and Phoenix’s Matthew Ward, who had opened up a minute’s lead by the end of lap two. Denis Lynch had missed the move but jumped clear of the small bunch and set about bridging the gap, pedalling smoothly and strongly as he closed down to the four up front. He made contact on the third lap but punctured shortly afterwards, necessitating a wheel change and another chase to get back on terms.

Once there Lynch joined with the other riders to roll through, comfortably extending their lead over a depleted, demoralised bunch. Only 19 riders had started the 88 mile race and some of these pulled out once it was clear that the move had gone for the day, meaning that barring a mass pile-up or similar catastrophe up front, three of the five would go home with medals.

The identities of these three started to become obvious at the end of the sixth lap when Marseilles based team-mates Lynch and O’Brien went clear with Murphy. On paper these had been the strongest in the quintet and so it proved, with first Ward and then Daniel Lynch slipping back rapidly. The two VC La Pomme riders had both the numerical advantage and also the benefit of a season-full of racing on the continent, and when Lynch made his move shortly afterwards Murphy was unable to prevent the Corkman racing further and further ahead.

At the bell Lynch had 40 seconds over Murphy and a comfortable O’Brien, who was entitled to sit on, and by the time he wheeled across the line to take the gold medal, his lead had doubled. O’Brien comfortably outsprinted Murphy to ensure a VC La Pomme one-two, with the Crannog Ireland rider taking bronze three seconds later. Daniel Lynch finished seven minutes down on his twin brother, with his team-mate Michael Dennehy fifth at ten minutes eighteen seconds, one second ahead of Killorglin’s Micheal Concannon. That capped off an impressive showing for the Kanturk Credit Union club, as Denis Lynch and Paidi O'Brien came up through the ranks with the Cork squad; in short, of the first five today, four either are, or were, members of the team.

Due perhaps to the bigger field, the junior race was a more competitive, eventful affair. On the first of six eleven-mile laps Eoin Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union) and McNally Swords rider Keith Daly went clear and were then joined by Mark Nestor (Shannonside). Bray Wheelers’ Paul McMahon and Michael Lucey (Killarney CC) then succeeded in bridging the gap, with Paul Brady (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale), Mark Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand), Theo Hardwick (Killorglin Credit Union) Frazer Duncan (Northern CC) and Lucey’s team-mate Richard Maes eventually getting across and making it ten up front.

Duncan lost contact on several occasions on the course’s tough drags, but was able to regain contact each time. His determination was tested once more when he punctured on the fifth lap, leading to a character-testing chase which eventually saw him return to the leaders with just two miles remaining, and then net a well-earned bronze medal. But before then a number of riders tried to claim gold, with Eoin Concannon opening a lead on lap five, Cassidy overhauling him on the race’s steep hill one lap later and Hardwick trying to go clear in pursuit of the Cycleways Lee Strand rider. But it was a Lucey who surprised the favourites with his audacious move inside the final three miles, getting a gap and maintaining it all the way to the line despite the individual efforts of those behind to jump across. Brady took silver, 26 seconds later, with Duncan’s dogged persistence earning him bronze. Maes, Nester, Concannon, Hardwick and Cassidy were next home, all within forty seconds of the winner.

Irish National Under 23 Championships, Dunlavin: 1, Denis Lynch (VC La Pomme) 88 miles in 3 hours 45 mins 55 secs; 2, P. O'Brien (VC La Pomme) at 1 min 27 secs; 3, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) at 1 min 30 secs;4, D. Lynch (Kanturk Credit Union) at 6 mins 59 secs; 5, M. Dennehy (Kanturk Credit Union) at 10 mins 18 secs; 6, M. Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union) at 10 mins 19 secs; 7, M. Quigley (Mayo Wheelers) at 10 mins 31 secs; 8, D. O'Sullivan (PSVA Aarcher) at 11 mins 51 secs; 9, D. Brennan (Castlebar) same time; 10, M. Ward (Phoenix) at 11 mins 54 secs

Junior: 1, Michael Lucey (Killarney CC) 66 miles in 2 hours 52 mins 44 secs; 2, P. Brady (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale) at 26 secs; 3, F. Duncan (Northern CC) at 27 secs; 4, R. Maes (Killarney CC) at 29 secs; 5, M. Nestor (Shannonside) at 31 secs; 6, E. Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union) at 36 secs; 7, T. Hardwick (Killorglin Credit Union) same time; 8, M. Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) at 38 secs.  See Pictures by Peter Purfield here....

DELANEY TAKES RAS TEACH MAOLAIN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 31) Bray Wheelers rider Ben Delaney came out best at the end of the Ras Teach Maolain 2-Day Race for third cats, ran off in the Balscadden and Gormanstown areas by the Stamullen M. Donnelly club. Their rider Paul Butler beat Ballymore duo John O’Brien and Michael Fitzgerald at the end of stage one, with Delaney fifth.

Day two saw the honours go to Leinster’s Karl Dolan, ahead of Darren McMahon (McNally Swords) and Delaney, who moved to the head of the general classification with his ride. McMahon, Dolan and Butler finished second, third and fourth overall.

Meanwhile at Dunseverick, veteran rider Normal Campbell and East Antrim’s Jim McConnell made the most of their two minute advantage over the scratch group in the first round of the NICF Road Race League, going clear from the front group on the first of five eight-mile laps and increasing their lead all the way to the finish. Campbell outsprinted McConnell to take the win.

Ras Teach Maolain 2-Day Race: Stage 1, Balscadden (Sponsored by Leinster Council): 1, Paul Butler (Stamullen M Donnelly Team); 2, J. O’Brien (Ballymore CTC); 3, M. Fitzgerald (Ballymore CTC); 4, A. Bracken (unattached); 5, B. Delaney (Bray Wheelers)

King of the Hills: Michael Fitzgerald (Ballymore CTC)

Hot Spot Sprints: Declan Byrne (Leinster Team)

Stage 2, Gormanstown (Sponsored by VIP Door Vetting Services): 1, Karl Dolan (Leinster); 2, D McMahon (McNally Swords CC); 3, B. Delaney (Bray Wheelers); 4, J. Ryan (Stamullen M. Donnelly)

King of the Hills: Ray Crinnion (Bray Wheelers CC)

Hot Spot Sprints: Ray Dunlop (Lakelands CC)

Overall Classification (Sponsored by International Cargo Services): 1, Ben Delaney (Bray Wheelers CC); 2, McMahon; 3, Dolan; 4, Butler

Team: 1, Leinster; 2, Stamullen M. Donnelly; 3, McNally Swords

Ballinrobe Festival Race: 1, Martin Munroe (Western Lakes); 2, P. Clarke (TF Castlebar); 3, D. Carty (Eire Og); 4, K. Dyer (Western Lakes); 5, A. Carey (Eire Og); 6, B. Freeman (Eire Og)

U16: Munroe; under 14: W. Connolly (Western Lakes); under 12: Liam McNeil (Western Lakes)

NICF Road Race League round l, Dunseverick: 1, Norman Campbell (unattached) 40 miles in 1 hour 41 mins 3 secs; 2, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) same time; 3, B. Thompson (Ballymena Scott RC) at 4 mins 28 secs; 4, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down); 5, J. Kennedy (Apollo CT); 6, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down); 7, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 8, L. O'Connor (Bann Valley CC) all same time

Under 16: 1, David Mulholland (Apollo CT); 2, W. Barr (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, A. Clarke (Ballymena Scott RC).

Under 14: 1, Ricky Boyd (Balloymena Scott RC); 2, Catriona McKernan (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, M. McCullough (Ballymena Scott RC).

SEYMOUR MOVES EVER CLOSER: (By Shane Stokes Aug 31) Robin Seymour moved to within forty points of certain Olympic qualification today when he finished a fine 43rd of over 900 starters in the men’s mountainbike marathon world championships in Lugano, Switzerland. The Wicklow cyclist crossed the line 22 minutes behind winner Thomas Frischknect at the end of the gruelling 88 kilometre race, taking 58 points and so bringing his world-ranking total to 456 points and an estimated 37th in the world rankings. With the top fifty to gain an Olympic place for their country at the end of the year, the multiple Irish champion looks set to achieve his season’s goal and ensure an Irish jersey in the mountainbike contest at Atlanta 2004.

Jenny McCauley also performed with distinction today, finishing 24th out of 100 starters and similarly adding a clutch of points to her total. McCauley is still some way off the qualification standard and so will be hoping to record more good rides between now and the end of the season, but today’s result will be encouraging for her.

‘Both Robin and Jenny rode well today on what was a tough course’, said team manager Geoff Seymour after the race. ‘The total field was huge, with 1014 starters between all the categories. Robin’s ride means that he should be up to 37th in the rankings and while there are more events to come, I think if he gets another forty points he should be assured of holding onto his top 50 place by the end of the season. If Robin wins the two E2 events to come in Ireland, he will get these points, but he will also be hoping to do a good ride in the (normal-distance) world championship next weekend. Jenny will also be hoping for a good ride…she is some way off the women’s top 30, and so needs to keep scoring well.’

World marathon mountainbike championships, Lugano. Elite men: 1, Thomas Frischknect (Switzerland) 80 kilometres in 3 hours 48 mins 2 secs; 2, B. Brentjens (Netherlands) at 1 sec; 3, C. Bresser (Germany) at 3 mins 59 secs; 4, B. Peters (Netherlands) at 4 mins; 5, M. Bettin (Italy) at 4 mins 31 secs

Other: 43, R. Seymour (Ireland) at 22 mins 7 secs

Women: 1, Maja Wloszcowska (Poland) 80 kilometres in 4 hours 32 mins 7 secs; 2, M. Sadlecka (Poland) at 4 mins 50 secs; 3, S. Klose (Germany) at 9 mins 20 secs; 4, B. Jungst (Germany) at 10 mins 37 secs; 5, P. Henzi (Switzerland) at 14 mins 18 secs

Other: 24, J. McCauley (Ireland) at 46 mins 11 secs

ANOTHER GOOD RESULT FOR SCANLON: (By Shane Stokes Aug 28) Ag2r professional Mark Scanlon followed up his excellent performances in the Tour of Denmark and GP Ouest France when he placed 8th on yesterday’s second stage of the Tour du Poitou Charentes, a 2.3 event in France. The 178 kilometre stage to Bressuire featured an eleven-rider breakaway which were given considerable leeway by the overall contenders due to the fact that most of the field had finished 20 minutes down at the end of stage 1.

The stage was won by Robert Sassone of the Cofidis team, who finished just ahead of Ukrainian Bogdan Bondariew (CCC-Polsat). The pair had gone clear from the rest of the break in the final kilometres and opened up a minute’s lead over Frenchman Sébastien Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangère) and the rest of the break. Scanlon sprinted home in eighth place, with the stage one winner and race leader Yuri Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) finishing safely in the main bunch another five minutes back.

Tour du Poitou Charentes et de la Vienne (2.3) Stage 1, Pons - La Couronne: 1, Yuri Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) 180 kilometres in 4 hours 6 mins 55 secs; 2, A. Ongarato (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 3, A. Nauduzs (CCC-Polsat); 4, M. Elmiger (Phonak Hearing Systems); 5, P. Beuchat (Phonak Hearing Systems) all same time

Other: 95, M. Scanlon (AG2r Prévoyance) at 20 mins 48 secs

Stage 2 - August 27: Ruffec – Bressuire: 1, Robert Sassone (Cofidis, Le Crédit par Telephone) 178 kilometres in 4 hours 14 mins 23 secs; 2, B. Bondariew (CCC-Polsat); 3, S. Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangère) at 1 min 8 secs; 4, C. Edaleine (Jean Delatour) 5, A. Morin (Credit Agricole) both same time

Other: 8, Scanlon, same time

General classification after stage 2: 1, Y. Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) 8 hours 27 mins 22 secs; 2, Ongarato, at 4 secs; 3, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole) at 5 secs; 4, F. Renier, (Brioches La Boulangère) same time; 5, Nauduzs, at 6 secs; 6, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prévoyance) at 8 secs.  Other: 57, Scanlon, at 15 mins 52 secs

Tour du Poitou Charentes et de la Vienne (2.3). Stage 3, Bressuire – Loudun: 1, Jaan Kirsipuu ( AG2r Prévoyance) 178 kilometres in 3 hours 48 mins 25 secs; 2, A. Ongarato (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 3, JP Nazon (Jean Delatour); 4, S. Marinangeli (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 5, Y. Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) all same time

Other: 74, M. Scanlon (AG2r Prévoyance) same time

Stage 4, Monts-sur-Guesnes time trial: 1, Jens Voigt (Credit Agricole) 20 kilometres in 25 mins 6 secs (47.8 km/h); 2, S. Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangère) at 17 secs; 3, T. Vaitkus (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) at 23 secs; 4, L. Leipheimer (Rabobank) at 29 secs; 5, J. Bo Petersen (Team fakta) at 35 secs; 6, B. Wiggins (FDJeux.com) at 46 secs

Other: 56, Scanlon, at 2 mins 27 secs

General classification after stage 4: 1, Voight, 12 hours 41 mins 3 secs; 2, Chavanel, at 16 secs; 3, Petersen, at 34 secs; 4, L. Brochard (Ag2r) at 44 secs; 5, Wiggins, at 46 secs.  Other: 53, Scanlon, at 18 mins 8 secs

SIX MAN IRISH TEAM FOR BELGIAN EVENT: (By Shane Stokes Aug 29) In-form David O’Loughlin will lead a six man Irish team in the Ronde van Zuid-Oost-Vlaanderen in Belgium, which starts on Sunday and runs for two days. Joining him will be Paul Griffin and Simon Kelly, plus Philip Finegan and Aidan Crowley, who are making their debuts in the Ireland jersey.

The 2.6 race begins with a 115 kilometre road race and 13 kilometre time trial and then continues on Monday with a 150 kilometre road stage. Each of the riders has been in good form of late, with David O’Loughlin and Surrey League 5 day winner Paul Griffin racing particularly well in recent weeks.

JACOBS FIRST IN WOMEN’S LEAGUE RACE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 28) Siobhan Jacobs took a fine solo victory at the end of the second round of the Cycling Ireland women’s league yesterday. Taking place over four laps at the Boot Inn venue, the first group got a two and a half minute lead over the chasers. Although this gap was overhauled by lap two, Jacobs had gone clear and rode strongly to race to a near-two minute victory. Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip) and Dublin Wheelers’ Susan O’Mara were quickest in the bunch sprint which decided the runner-up positions, with the previous race winner Orla Hendron fifth.

The next women’s league race will take place at the same Boot Inn venue next Wednesday, 3rd of September, starting at 7 pm. This will act as the next in a series of selection races for the TQ Paper international two-day as the McArdles Trophy Race listed for this Sunday has been postponed. All are welcome; more details are available from Valerie Considine at 086 3825842.

(Note: it had been planned to start the women’s league earlier this summer but poor attendance meant that these early races were not considered for the overall series)

CYCLING IRELAND WOMEN’S LEAGUE, round 2: 1, Siobhan Jacobs (unattached); 2, L. Moriarty (Dublin Skip); 3, S. O’Mara (Dublin Wheelers); 4, K. Bothwell (Orwell Wheelers); 5, O. Hendron (Orwell Wheelers); 6, R. Kennedy (Usher IRC)

CASSIDY THIRD IN JUNIOR TOUR OF WALES: (By Shane Stokes Aug 26) Mark Cassidy made a perfect response to recent questions made over his selection to the Irish team for the Junior Tour of Ireland when he rode to an excellent third place in the Welsh equivalent, the Dudley’s Junior Tour of Wales.

Cassidy had ridden consistently throughout the race, placing eighth on stages two and three and then making his big move up the general classification on the tough final stage over the Tumble. He went clear with Scotland’s Dave Smith and Ryan Bonser of the North West Division team and placed a fine third on the 62 mile stage, crossing the line 9 seconds behind Smith and four behind Bonser. That left him in third overall, 54 seconds off the pace set by Smith over the five stages.

Cassidy’s Hibernian Team Ireland team-mate Paul Brady also finished in the prizes during the three day event, taking sixth on Sunday’s fourth stage. He was next of the Irish in the general classification, finishing 23rd, with Eoin Concannon 26th, Frazer Duncan 27th and Peter Hawkins 31st of the 54 finishers.

Cassidy was also ninth in the mountains classification and eighth in the hot spot sprints competition.

Dudley’s Junior Tour of Wales. Stage 1 time trial: 1, Daniel Martin (Team South West) 6 miles in 13 mins 1 sec; 2, T. Smith (BCF Central Division) at 11 secs; 3, I. Bibby (Science in Sport) at 17 secs; 4, T. Wallis (West Midlands A) at 19 secs; 5, R. Kent (Oldham Ruffyeds) at 20 secs

Hibernian Team Ireland riders: 23, P. Hawkins, at 1 min 6 secs; 27, M. Cassidy, at 1 min 13 secs; 28, E. Concannon, at 1 min 20 secs; 32, P. Brady, at 1 min 21 secs; 41, F. Duncan, at 1 min 41 secs

Stage 2: 1, Bruce Edgar (Scotland) 57 miles in 2 hours 27 mins 47 secs; 2, P. Willams (North West Division) at 3 secs; 3, R. Partridge (Wales); 4, R. Bonser (North West Divison); 5, A. Briggs (Team Bradgate) all same time

Irish: 8, Cassidy, at 54 secs; 17, Concannon, same time; 27, Duncan, at 1 min 40 secs; 39, Brady, at 3 mins 42 secs; 46, Hawkins, at 5 mins 4 secs

Stage 3: 1, Peter Williams (North West Division) 42 miles in 1 hour 54 secs; 2, Martin; 3, S. Newington (Scotland); 4, Bibby; 5, A. Hill (North West Division) all same time

Irish: 8, Cassidy, same time; 14, Concannon, at 11 secs; 23, Brady, at 45 secs; 29, Hawkins, at 1 min 26 secs; 42, Duncan, at 2 mins 9 secs

Stage 4 circuit race: 1, Ben Crawforth (Evans Cycles RT) 24 miles in 1 hour 7 mins 39 secs; 2, D. Smith (Scotland) at 19 secs; 3, Martin, at 29 secs; 4, T. Wallis (West Midlands A); 5, S. Newington (Scotland) both same time

Irish: 6, Brady, at 40 secs; 15, Concannon, same time; 23, Duncan, at 51 secs; 24, Hawkins; 28, Cassidy, both same time.

Stage 5: 1, David Smith (Scotland) 62 miles in 2 hours 23 mins 25 secs; 2, R. Bonser (North West Division) at 5 secs; 3, M. Cassidy, at 9 secs; 4, R. Wakor (BCF Central Division) at 1 min 41 secs; 5, Newington, same time

Other Irish: 9, Brady, at 2 mins 54 secs; 32, Hawkins, at 4 mins 51 secs; 42, Duncan, at 5 mins 46 secs; 48, Concannon, at 6 mins 40 secs

Final overall: 1, Smith, 7 hours 14 mins 54 secs; 2, Bonser, at 25 secs; 3, Cassidy, at 54 secs; 4, Martin, at 1 min 6 secs; 5, Newington, at 1 min 21 secs

Other Irish: 23, Brady, at 7 mins 14 secs; 26, Concannon, at 7 mins 30 secs; 27, Duncan, at 9 mins 59 secs; 31, Hawkins, at 11 mins 10 secs

King of the Mountains: 1, Smith, 21 points; 2, Bonser, 17; 3, Martin, 14

Irish: 9, Cassidy, 7 points.

Hot spot sprints: 1, Bonser, 29; 2, Smith, 20; 3, Crawforth, 20

Irish: 8, Cassidy, 10; 14, Concannon, 4; 25, Hawkins, 1; 27, Brady, 1

WOMEN’S LEAGUE NEWS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 26) The second of the selection races which will determine the Irish and Leinster teams for October’s TQ Paper International contest will take place at 7 pm tomorrow night (Wednesday), starting at the Boot Inn. The event is the latest in Cycling Ireland’s women’s league and is open to all levels of competitors.

More details are available from Valerie at 086 3825841

CLARKE, MORIARTY SHINE AT TRACK CHAMPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 26) Dublin Skip’s Louise Moriarty and Ray Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand) impressed at the national track championships over the weekend, taking four and three gold medals respectively. Moriarty was best in the women’s sprint, omnium, pursuit and points races, with Gillian McDarby (Tilechoice) preventing a clean sweep when she won the 500 metre time trial.

Clarke was almost as dominant in the men’s races, taking gold in the omnium, points and pursuit. Keith Bannon was fastest in the sprint and Paul Doyle pushed Clarke down into second in the 1 kilometre time trial. Barry Woods beat Autoview’s Ian Ormond in each of the four junior events.

Meanwhile national medals were also up for grabs at the underage national championships in Eniskillen. Martin Monroe (Western Lakes) and Mary Brennan (Castlebar CC) were first across the line in the under 16 races, while Killorglin CC’s Jeremiah O’Sullivan and Grace McNally of McNally Swords won the under 15 events. Denis Dunworth (Killorglin CC) and Anthony Lynch (Kanturk CC) took the under 14 and under 13 races, with Dunworth’s team-mate Tina Walker best of the girls under 13 division. Peter Williams (Orchard Wheelers) and Sharon Enright (Kanturk CC) were first home in the under 12 race, and Cian Corcoran (Killorglin CC) and Elaine Cawley did likewise in the under 11 events.

Irish Track Championships, Belfast:

Men: Sprint: 1, Keith Bannon (Tile Choice); 2, M. Colbert (Tile Choice); 3, M. Fitzgerald (Navan Avonmore); 4, M. Goggin (Tile Choice).

4,000 metre Pursuit: 1, Ray Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand) 5 mins 25.48 secs; 2, Doyle, 5 mins 28.16 secs; 3, E. O'Donoghue (Usher IRC) 5 mins 36.08 secs; 4, P. Nugent (Classic Walls) 5 mins 40.05 secs.

1,000 metre TT: 1, Doyle, 1 min 16.77 secs; 2, Clarke, 1 min 18.02 secs; 3, Fitzgerald, 1 min 19.58 secs.

Omnium: 1, Clarke; 2, Doyle; 3, Bannon

Points: 1, Clarke, 58 points; 2, Doyle, 36; 3, G. Rodgers (Banbridge CC), 26

Women:

Sprint: 1, Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip); 2, G. McDarby (Tile Choice); 3, K. Rudd (Orwell Wheelers).

500m. TT: 1, G. McDarby, 43.38 secs; 2, Moriarty, 43.41 secs; 3, Rudd, 44.65 secs.

Omnium: 1, Moriarty; 2, McDarby; 3, Rudd

3km Pursuit: 1, Moriarty; 2, M. Reilly (Bohermeen); 3, Rudd

Points: 1, Moriarty; 2, Rudd; 3, McDarby

Junior:

Sprint: 1, Barry Woods (Killorglin CC); 2, I. Ormond (Autowell).

3,000m Pursuit: 1, Woods, 4 mins 19 secs; 2, Ormond, 4 mins 26 secs.

500m: 1, Woods, 38.56 secs; 2, Ormond, 39.55 secs.

Omnium: 1, Woods; 2, Ormond

Irish Underage Championships, Enniskillen: 

Under 16: 1, Martin Munroe (Western Lakes) 284; 2, M. Murray (Clann eireann) 283; 3, C. Lanigan (Killorglin CC) 282; 4, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher) 281; 5, A. Coyle (Shannonside) 266; 6, T. Juul-Jensen (Sorrento CC) 265.

Ladies: 1, Mary Brennan (Castlebar CC); 2, Erin Turkington (Clann Eireann). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 15: 1, Jeremiah O'Sullivan (Killorglin CC) 294; 2, K. Enright (Kanturk CC) 292; 3, G. Brown (Kanturk CC) 282; 4, F. Keogh (Clonmel CC); 5, S. Williams (Orchard Whs.) 274; 6, G. McAdam (Emyvale CC) 271.

Ladies: 1, Grace McNally (Swords CC); 2, Annamarie Campbell (Lakeland CC). Team Kanturk CC.

Under 14: 1, Denis Dunworth (Killorglin CC) 290; 2, G. Pike (unatt.) 288; 3, T. Martin (Clann Eireann) 279; 4, J. O'Hanrahan (Clonmel CC) 276; 5, J. Kane (Emyvale CC) 272; 6, Christopher Juul-Jensen (Sorrento CC) 271. Team: Emyvale CC.

Under 13: 1, Anthony Lynch (Kanturk CC) 295; 2, E.Scanlon (Sligo CC) 292; 3, E. Leahy (Kanturk CC) 285; 4, A. O'Connor (Killorglin CC) 282; 5, N. Rock (McNally Swords) 271; 6, S. Downey (Banbridge CC) 270. Ladies: 1, Tina Walker (Killorglin CC); 2, Laura McKenna (Stamullen M. Donnelly CC); 3, Chloe Farrell (Hillcrest Hire Kiicullen). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 12: 1, Peter Williams (Orchard Whs.) 295; 2, L. McNeill (Western Lakes) 287; 3, L. Keane (Kanturk CC) 282; 4, S. Doona (Killorglin CC) 281; 5, P. Tancred (Kanturk CC) 280; 6, M. McDonald (Killorglin CC) 271. Ladies: 1, Sharon Enright (Kanturk CC); 2, Ciara Crawley (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 3, Elspeth Ahern (Kanturk CC). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 11: 1, Cian Corcoran (Killorglin CC) 283; 2, Bernard Maguire (Drogheda Whs.) 282; 3, Elaine Cawley (Castlebar CC) 281; 4, D.Rice (Killorglin CC) 281; 5, Emma Casey (Clann Eireann) 280; 6, D. O'Connor (Killorglin CC) 275. Ladies: 1, Elaine Cawley; 2, Emma Casey; 3, Laura Casey (Clann Eireann). Team: Killorglin CC.

DICKIE COMERFORD MEMORIAL GOES TO WHELAN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 26) North Kildare CC’s Simon Whelan won the five-man sprint which decided the Dickie Comerford memorial, leading home Stephen O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand) and Shane Baker (Usher IRC), plus Totalcycling.com rider Mark Kiernan and St. Tiernans’ Dylan Rafter.

Taking place over four laps in Batterstown, Baker and O’Sullivan jumped away from the main field at the start of lap two. Rafter made his move one lap later, and joined first by Whelan and then Kiernan, their chase succeeded in reeling in the two leaders on the final lap. A series of attacks followed but no rider was able to gain a significant advantage. Rafter tried once more just before the final corner but the move was covered and he was forced to lead out the sprint. Whelan, who has shone in many similar events this year, made no mistakes in the sprint and held off O’Sullivan and Baker to take a fine win.

Dickie Comerford Memorial, Batterstown: 1, Simon Whelan (North Kildare); 2, S. O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 3, S. Baker (Usher IRC); 4, M. Kiernan (Totalcycling.com); 5, D. Rafter (St. Tiernans) Senior 2: Francis Ennis

Andy Mahon memorial: 1, Anto Mc Mahon (McNally Swords); 2, R. Cullen (Autoview); 3, E. Looney (St. Finbars); 4, S. Weston (Dublin Wheelers); 5, K. Daly (McNally Swords)

First unplaced vet: Terry Ferris (Dublin Wheelers); first unplaced senior 3: Gary McNulty (Orwell Wheelers); first woman: Beth McCluskey (IMBRC)

Sheeffry Grand Prix Classic League race, Westport: 1, David O’Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi Sports) 3 hours 11 mins 36 secs; 2, T. Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) at 1 min 37 secs; 3, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 4, D. Lynch (VC La Pomme); 5, K. McMahon (Earl of Desmond); 6, D. Peelo (Usher IRC)

Woman: Beth McCluskey (IMBRC); junior: Mark Nestor (Shannonside); veteran: Sean McIlroy (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); category 2: Simon Mulvany (Stamullen Martin Donnelly)

Westport Criterium: 1, O’Loughlin; 2, P. O’Brien (VC La Pomme); 3, D. Lynch (Kanturk Credit Union); 4, D. Lynch (VC La Pomme); 5, M. McCrory (Apollo CT); 6, McMahon

John McCormack memorial, Phoenix Park: 1, Keith Daly (McNally Swords); 2, T. Ferris (Dublin Wheelers); 3, J. Wall (North Kildare CC); 4, D. Byrne (Orwell Wheelers); 5, K. Dolan (Dundalk); 6, D. Tansey (Orwell Wheelers)

First unplaced veteran: Noel Beggs (Stagg Lucan); first unplaced 3rd category rider: Michael Dennehy (Ventilux); first unplaced junior: Sean Reynolds (Stagg Lucan)

SCANLON'S GOOD RUN CONTINUES WITH SIXTH IN TOP FRENCH ONE DAY: (By Shane Stokes Aug 24) Mark Scanlon continued on from his excellent ride in the recent Tour of Denmark when he took a strong sixth place in the top ranked GP Ouest France in Plouay, Brittany today.
The 22 year old went clear in a small breakaway group during the 198 kilometre event and selflessly reeled in an attack by Joseba Albizu (Mercantone Uno) inside the final kilometre, setting the stage for a sprint win by his Ag2r team-mate Andy Flickinger.
Scanlon crossed the line in the same time, with the main field over one minute behind. This result is the latest in what has been a very strong first pro season for the Sligoman, and his ride today in this prestigious French semi-classic will further increase his worth within the professional peloton.
GP Ouest France, Plouay (1.HC): 1, Andy Flickinger (Ag2r) 198 kilometres in 4 hours 34 mins 22 secs (43.2 km/h); 2, A. Geslin (Brioches La Boulangère); 3, N. Jalabert (CSC); 4, C. Mengin (Fdjeux.com); 5, K. Asle Arvesen (fakta); 6, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) all same time

POPHAM FIFTH IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 24) Talented young Irish downhiller Jamie Popham yesterday placed a superb fifth in the junior race at the European mountainbike championships in Graz, Austria, a scorching performance which confirms his promise in the sport. The Wicklow rider finished 13 seconds behind the gold medallist Gee Atherton of Great Britain and just one second off the bronze medal position.

OWENS OLYMPIC HOPES FADE WITH CRACKED COLLARBONE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 24) There was bad news from the women's European cross-country event today as Irish Olympic hope Tarja Owens suffered a serious setback to her chances of reaching Athens when she crashed and cracked her collarbone.  The unlucky Wicklow rider fell during the second lap of the race and was unable to finish the event, which was won by Norwegian Gunn-Rita Dahle in a time of 1 hour 41 mins 57 secs.
While Owens' injury is thought to be a crack rather than a complete break, she is likely to miss several weeks of competition, a development which will rule her out of the world championships and so remove the biggest opportunity for her to build her ranking points and accumulate the total required for qualification. She had been under pressure to recoup the points lost due to illness earlier this season, a task made easier by her excellent tenth place in last weekend's European marathon championships, but this latest setback may make things very difficult indeed.
'This makes things much harder for her all right', said the team manager Geoff Seymour today. 'We will have to talk to Martin Earley (Owens' coach and physiotherapist) before we know the full story, but it is likely that she will miss several weeks. It is a real big shame as she was going very well and had been running inside the top thirty before she crashed.'
Jenny McCauley took 12 points for her solid 39th in the same race, while Robin Seymour rode strongly during the men's contest, which was won by Ralph Näf of Switzerland. Seymour was also running inside the top thirty for much of the event but then faded on the final lap, eventually taking 9 points for his 42nd place. These will be added to his current total, bringing him up to 377 points which is just 9 places off the crucial top fifty in the world rankings. He is hoping to score more points in the world championships and the two E2 events coming up in Ireland, thus making it certain that Ireland will earn the vital Olympic place.
Young hope Lewis Ferguson was a solid 55th in the junior cross-country race, 14 minutes and 53 seconds behind Czech winner Jaroslav Kulhavý.
Cross Country, Elite Men: 1, Ralph Näf (Switzerland) 2 hours 3 mins 15 secs; 2, J. Absalon (France) at 28 secs; 3, L. Fumic (Germany) at 43 secs; 4, B. Brentjens (Netherlands) at 52 secs; 5, B. Peters (Netherlands) at 59 secs  Other: 42, R. Seymour (Ireland) at 11 mins 3 secs
Elite women: 1, Gunn-Rita Dahle (Norway) 1 hour 41 mins 57 secs; 2, I. Kalientieva (Russia) at 40 secs; 3, M. Fullana Riera (Spain) at 1 min 18 secs; 4, Y. Kraft (Germany) at 1 min 36 secs; 5, B. Blatter (Switzerland) at 1 min 47 secs.  Irish: 39, Jenny Mc Cauley, at 1 lap  DNF: Tarja Owens
Junior Men:1, Jaroslav Kulhavý (Czech Republic) 1 hour 30 mins 49 secs; 2, J. Fulgang (Denmark) at 1 min 25 secs; 3, H. Becking (Netherlands) at 2 mins 24 secs; 4, A. Tiberi (Italy) at 2 mins 47 secs; 5, N. Schurter (Switzerland) at 3 mins 27 secs  Other: 55, L. Ferguson, at 14 mins 53 secs

SELECTION RACES ANNOUNCED FOR TQ PAPERS 2 DAY: The women’s commission has announced that a number of races will determine the selection of Irish and Leinster teams for the TQ Paper International race in early October. Wednesday’s women’s league race at Boot Inn and the following Sunday’s McArdles Trophy race in Dundalk are the next of these. The full list is as follows:

• Wednesday 13th August: Women’s league race, Boot Inn.

• Wednesday 27th August: Women’s league race, Boot Inn. Starts 7 pm.

• Sunday 31st August: McArdles Trophy Race, Dundalk. Starts 1 pm.

• Saturday 6th /Sunday 7th September: Collins/Christle Memorial races, Kilmessan. Starts 1.20 pm.

• Wednesday 10th September: Women’s league race, Boot Inn. Starts 7 pm.

• Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September: Woodlands House Hotel 2 day. Stage 1 starts 4 pm.

• Wednesday 24th September: Women’s league race, Boot Inn. Starts 7 pm.

Further details are available from Valerie at 086 3825841.

TRACK CHAMPS CONTINUE THIS WEEKEND: Following last weekend’s Irish underage track championships, the junior and senior events will take place at the same Orangefield venue this Saturday and Sunday. There will be sprint, points, pursuit and time trial races for the men, women and junior riders. Track bikes and UCI approved helmets must be used.

BRACKEN WINS IN PHOENIX PARK: (By Shane Stokes Aug 20) Usher IRC rider Colm Bracken was the winner of the latest Tuesday night Phoenix park race, beating Tilechoice CC’s Paul Doyle and Cycleways Lee Strand rider Stephen O’Sullivan to the line at the end of the event. Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip), Simon Mulvany (Stamullen M. Donnelly), Gary McNulty (Orwell CC) and Ronnie Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers) were best of the women, senior 2’s, senior 3’s and veterans.

Phoenix Park race: 1, Colm Bracken (Usher IRC); 2, P. Doyle (Tilechoice CC); 3, S. 0’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 4, M. Kiernan (Totalcycling.com); 5, G. Thomas (Ravens CC); 6, D. Smyth (Naas CC)

1st lady: Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip); first category 3: Gary McNulty (Orwell CC); first category 2: Simon Mulvany (Stamullen M. Donnelly); first veteran: Ronnie Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers)

Evans Cycles Surrey League 5 day: Stage 4: 1, Duncan Urquhart (Prestige VC)100 miles in 4 hours 10 mins 49 secs; 2, B. Kenneally (Team Ras Mumhan) same time; 3, P. Griffin (Team Ras Mumhan) at 48 secs; 4, J. Hoy (Evans Cycles RT) at 56 secs; 5, M. Sewell (Energy Cycles) same time

Other: 19, A. Roche (Team Ras Mumhan) at 56 secs; 47, J. Horgan (Team Ras Mumhan); 49, A. Hedderman (Team Ras Mumhan) both same time; 50, T. Barry (Team Ras Mumhan) at 1 min 33 secs

Stage 5, Ashdown Forest: 1, Danny Axford (Stilton –Parrot Print) 73 miles in 3 hours 13 mins 42 secs; 2, Griffin, same time; 3, T. Dunford (Hargrove Cycles) at 47 secs; 4, M. Melville (VC St Raphael) at 49 secs; 5, A. Kay (York Cycleworks) at 54 secs

Other: 37, Kenneally, at 8 mins 31 secs; 50, Barry, at 35 mins 30 secs; 51, Horgan,; 53, Hedderman; 58, Roche, all same time

Final overall: 1, Paul Griffin (Team Ras Mumhan) 18 hours 48 mins 10 secs; 2, Axford, at 25 secs; 3, G. Dodd (Sigma Sport) at 1 min 6 secs; 4, Urquhart, at 2 mins 35 secs; 5, Melville, same time

Other: 13, Kenneally, at 8 mins 11 secs; 42, Hedderman, at 45 mins 5 secs; 48, Roche, at 48 mins 6 secs; 53, Barry, at 55 mins 52 secs; 56, Horgan, at 1 hour 7 secs

Points: 1, Hoy, 71; 2, Kenneally, 55; 3, Urquhart, 51. Other: 5, Griffin, 30; 8, Barry, 23

King of the mountains: 1, Melville, 154 points; 2, R. Morgan (Stilton Parrot Print) 142; 3, Griffin, 95; 4, Kenneally, 89

SCANLON SHOOTS UP WORLD RANKINGS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 19) Following his stage win, tenure in the yellow jersey and eventual fifth place overall in the Tour of Denmark, promising young professional cyclist Mark Scanlon has moved up almost 200 places in the latest UCI world rankings. The 22 year old former world junior champion is now 269th in the world with 208 points, the highest position by an Irish rider in many, many years. Given his current form, the highly-motivated Sligoman will be aiming to further improve on this in the remaining months of the 2003 season.

Fellow professionals Ciarán Power and David O’Loughlin are ranked 703rd and 773rd, with Ireland now 33rd in the nations list. This entitles the country to one place in the world road race championships in Hamilton, Canada on October 12th. Should he be available to take part, Scanlon would seem to be the obvious choice for what will be a very demanding race.

DEIGNAN ONLY FINISHER IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 19) Young Irishman Philip Deignan was the only finisher of the Hibernian Ireland team in the European championship road race, which was run off on next year’s Olympic course in Athens. Winding through the streets of the city and climbing up to the historic Acropolis, the tough course was made even more demanding by the relentless heat which at times reached over forty degrees.

A six-man squad took part in the race, comprising Deignan, Denis Lynch, Nicolas Roche, Brian Ahern, John O’Shea and Andrew McQuaid. Almost two-thirds of the field retired due to the demanding conditions, with Deignan persisting to finish a solid 29th, 1 minute and 47 seconds off the Italian winner Giovanni Visconti who took gold in a five man sprint.

‘It was a very hard day out there’, said team manager Martin O’Loughlin. ‘The course was difficult with one steep hill requiring 39x19 and 21, due to the steep corners on it, and was also very technical. It was like a big criterium, with all the turns and bends. The main killer was the heat, though – when the race dropped down into the city, there was no breeze and the temperature was 42 degrees. Some of the lads were descending sitting up off the bars, to try to get some wind in on their chests. It was that hot.’

‘Philip rode very well in difficult conditions, but it was hard for the other lads. Denis Lynch was caught behind a crash and that messed up his chances, while Andrew McQuaid came down in a fall. There were just 57 finishers, with countries like the UK not having any riders reach the line. It was very, very tough out there.’

Lynch and Deignan also took part in the time trial, finishing 37th and 51st respectively.

European Under 23 championship, Athens: 1, Giovanni Visconti (Italy) 158.4 kilometres in 4 hours 10 mins 31 secs (37.937 km/h); 2, J. Roy (France); 3, K. Fajt (Slovenia); 4, J. Van Den Broeck (Belgium); 5, M. Duenas Nevado (Spain)

Other: 29, Philip Deignan (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 1 min 47 secs

Individual Time Trial: 1, Markus Fothen (Germany) 32 kilometres in 41 mins 32.79 secs (46.227 km/h); 2, J. Zrimsek (Slovenia) at 14.11 secs; 3, V. Goussev (Russia) at 24 mins 67 secs; 4, J. Acebo Cobo (Spain) at 30.55 secs; 5, A. Bespalov (Russia) at 30.62 secs

Other: 37, D. Lynch (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 3 mins 8.75 secs; 51, P. Deignan (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 4 mins 53.71 secs

KINNING WINS CI NPS ROUND 4 AT BUTTER MOUNTAIN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 18) XMTB rider Glen Kinning ran out as the winner of the fourth round of Cycling Irelands national points series at Butter Mountain on Sunday, ending the eight lap race with an advantage of 44 seconds over the highly promising junior rider Lewis Ferguson. Don Travers, who had led for much of the race until an puncture, was a further eleven seconds back in third with Team Worc’s Joe McCall next home.

Despite his youth, Ferguson started strongest of the contenders in the Elite race, crossing the start-finish line at the end of the first lap in the lead. By the end of lap two Travers had moved ahead and was five seconds up on second-placed Kinning, with Ferguson further back. This running order continued for several laps as a strong Travers opened up a large lead over all his rivals, but a puncture on the fifth lap saw this advantage evaporate. Kinning passed Travers and, despite his earlier strength, the Banbridge CC rider was unable to close back up to the leader. Instead, Ferguson got up to Travers and on the final-lap climb, unleashed an impressive attack which drew him clear of his tiring rival.

Kinning covered the demanding technical downhill section without mishap to reach the line first, with Ferguson tearing down the same section to finish 44 seconds down, preserving his advantage over a disappointed Travers. McCall crossed the line 4 minutes and 35 seconds after the winner, with Team Worc’s Peter Buggle and St. Tiernan’s Brett Nelson finishing one lap down in fifth and sixth place respectively.

Sorrento’s Barry Nolan won the junior event while his clubmate John Doris took the Masters prize. William Mulligan (Banbridge CC) was best of the veterans and Chris Bermingham (IMBRC), Christy Brown (XMTB) and William Boyd (XMTB) the winners of the underage events. Robbie Tobin of the promoting IMBRC club came out on top in the sports race.

Cycling Ireland NPS round 4, Butter Mountain: Elite: 1, Glenn Kinning (X-MTB) 1 hour 45 mins 25 secs; 2, L. Ferguson (X-MTB) at 44 secs; 3, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 55 secs; 4, J. McCall (Team Worc) at 4 mins 35 secs; 5, P. Buggle (Team Worc) at 1 lap; 6, B. Nelson (St. Tiernans) at 1 lap

Junior: 1, Barry Nolan (Sorrento CC); 2, K. Quille (Newbridge CC)

Master: John Doris (Sorrento CC)

Veterans: 1, William Mulligan (Banbridge CC); 2, J. McCabe (Cuchulann CC); 3, A. Ryan (Sorrento CC); 4, E. Mullin (IMBRC); 5, D. McCabe (unattached)

Sport: 1, Robbie Tobin (IMBRC); 2, K. Byrne (IMBRC); 3, A. McManus (IMBRC); 4, D. Tobin (IMBRC); 5, R. McClure (Bray Wheelers); 6, O. McCarthy (Bray Wheelers)

Under 16: 1, Chris Bermingham (IMBRC); 2, M. Ferguson (XMTB); 3, D. Quille (Newbridge CC); 4, C. McConvey (XMTB); 5, E. Sherridan (Mob cc)

Under 14: 1, Christy Brown (XMTB); 2, N. McGimpsey (XMTB); 3, G. Boyd (XMTB); 4, A. Godfrey (XMTB); 5, R. Beggs (Banbridge CC)

Under 12: 1, William Boyd (XMTB); 2, J. Laird (XMTB)

BEST EVER FINISH BY AN IRISH MTB TEAM IN EUROPEAN CHAMPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 17) The best ever performance by an Irish team at the European Championships took place today in Stategg, Austria, with Robin Seymour, Tarja Owens and Jenny McCauley all finishing inside the top fifteen of their events in the marathon championship.

Seymour picked up 50 world ranking points for finishing an excellent fifteenth out of nearly 300 starters in the men’s race, which was 104 kilometres in length and featured 5000 metres of climbing. The Wicklow man now seems all-but certain to secure an Olympic qualification place for Ireland for Athens 2004.

Owens and McCauley finished tenth and fourteenth in the 60 kilometre women’s event, netting 75 and 55 points respectively. Owens had been under pressure to make up for the points lost through illness earlier this year and is delighted with today’s ride, as it improves her own chances of gaining that vital qualification place by the end of the season

European MTB Marathon Championships, Graz, Austria: Men: 1, Thomas Dietsch (Motorex Bianchi) 104 kilometres in 4 hours 55 mins 15 secs; 2, M. Kraler (Ralf Denk Racing Team) at 1 min 30 secs; 3, J. Golcer (Steiermark Janger) at 3 mins 19 secs; 4, T. Stichteig (Rocky Mountain) at 15 mins 25 secs; 5, P. Cattin (Scott Alliance Michellin) 16 mins 38 secs

15, R. Seymour (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 40 mins 3 secs

Women: 1, Brigitte Jungist (Team Merida) 60 kilometres in 3 hours 17 mins 36 secs; 2, G. Rita Dahle (HP Merida International) at 1 min 11 secs; 3, S. Klose (Ralf Denk Racing Team) at 9 mins 4 secs; 4, D. Louise (Aqua Nova) at 10 mins 32; 5, S. Enaux (Team VTT Live Saint Vie) at 17 mins 38

10, T. Owens (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 23 mins 24 secs; 14, J. McCauley (Hibernian Team Ireland) at 30 mins 40

Brendan Campbell memorial, Donore: 1, Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 2, R. Moore (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 3, T. Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand); 4, A. Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand); 5, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 6, A. Deane (Totalcycling.com); 7, A. Donnellan (Dublin Wheelers); 8, P. Brady (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale)

Senior 2: 1, Daragh O’Sullivan (PSV Aachen CC); 2, F. Ennis (Staggs Lucan); 3, J. Wall (North Kildare CC)

Senior 3: 1, Adrian McDermot (Totalcycling.com); 2, G. McNulty (Orwell Wheelers); 3, J. Sower (Orwell Wheelers)

Junior: 1, Paul Brady (Emyvale); 2, M. Nestor (Shannonside CC); 3, M. Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand)

Veterans: 1, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC); 2, B. Graham (Totalcycling.com); 3, R. Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers)

Ladies: 1, Marie Reilly (Bohermeen CC); 2, E. Turkington (Clann Eireann CC); 3, G. Martin (Bray Wheelers)

Under 12: 1, Conor Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers); 2, E. Casey (Clann Eireann CC); 3, B. Maguire (Drogheda Wheelers)

Under 14: 1, Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann CC); 2, C. Jensen (Sorrento CC); 3, M. McAree (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale)

Under 16: 1, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann); 2, U. Monks (Bray Wheelers); 3, S. Rock (McNally Swords)

Underage track championships, Orangefield, Belfast: Under 16 races (sponsored by Cyclery/Cili Sports): 500 metre TT: 1, Michael Murray (Western Lakes); 2, M. Monroe (Western Lakes); 3, B. Henning (Haldane Fisher). Sprint: 1, Henning; 2, M. Girr (Lakelands CC); 3, U. Monks (Bray Wheelers). 12 lap scratch race: 1, Murray; 2, Henning; 3, Monks

Under 14 races (sponsored by Cycleways): 500 metre time trial: 1, William Connolly (Western Lakes); 2, T. Martin (Clann Eireann); 3, G. Rigley (Bray Wheelers). Sprint: 1, Rigley; 2, Connolly; 3, Martin. 8 lap scratch race: 1, Martin; 2, Connolly; 3, Rigley

Under 12 races (sponsored by Staggs Cycles Lucan) 500 metre time trial: Liam McNeil (Western Lakes). Sprint: McNeil. 8 lap scratch: McNeil

Cycling Ireland NPS round 4, Butter Mountain: Elite: 1, Glenn Kinning (X-MTB) 1 hour 45 mins 25 secs; 2, L. Ferguson (X-MTB) at 44 secs; 3, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 1 min 55 secs; 4, J. McCall (Team Worc) at 4 mins 45 secs; 5, P. Buggle (Team Worc) at 1 lap; 6, B. Nelson (St. Tiernans) at 1 lap

Sport: 1, Robbie Tobin (IMBRC); 2, K. Byrne (IMBRC); 3, A. McManus (IMBRC); 4, D. Tobin (IMBRC); 5, R. McClure (Bray Wheelers); 6, O. McCarthy (Bray Wheelers)

Junior: 1, Barry Nolan (Sorrento CC); 2, K. Quille (Newbridge CC)

Veterans: 1, William Mulligan (Banbridge CC); 2, J. McCabe (Cuchulann CC); 3, A. Ryan (Sorrento CC); 4, E. Mullin (IMBRC); 5, D. McCabe (unattached)

Under 16: 1, Chris Bermingham (IMBRC); 2, M. Ferguson (XMTB); 3, D. Quille (Newbridge CC); 4, C. McConvey (XMTB); 5, E. Sherridan (Mob cc)

Under 14: 1, Christy Brown (XMTB); 2, N. McGimpsey (XMTB); 3, G. Boyd (XMTB); 4, A. Godfrey (XMTB); 5, R. Beggs (Banbridge CC)

Under 12: 1, William Boyd (XMTB); 2, J. Laird (XMTB)

NICF Northern Ireland Senior Road Race Championship, Broughshane: 1, Liam Nelson (Ballymena Scott RC) 72 miles in 3 hours 9 mins 16 secs; 2, M. Lyttle (unattached); 3, T. Wilson (Ballyemena Scott RC) both same time; 4, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC) at 2 mins 41 secs; 5, J. Davidson (Roe Valley CC) at 7 mins 47 secs; 6, R. Bankhead (Ballymena Scott RC) at 7 mins 59 secs

Junior: David Dougan (Ballymena Scott RC); Under 16: Andrew McCauley (Team Madigan CC); Under 14: Stuart Henry (Toyota North Down CC).

Surrey League 5 day, stage 1: 1, Gareth Jones (Energy Cycles) 99 miles; 2, G. Dodd (Sigma Sport) same time; 3, J. Hoy, at 9 sec; 4, M. Melville (VC St Raphael); 5, T. Barry (Team Rás Mumhan) same time

Stage 2: 1, Paul Griffin (Team Ras Mumhan) 4 hours 1 min 56; 2, Dodd, at 28 secs; 3, D. Axford (Stilton Parrot Print); 4, B. Kenneally (Team Ras Mumhan) both same time; 5, D. Berkely (Sigma Sport) at 1 min 59 secs

Other: 18, A. Hedderman (Team Ras Mumhan) at 3 mins; 55, J. Horgan (Team Ras Mumhan) at 5 mins 37 secs; 60, A. Roche (Team Ras Mumhan) same time; 65, T. Barry (Team Ras Mumhan) at 7 mins 10 secs

Overall: 1, Griffin, 7 hours 54 mins 11 secs; 2, Dodd, same time; 3, Axford, at 28 secs; 4, Kenneally, same time; 5, N. Kenwright (Energy Cycles) at 1 min 40 secs

Mountains: Kenneally; Points: Dodd

Lurgan Festival Criterium: 1, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) 38 mins 27 secs; 2, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 3, T. Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 5, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 6, P. Bloomer (Harps CC), all same time. First 2nd cat.: Andy Layhe (Apollo CT); First 3rd cat.: M. McConville (Clann Eireann). Under 16: 1, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann); 2, U. Monks (Bray Whs.); 3, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher). Under 14: 1, T. Martin (Clann Eireann); 2, G. Rigley (Bray Whs.); 3, W. Connolly (Western Lakes); First Lady: Emma Casey (Clann Eireann).

Lurgan Cycling Festival, Ronnie McCabrey Cycles sponsored 10 TT: 1, Myles McCorry (Apollo CT) 22 mins 45 secs; 2, J. Brennan (Clann Eireann) 22 mins 26 secs; 3, J. Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher) 23 mins 30 secs. U.16: M. Murray (Clann Eireann), 23 mins 38 secs. U.14: Thomas Martin, 26 mins 51 secs. U12: Emma Casey, 24 mins 22 secs

SCANLON FINISHES AN EXCELLENT FIFTH IN TOUR OF DENMARK: (By Shane Stokes Aug 16) Rising Irish star Mark Scanlon finished an excellent fifth overall after today’s concluding day of the prestigious Tour of Denmark. The 22 year old first-year pro crossed the line at the end of the 180 kilometre stage as part of the main bunch, coming home in 24th place, 2 seconds behind the lone leader Jaan Kirsipuu of Scanlon’s Ag2r team.

There was thus no change to the overall standings from yesterday, with Scanlon finishing up in fifth, 29 seconds off the race-winning time of Team Gerolsteiner’s Sebastian Lang. Scanlon has had a most impressive Tour of Denmark, winning a stage, holding the leader’s yellow jersey plus the points leader’s jersey. He finished fourth in the points classification and third in the best young rider competition.

The performance means that the young Sligoman comes away from the race with a bundle of world ranking points. He adds 92 onto his existing total, which should see him move inside the world’s top 300 riders when the UCI rankings are updated in the next couple of days. Given his excellent progress since turning professional at the start of the year, the former world junior champion is expected to continue his rapid rise up the rankings.

Tour of Denmark stage 6, Korsxr - Frederiksberg: 1, Jaan Kirsipuu (Ag2R Prevoyance) 180 kilometres in 3 hours 46 mins 38 secs; 2, D. Hondo (Team Telekom) at 2 secs; 3, S. Van Dijck (Lotto-Domo); 4, A. Clerc (QuickStep-Davitamon); 5, A. Aug (De Nardi- Colpack) all same time

Other: 24, M. Scanlon (Ag2r Prevoyance) same time

Final general classification: 1, Sebastian Lang (Team Geolsteiner) 19 hours 48 mins; 2, J. Van Goolen (QuickStep-Davitamon) at 2 secs; 3, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prevoyance) at19 secs; 4, B. Voskamp (Bankgiroloterij) at 23 secs; 5, Scanlon, at 29 secs; 6, M. Skelde (Team fakta) at 50 secs

Points classification: 1, Yuri Mithlushenko (Landbowkredit-Colnago) 35 pts; 2, R. Forster (Team Gerolsteiner ) 30; 3, Clerc, 30; 4, Scanlon, 27

Young rider classification: 1, Lang, 19 hours 48 mins; 2, Van Goolen, at 2 secs; 3, Scanlon, at 29 secs

SCANLON FIFTH OVERALL IN TOUR OF DENMARK AFTER STRONG PERFORMANCES: (By Shane Stokes Aug 15) First year professional Mark Scanlon once again turned in a fine performance in the Tour of Denmark today, placing tenth in bunch sprint which decided the morning 100 kilometre stage and then finishing a strong 13th against older, more experienced riders in the 15.7 kilometre evening time trial. The young Sligoman was 43 seconds behind the stage winner Tomas Vaitkus of the Landbouwkrediet-Colnago team in the race against the clock.

Scanlon’s solid performances today mean that he goes into tomorrow’s final stage in an excellent fifth place overall. The 22 year old is 29 seconds behind the new overall leader Sebastian Lang of the Gerolsteiner team, and looks set to take a bundle of UCI world ranking points at the end of the prestigious race.

His stage win and overall performance this week are a major boost to Scanlon's career and will have impressed his Ag2r team greatly, as well as drawing attention from other squads in the professional peloton.

The 2.2 ranked Tour of Denmark concludes tomorrow with a 180 kilometre stage between Korsør and Frederiksberg.

Stage 4, Middelfart – Fåborg: 1, Jan Koerts (Bankgiroloterij) 100 kilometres in 2 hours 5 mins 22 secs; 2, Y. Mithlushenko (Landbowkredit-Colnago); 3, R. Förster (Team Gerolsteiner); 4, S. Cadamuro (De Nardi – Colpack); 5, A. Clerc (Quick-Step – Davitamon) all same time

10, M. Scanlon (Ag2R Prevoyance) same time

Stage 5, Svendborg ITT, 15.7 km: 1, Tomas Vaitkus (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) 19 mins 45 secs; 2, L. Hoste (Lotto Domo) at 4 secs; 3, B. Roesems (Palmans-Collstrop) at 9 secs; 4, S. Lang (Gerolsteiner) same time; 5, S. Honchar (De Nardi-Colpack) at 12 secs

Other: 13, Scanlon, at 43 secs

Overall classification: 1, Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner); 2, Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) at 3 secs; 3, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prevoyance) at 19 secs; 4, B. Voscamp (BankGiroLoterij Cycling Team) at 23 secs; 5, Scanlon, at 29 secs

SCANLON SLIPS OUT OF YELLOW: (By Shane Stokes Aug 14) Young Irish professional Mark Scanlon today slipped out of the yellow jersey he had worn since winning Tuesday’s opening stage of the Tour of Denmark, coming home as part of the main bunch one minute and 24 seconds behind the stage winner Johan Museuuw.

The stage saw a large breakaway group gain time on the peloton, with Michael Skelde (Team fakta) placing ninth on the stage, one minute and three seconds behind Museuuw, and jumping into yellow from second overall.

Scanlon remains in contention in fourth place, 19 seconds back, and will aim for a solid ride in tomorrow morning’s 100 kilometre road race and the 15.7 kilometre afternoon time trial. The promising 22 year old continues to lead the points classification and is second in the best young rider standings.

Middelfart - Faaborg, 100 km Stage 5 - August 15: Svendborg ITT, 15.7 km

Tour of Denmark stage 3, Hammel – Kolding: 1, Johan Museuuw (QuickStep-Davitamon) 185 kilometres in 4 hours 48 mins 14 secs; 2, J. Storm Piil (Team CSC) at 27 secs; 3, K. Asle Arvesen (Team fakta); 4, S. Honchar (De Nardi- Colpack) both same time; 5, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prevoyance) at 1 min 3 secs

Other: 17, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) at 1 min 24 secs

General classification after stage 3: 1, Michael Skelde (Team fakta) 13 hours 35 mins 40 secs; 2, Brochard, at 15 secs; 3, J. Van Goolen (QuickStep Davitamon) at 16 secs; 4, Scanlon, at 19 secs; 5, A. Vierhouten (Lotto Domo) at 23 secs.  Points: Scanlon

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS BECKON: (By Shane Stokes Aug 14) One of the most important international races for Ireland’s espoirs takes place in Athens on Sunday, on the same course which will be used for next year’s Olympic games road race. Philip Deignan, Denis Lynch, Brian Ahern, John O’Shea, Andrew McQuaid and Nicholas Roche will line out as the Hibernian Team Ireland squad in the European championships, and will be aiming for a strong ride.

Meanwhile the Olympic MTB hopefuls Robin Seymour, Tarja Owens and Jenny McCauley will ride the European MTB marathon championships in Graz this Sunday, and then go on to contest the shorter European cross-country champs in the same area next weekend.

Downhill riders also have their championships approaching, with this weekend’s fourth round of the British mountainbike series in Innerleithen acting as a warm-up for some of the team. Jamie Popham is leading the junior series and hopes to further extend his lead in this Sunday’s race. The ten-rider squad will then travel next week for the Europeans, with the team comprising Colin Ross, John Lawlor, Glyn O’Brien, Will Corry and Andrew Yoong (elite), Jamie Popham, Ben Reid, Andy Smith and Greg O’Keefe (juniors) and Michelle McCartney, who goes in the women’s race.

‘We are hoping that some of the elite and junior riders can get into the top 20’, said team manager Peter Popham. ‘We had 3 juniors in the top 40 last year, so if they can get into the top 20 this time round that would be good progress.’

At home, the cross-country action this Sunday takes place at the Butter Mountain venue, near Brittas. The race starts at 12 noon and features a good course with mixed terrain, with the laps taking about 15 minutes to complete. More details can be obtained from Michael Jordan at 4519202.

HENDRON WINS WOMEN’S LEAGUE RACE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 14) Orla Hendron was the winner of the latest round of the Cycling Ireland women’s league at the Boot Inn, a 4 lap handicapped event. After one lap the front group was down to four riders – Hendron, Erin Turkington, Roisin Kennedy and Joanie Burns, with 16 year old newcomer Turkington proving impressively strong.

The scratch group of Louise Moriarty, Marie Reilly, Susan O'Meara and Kate Rudd started five and a half minutes back and under the pressure of the chase, they split after the second lap with Reilly and Moriarty pressing ahead. These two riders managed to take three minutes back from the first group but were unable to overcome the leaders before the line. Hendron won from Turkington, Kennedy and Burns, with Moriarty taking fifth and Siobhan Jacobs sixth.

The next women’s league race is on the 27th August at 7:00pm, at the Boot Inn. Valerie Considine can be contacted at Valerie.considine@dublincity.ie.

Dublin Skip Ladies League race, Boot Inn: 1, Orla Hendron; 2, E. Turkington; 3, R. Kennedy; 4, J. Burns; 5, L. Moriarty; 6, S. Jacobs

SCANLON RETAINS LEAD IN TOUR OF DENMARK, PLACES FIFTH: (By Shane Stokes Aug 13) Stage one winner Mark Scanlon retained his leader’s yellow jersey on day two of the prestigious Tour of Denmark today. The 220 kilometre race between Hobro and Århus was won by Yuri Metlushenko of the Landbowkredit team in a bunch sprint, with the young Sligoman coming home in a fine fifth place. Scanlon remains clear at the head of the classification going into tomorrow’s third stage, although second-placed Michael Skelde of the fakta team took two seconds back in a bonus sprint during the stage and is now two seconds behind the 22 year old in the overall standings.

There had been several breakaway attempts during the stage, including a dangerous four-man move which contained Daniele Contrini (Gerolsteiner), Nico Eeckhout (Lotto-Domo), Jørgen Bo Petersen (Team fakta) and Jimmy Hansen (Glud & Marstrand), which was clear for 70 kilometres and caught just 20 from the end. Once reeled in, the bunch remained largely together and the riders arrived at the finish line together, settling the honours in a mass gallop.

The 2.2 ranked Tour of Denmark continues tomorrow with a 185 kilometre leg from Hammel to Kolding and ends on Saturday. Yesterday’s victory marked the first professional win for Scanlon, a huge achievement in his first season in the paid ranks.

Tour of Denmark stage 2, Hobro – Århus, 220 kilometres: 1, Yuri Metlushenko (Landbowkrediet-Colnago); 2, R. Forster (Gerolsteiner); 3, S. Van Dijck (Lotto-Domo); 4, A. Clerc (QuickStep-Davitamon); 5, M. Scanlon (Ag2r Prevoyance); 6, D. Hondo (Team Telekom) all same time

General classification after stage 2: 1, Mark Scanlon (Ag2r Prevoyance) 8 hours 46 mins 21 secs; 2, M. Skelde (fakta) at 2 secs; 3, S. Lang (Gerolsteiner) at 6 secs; 4, J. Dean (CSC) at 14 secs; 5, J. Schoonacker (Vlaanderen T-Interim) at 15 secs; 6, F. Hoj (fakta) same time

DOYLE WINS LEINSTER TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 13) Tilechoice rider Paul Doyle was best of the first category riders in the Leinster time trial championships, covering the course in a time of 20 mins 38 secs. He beat Shane Baker (Usher IRC) by 18 seconds, with Dublin Wheelers’ Andrew Donnellan two seconds further back in third. John Wall (North Kildare), Brian Crinnion (McNally Swords), Hugh Davis (Usher IRC) and Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip) were best in the senior 2, senior 3, veteran and women’s classification, while Mark Cassidy showed he has come out of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour in good shape by winning the Junior title.

Sean Rock (McNally Swords), Aaron Henry (Usher IRC) and Ciara Crawley (Stamullen M. Donnelly) won the underage races.

Leinster Time Trial Championships: Senior 1: Paul Doyle (Tilechoice) 20 mins 38 secs; 2, S. Baker (Usher IRC) at 18 secs; 3, A. Donnellan (Dublin Wheelers) at 20 secs

Senior 2: 1, John Wall (North Kildare) 21 mins 10 secs; 2, I. Payne (Ravens) at 8 secs; 3, B. Harris (Usher IRC) at 36 secs

Senior C: 1, Brian Crinnion (McNally Swords) 21 mins 20 secs; 2, K. Dolan (Cuchulainn CC) at 56 secs; 3, B. Delaney (Bray Wheelers) at 1 min 30 secs

Veterans: 1, Hugh Davis (Usher IRC) 21 mins 19 secs; 2, R. Brannigan (Orwell Wheelers) at 1 min; 3, M. Rock (McNally Swords) at 1 min 26 secs

Women: 1, Louise Moriarty (Les Jeunes) 23 mins 55 secs; 2, M. Reilly (Bohermeen) at 32 secs; 3, R. O’Connell (Bray Wheelers) at 55 secs

Junior: 1, Mark Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) 21 mins 25 secs; 2, T. Duggan (Bray Wheelers) at 15 secs; 3, P. McMahon (Bray Wheelers) at 46 secs

Under 16: 1, Sean Rock (McNally Swords) 23 mins 5 secs; 2, C. Kelly (Usher IRC) at 1 sec; 3, A. Coyle (Shannonside) at 2 secs

Under 14: 1, Aaron Henry (Usher IRC) 6 mins 1 sec; 2, G. Rigley (Bray Wheelers) at 21 secs; 3, N. Rock (McNally Swords) at 30 secs

Under 12: 1, Ciara Crawley (Stamullen M. Donnelly) 7 mins 8 secs; 2, C. Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers) at 7 secs; 3, B. Maguire (Drogheda Wheelers) and Chloe Farrell (Hillcrest Hire) both same time

SCANLON TAKES MAJOR PROFESSIONAL WIN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 12) Irish cyclist Mark Scanlon today recorded the biggest professional win since the careers of Kelly and Roche when he sprinted to victory on the opening leg of the prestigious Tour of Denmark. The former world junior champion reached the finish of the 155 kilometre stage between Skagen and Aalborg together with Team fakta’s Michael Skelde and Sebastian Lang of the Gerolsteiner squad, and out-galloped the two of them to take what was an extremely impressive first pro win.

Scanlon’s ride ensures that he will wear the leader’s yellow jersey going into tomorrow’s second stage of the 2.2 ranked race, a 220 kilometre ride between Hobro and Århus.

Twenty-two year old Mark Scanlon is regarded as the biggest talent to emerge in two decades, first coming to international prominence in 1998 when he won the junior world title in Valkenburg. He made his professional debut in January with the first division French Ag2r team, who signed him after a highly-impressive pro trial last Autumn, and has quickly settled in this season with a number of strong performances. Today’s win is further confirmation of his huge potential.

Tour of Denmark (2.2) stage 1, Skagen – Aalborg: 1, Mark Scanlon (Ag2r Prevoyance) 155 kilometres in 3 hours 40 mins 54 secs; 2, M. Skelde (fakta); 3, S. Lang (Gerolsteiner) both same time; 4, F. Hoj (fakta) at 8 secs; 5, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prevoyance) same time

Overall: 1, Scanlon, 3 hours 40 mins 44 secs; 2, Skelde, at 4 secs; 3, Lang, at 6 secs; 4, J. Dean (Team CSC) at 14 secs; 5, J. Schoonacker (Vlaanderen T-Interim) at 15 secs; 6, B. Voskamp (BankGiroLoterij') at 16 secs

POWER STRONG THIRD IN MONTREAL – QUEBEC CLASSIC: (By Shane Stokes Aug 12) Irish professional Ciarán Power raced to a fine third place finish in the 237 kilometre Montreal-Quebec Classic, a 1.5 world-ranked race which attracted many of the US’s top pro teams. Run off in wet, windy conditions, the Navigators cyclist went clear in an 18 man breakaway and opened up a good lead over the main field.

This group was delayed at a level crossing, where seven of the eighteen refused to stop and were subsequently disqualified. Power’s group were given back their four-minute advantage when the race restarted and in the final hilly section, he jumped clear and rode home alone to take a fine third place, two minutes and two seconds behind the winner Tim Johnson of the Saturn Cycling Team.

Montreal-Quebec Classic: 1, Tim Johnson (Saturn Cycling Team) 237 kilometres in 5 hours 58 mins; 2, A. Nadeau (AD OPT) at 52 secs; 3, C. Power (Navigators Cycling Team) at 2 mins 2 secs; 4, P. Zajiceck (Saturn Cycling Team) at 2 mins 21 secs; 5, J. Louder (Navigators Cycling Team) at 2 mins 37 secs; 6, S. Camponogara (Navigators Cycling Team) at 3 mins 13 secs

O’LOUGHLIN SECOND OVERALL IN PRO-AM BELGIAN RACE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 12) David O’Loughlin continues today in the Tour of Namur in joint second place overall. The Ofoto-Lombardi professional finished in 31st position yesterday, 44 seconds behind the winner Kristof de Zutter of the Palmans-Collstrop team and is the same margin back behind the new yellow jersey Kees Jeurissen (Van Hemert Groep) in the overall standings. He is also second in the points classification.

Eugene Moriarty is next best of the Irish. He finished 118th yesterday, 6 minutes and 4 seconds behind de Zutter and is now 66th overall, 8 minutes and 51 seconds back. Simon Kelly finished in the same time as Moriarty to take 128th on the stage and goes into today’s leg in 110th position, 25 minutes and 7 seconds down.

O'LOUGHLIN WINS STAGE IN PRESTIGIOUS BELGIAN PRO-AM EVENT: (By Shane Stokes Aug 10) Irish cyclist David O'Loughlin took perhaps the biggest win of his career today when he rode to victory on the second stage of the pro-am Tour of Namur. Competing against professionals from the Quickstep, Palmans and ABX teams, O'Loughlin got away in a group of eight during the hilly 154 kilometre stage and then jumped ahead of his breakaway companions inside the final kilometre.

O'Loughlin had finished 15th on yesterday's opening stage and with today's win, missed taking yellow by just 4/100ths of a second. He is second overall and is leading the points classification going into the third stage of the race. .

BELGIAN WIN FOR O’LOUGHLIN: (By Shane Stokes Aug 7) Irish professional David O’Loughlin raced to a fine victory today in the 135 kilometre elite GP Plastics Hofstade event in Belgium.

Undeterred by the 38 degree heat, the Mayo rider attacked repeatedly on the last lap of 18 to get clear of a six man breakaway, winning alone ahead of Lithuanian Jiby Serafinsiki and Belgian ex-pro Dany Bayens.

The victory is the latest for the Team Ireland project, which faciliates Irish riders who wish to race in high-standard Belgian events.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE TO RESUME THIS WEDNESDAY: (By Shane Stokes Aug 11) The Cycling Ireland women’s league resumes this Wednesday (August 13th) with a handicap-graded race at the Boot Inn, starting 7 pm. The women’s league is open to all categories and standards, beginners included, and will run every fortnight with four races in all to take place before the series ends on Wednesday September 24th. Each rider who participates will be awarded points, with riders in the first six gaining more. There will be a separate points system for those who compete in open races.

The race organiser Valerie Considine is hoping for a big turnout and has announced that prizes for the first women in each category will include 150 euro and a trophy. More information on the league can be obtained by calling her at 086 3825842.

PEAT WINS BRAY DOWNHILL: (By Shane Stokes Aug 10) As expected, world number 1 Steve Peat (Team Orange England) was the clear winner of the Bray Credit Union Downhill challenge at the weekend, scorching down the course in a time of 2 minutes 4.102 seconds. The Team Orange England rider posted a time over seven seconds quicker than the next rider, his team-mate Mark Beaumont, with Glyn O’Brien (Touch Network Solutions) just over a second further back.

Peat’s presence helped guarantee a big turnout of 110 riders, including a number of overseas competitors and these all had a rare opportunity to see how they shaped up against the world’s best downhiller. O’Brien and the junior winner Jamie Popham (Fiat LCV Racing) were quickest of the home contingent, with the latter showing potential beyond his youth when he rode strongly to post the fourth quickest time in the charge down Bray Head. He was 9 seconds behind Peat and so netted 13 UCI world-ranking points. The ladies race was won by Jaymie Mart from TDR Giant UK.

Bray Downhill Challenge, Elite: 1, Steve Peat (Team Orange England) 2 mins 4.192 secs; 2, M. Beaumont (Team Orange England) 2 mins 11.114 secs; 3, G. O’Brien (Touch Network Solutions) 2 mins 12.206 secs; 4, C. Ross (Touch Network Solutions) 2 mins 13.179 secs; 5, J. Lawlor (Fiat LCV Racing) 2 mins 14.157 secs; 6, A. Yoong (Touch Network Solutions) 2 mins 14.157 secs; 7, P. Angus (Mojo Racing/Fox) 2 mins 14.596 secs; 8, A. Clogher (TC Racing) 2 mins 23.788 secs

Junior: 1, Jamie Popham (Fiat LCV Racing) 2 mins 13.166 secs; 2, B. Reid (Plush) 2 mins 17.082 secs; 3, A. Sweeney (unattached) 2 mins 19.674 secs; 4, S. Parkinson (unattached) 2 mins 20.568 secs; 5, A. Florain (unattached) 2 mins 23.373 secs; 6, S. Jenkinson (unattached) 2 mins 23.88 secs

Senior: 1, Keith Brock (unattached) 2 mins 25.753 secs; 2, J. O’Neill (unattached) 2 mins 32.794 secs; 3, N. Hunt (AB Racing) 2 mins 34.648; 4, C. Clarke (unattached) 2 mins 38.97; 5, A. Maxwell (AB Racing) 2 mins 40.587 secs; 6, Stephen Beirne (unattached) 2 mins 41.677 secs

Women: 1, Jaymie Mart (TDR Giant UK/Fox/Spy) 2 mins 59.366 secs; 2, R. Atherton (Oris/Sram/Rockshock) 3 mins 16.804 secs; 3, M. McCartney (Chain Reaction) 3 mins 25.731 secs

Masters: 1, Mark Dickson (Plush) 2 mins 32.069 secs; 2, J. Ward (unattached) 2 mins 33.605 secs; 3, S. Bell (Plush) 2 mins 37.091 secs; 4, A. Carson (unattached) 2 mins 45. 531 secs; 5, C. Young (unattached) 2 mins 46.299 secs; 6, N. Elder (unattached) 2 mins 56.127 secs

Veterans: 1, Peter Popham (Fiat LCV) 3 mins 10.744 secs; 2, D. Cowan (Plush) 3 mins 27.614 secs; 3, P. Maginn (SMG Racing) 4 mins 2.474 secs

Under 16: 1, Conor Duffy (unattached) 2 mins 35.202 secs; 2, R. Smith (SMG Racing) 2, mins 28.528 secs; 3, S. McClintock (unattached) 2 mins 28.693 secs; 4, M. Nugent (Cyclone Cycles) 2 mins 29.104 secs; 5, W. Erwin (unattached) 2 mins 32.482 secs; 6, M. Kelly (unattached) 2 mins 35.108 secs

Under 14: 1, Matthew Parkinson (Imperial Racing) 2 mins 30.952 secs; 2, N. Wolfe (unattached) 2 mins 38.768 secs; 3, P. Cummins (KCT) 2 mins 41.627 secs; 4, C. Lawlor (unattached) 2 mins 52.633 secs; 5, L. McTiernan (unattached) 3 mins 6.58 secs; 6, B. Davis (KCT) 3 mins 17.541 secs

Top 10 fastest (score UCI points): 1, Steve Peat; 2, Beaumont; 3, O’Brien; 4, Popham; 5, Ross; 6, Lawlor; 7, Yoong; 8, Angus; 9, Reid; 10, Sweeney

NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Shane Stokes Aug 11) This year’s National Track Championships will take place at the Tommy Givan velodrome in Orangfield, Belfast, with the underage meet this Saturday, August 16th. The riders of each age group will take part in sprint, 500 metre time trial and scratch events. Sign on opens at 9.45 with the first race starting at 10.30.

The following week sees the senior, junior and women’s all Ireland events take place at the same venue. The same timetable will apply, with the first race at 10.30. Senior riders will take part in the sprint, 1 kilometre time trial, 4 kilometre pursuit and the points race, while the juniors will compete in the sprint, one kilometre time trial, three kilometre pursuit and the points race. The women have the same choice of events, with the exception of their time trial, which is 500 metres in length.

Cycling Ireland are hoping for a strong turnout at the championships, both in terms of competitors and spectators.

Tour of Armagh, Craigavon (10th August): 1, Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) 65 miles in 2 hours 35 mins 40 secs; 2, S. O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 3, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 4, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC) all same time; 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 10 secs; 6, C. Sweetman (M. Donnelly Stamullen CC); 7, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC); 8, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 9, D. Travers ((Banbridge CC); 10, E. Brown (Classic Walls) all same time.

Mountain primes: R. Aiken (2); D. Travers.

Kilnaleck Festival Race, Co Cavan. (Saturday 9th August) 1, Simon Whelan (North Kildare CC); 2, C. Bracken (Usher IRC); 3, C. Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 4, R. Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand); 5, E. Murtagh (Ravens CC); 6, S. O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand)

Senior 2: Ian Payne (Ravens CC)

Senior 3: Raymond Dunlop (Lakelands CC)

Junior: Sean Reynolds (Staggs Lucan)

Veteran: Mick Nulty (Stamullen M. Donnelly)

Madigan Grand Prix, Kilroot (Saturday 9th August): 1, Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) 58 miles in 2 hours 12 mins 3 secs; 2, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 3, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, D. Travers (Banbridge CC); 5, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) all same time; 6, P. Bloomer (Harps CC) at 2 secs; 7, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) at 1 min 49 secs; 8, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC) at 2 mins 28 secs; 9, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC) at 2 mins 35 secs; 10, J. Dill (East Antrim CC) at 4 mins 12 secs

Under 16: 1, David Mulholland (Apollo CT); 2, M. Robb (Old Bleach CC); 3, A. MacSorley (Apollo CT).

Under 14: 1, Michael Mitchell (Toyota North Down CC); 2, Nadine Morris (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, R. Baird (Ballymena Scott RC).

M Donnelly Junior Tour Reports

• REUS WINS M DONNELLY JUNIOR TOUR; VAN HEEREN TAKES FINAL STAGE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 10) The highly promising Dutch rider Kai Reus comfortably held onto the yellow jersey on today's final stage of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour, a fifty mile road race which started and finished in Waterford. Full Report...

• HARDWICK WINS STAGE 5 OF M DONNELLY JUNIOR TOUR: (By Shane Stokes Aug 9) Ireland Stena Line rider Theo Hardwick took a fine stage win on yesterday's fifth leg of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour, a sixty mile race starting and finishing in Clonmel. Full Report...

• ANTHONY WINS, REUS STAYS IN YELLOW: (By Shane Stokes Aug 8) US rider Jesse Anthony sprinted to a fine win on today's fourth stage of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour, edging out Frenchman Olivier Costechareyre and Team Ireland-Stena Line rider Barry Woods at the end of the 54 mile stage. Full Report...

• REUS TAKES HIS SECOND STAGE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 7) Twenty four hours after he won the second stage of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour, Dutch rider Kai Reus posted the best possible defence of his race leader's jersey when he once again rode to victory with a storming solo display. Full Report...

• DUTCHMAN TAKES STAGE AND YELLOW JERSEY: (By Shane Stokes Aug 6) Dutch rider Kai Reus today seized the yellow jersey of race leadership from the stage one winner Barry Woods of the Stena Ireland team, with a dominant display on day two of the M. Donnelly Junior Tour. Full Report...

• WOODS TAKES FIRST YELLOW JERSEY: (By Shane Stokes Aug 5) The Ireland Stena Line team started off the M. Donnelly Junior Tour this evening in fine style with a strong performance from Kerry rider Barry Woods in the stage one time trial. Full Report...

ROUNDUP: MTB, POWER, YOUTH TOUR AND CROTTY CUP: (By Shane Stokes Aug 4) Irish riders have performed with distinction at the 3 day mountainbike contest at Sarnen, Switzerland, taking valuable world-ranking points in the international D2 event. Tarja Owens and Jenny McCauley finished 10th and 11th in the women’s race, taking 18 and 16 points respectively, while Robin Seymour netted five points for his finishing position of 18th in the men’s event.

The good performance will help the riders in their season-long goal to amass world-ranking points, with qualification for next year’s Olympic games the main incentive. The cutoff point is December 31st, by which time the Irish riders will need to ensure they are sufficiently high in the world ranking to earn a place at Athens 2004.

Owens and Seymour previously competed in Sydney, three years ago.

Meanwhile US-based professional Ciarán Power rode strongly in yesterday’s New York City cycling championship, going clear in a large breakaway ten laps into the 50 lap, 100 kilometre race and helping pave the way for the victory of team-mate Marty Nothstein. Power joined with the seventeen other riders in establishing their decisive lead over the main field and then marked a number of dangerous attacks towards the end of the race. While he had the misfortune to puncture with a lap and a half remaining, Olympic sprint champion Nothstein was fastest inside the final two hundred metres and made it a successful day for Power and the rest of the Navigators team.

In Ireland, foreign riders took the top placings in the Kerry Youth Tour over the bank holiday weekend. Alexandra Greenfield of Wales, Liverpool Century’s Mark McNally and Jerome Quetin of Belgium won the overall prize in each of the three age categories.

Ofoto Lombardi professional David O’Loughlin outsprinted Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) to win the Crotty Cup in Kilrush, with Usher IRC’s Colm Bracken and Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) next across the line, one minute and eighteen seconds later.

Kerry Youth Tour stage 3, age category 3: 1, Joe Perrett (Wales); 2, A. Greenfield (Wales); 3, S. Reynolds (British Cycling West Midlands) at 2 secs; 4, G. Junker (Wales) at 5 secs; 5, C. Gustafsson (Sweden) at 21 secs; C. Whorrall (Isle of Man) at 26 secs. Category 2: David Williams (British Cycling West Midlands); 2, M. McNally (Liverpool Century) same time; 3, T. Wennberg (Sweden) at 15 secs; 4, P. Kennaugh (Manx Road Club) at 22 secs; 5, M. Jones (Team Keyne) at 27 secs; 6, J. Kane (Cycling Ulster) at 22 secs. Category 1: 1, Boris Drom (Belgium); 2, M. Murray (Cycling Ulster) at 15 secs; 3, R. Sanders (Wales); 4, G. Browne (Irish Development Squad); 5, J. Hibberd (British Cycling West Midlands); 6, J. Quetin (Belgium) all same time

Stage 4, category 3: 1, Alexandra Greenfield (Wales); 2, Whorral; 3, P. Williams (Cycling Ulster); 4, Junker; 5, Gustafsson; 6, Perrett. Category 2: 1, Mark McNally (Liverpool Century); 2, Wennberg; 3, L. Rowe (Wales); 4, Williams; 5, Kennaugh; 6, T. Hibbard (British Cycling West Midlands). Category 1: 1, Kevin Van Melsen (Belgium); 2, C. Cassidy (Usher IRC); 3, Murray; 4, Sanders; 5, D. Clifford (Irish Development Squad); 6, M. Gregory (British Cycling West Midlands)

Final General Classification, category 3: 1, Greenfield; 2, Junker; 3, Perrett; 4, Reynolds; 5, Gustafsson; 6, A. Soderberg (Sweden). Category 2: 1, McNally; 2, Williams; 3, Jones; 4, Wennberg; 5, G. Pyke (Munster); 6, D. Dunworth (Munster). Category 1: Jerome Quetin (Belgium); 2, Van Melsen; 3, Tennet; 4, F. Lahaye (Belgium); 5, Jones; 6, Clifford

Crotty Cup, Kilrush: 1, David O’Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi) 2 hours 14 mins 18 secs; 2, B. Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) same time; 3, C. Bracken (Usher IRC) at 1 min 18 secs; 4, A. Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand); 5, A. Hedderman (Cycleways Lee Strand); 6, T. Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); 7, V. Gleeson (West Clare); 8, J. Horgan (St. Finbarr’s) all same time

Junior: Shane O’Halloran (Safari Duhallow CC); senior 2: Liam Doumoulin (Kanturk Credit Union); senior 3: PJ O’Halloran (Safari Duhallow); veteran: Sean McIlroy (Cidona Carrick Wheelers)

M. DONNELLY JUNIOR TOUR IS GO: (By Shane Stokes Aug 4) The M. Donnelly Junior Tour gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday) in Waterford with a 1 mile time trial, kicking off six days of top class racing in the area. A strong field of riders from Ireland and overseas will line out in the under 18 race, More...

CROWLEY WINS GENE MORIARTY CLASSIC LEAGUE RACE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 3) Aidan Crowley continued in his vein of rich form today when he sprinted to a fine victory in the Gene Moriarty Cup classic league race in Listowel. The Cycleways Lee Strand rider landed what was probably the biggest win of his career when he out-galloped Colm Bracken (Usher IRC), team-mate Adrian Hedderman and the rest of a small breakaway group at the end of the 70 mile race.

The group had gone clear from the rest of the field on the first of seven laps and opened up a maximum lead of 3 minutes over a chasing group which included professional rider David O’Loughlin and the Cidona Carrick Wheelers team. With one lap remaining this lead had been cut to just over one minute, prompting a strong O’Loughlin to set off alone, close the gap, and take what was an eventual sixth place.

Meanwhile Totalcycling.com rider Aaron Deane landed the overall victory in the FPM Newry 3 day, jumping to the head of the general classification when he won the day two time trial.

The opening stage of the race saw Ards CC rider Lennie Kirk take a mass bunch sprint, ahead of Colm Watson (Totalcycling.com Lindsay Ford), Chris Tierney (Apollo CT) and the rest of the field. Deane stepped forward the following day when he raced around the 5.74 mile time trial in a time of 12 minutes and 46 seconds, 6.7 faster than Miles McCorry (Apollo A) and a further five quicker than Toyota North Down’s Declan McMackin.

The afternoon stage then saw another Kirk winning a bunch sprint, Lennie’s brother Brendan proving quickest on this occasion. A seven-man break had gone clear early on in the stage but the Totalcycling.com team succeeded in dragging them back before the line, paving the way for the group finish. This pattern was repeated on the final 54 mile stage when nine riders got clear, opened up a two minute lead but lost their momentum on the climbs towards the back end of the race. The last of them were caught between Hilltown and Rostrevor, enabling Stamullen M. Donnelly’s Simon Mulvanney to take the win ahead of Paul Reid (Finglas Ravens) and Mac McGready (Apollo B).

Elsewhere, Mulvanney’s team-mate Craig Sweetman won Friday evening’s Ballyconnell Grand Prix with a strong solo attack three miles from the finish. Sweetman was followed home by Denis Easton (Totalcycling.com) and Stamullen M. Donnelly team-mate Robert Moore, with the Meath club’s rider Colm Crawley taking the junior prize.

Sweetman and Moore were also in the thick of the action again in yesterday’s Mount Nugent Grand Prix, coming to the finish as part of a five man group which was completed by Stephen O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand), Newbridge’s Fintan McCormack and Earl of Desmond rider Kieran McMahon. Sweetman and McCormack had joined the three others with just over a mile remaining, and although the Stamullen M. Donnelly rider then launched an immediate attack, he was caught with 200 metres to go. McMahon then kicked for home to beat Moore, McCormack, O’Sullivan and Sweetman to the line.

Gene Moriarty Cup classic league race, Listowel: 1, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) 70 miles in 2 hours 30 mins 15 secs; 2, C. Bracken (Usher IRC); 3, A. Hedderman (Cycleways Lee Strand); 4, M. Quigley (Mayo Wheelers); 5, D. Lynch (Kanturk Credit Union); 6, D. O’Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi); 7, P. Finegan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 8, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 9, F. O’Leary (Usher IRC); 10, M. Concannon (Killorglin CC)

Second cat: Liam Ryan (St. Finbarr’s CC)

Listowel Grand Prix, 50 miles: 1, John Gough (St. Finbarr’s); 2, S. McIlroy (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); 3, J. O’Brien (Ballymore); 4, K. O’Leary (St. Finbarr’s); 5, M. Fitzgerald (Ballymore); 6, J. McGuire (Stagg’s Lucan)

FPM 3 Day, Newry. Stage 1, Newry-Newry: 1, Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) 30 miles in 1 hour 16 mins 8 secs; 2, C. Watson (Totalcycling.com); 3, C. Tierney (Apollo A); 4, D. Duffy (Cuchulainn CC); 5, F. Kelly (Leinster); 6, M. Green (Phoenix); 7, P. MacSorley (Apollo B); 8, S. McGreevy (Phoenix) all same time

KOM prime at Crankey: 1, Don Travers (Banbridge CC); 2, S. Gray (Harp); 3, P. McConville (Newry Wheelers A)

Hot Spot Prime at Poyntzpass: 1, Travers; 2, P. Savage (West Down Wheelers); 3, A. Layhe (Apollo A)

Stage 2, Newry – Newry: 1, Aaron Deane (Totalcycling.com) 5.74 mile time trial in 12 mins 46 secs; 2, M. McCorry (Apollo A) at 6.7 secs; 3, D. McMackin (Toyota North Down) at 11.95 secs; 4, T. Wilson (Ballymena) at 14.6 secs; 5, S. Gray (Harps CC) at 15.86 secs; 6, J. Sweeney (Newry Wheelers) at 15.98 secs

Stage 3, Newry – Newry: 1, Brendan Kirk (Ards CC) 60 miles in 2 hours 11 mins 54 secs; 2, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down); 3, C. Watson (Totalcycling.com); 4, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 5, D. McCall (Maryland); 6, S. Gray (Harps CC) all same time

Primes: KOM Cat 2, Seven Sisters: 1, M. McGready (Apollo B); 2, D. Travers (Banbridge CC); 3, I. McConville (Newry Wheelers A)

Hot Spot Prime at Tullylish: 1, G. Heverin (Castlereagh CC); 2, McGready: 3, F. Ennis (Staggs Lucan)

KOM Cat 2 at Poyntzpass: 1, D. McMackin (Toyota North Down); 2, Travers; 3, A. Dennehy (Cork)

Stage 4, Warrenpoint: 1, Simon Mulvanney (Stamullen M. Donnelly) 54 miles in 2 hours 11 mins 24 secs; 2, P. Reid (Finglas Ravens); 3, M. McGready (Apollo B); 4, P. McConville (Newry Haldane A); 5, M. McCorry (Apollo A); 6, L. Kirk (Ards CC)

Final General Classification: 1, Aaron Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 5 hours 52 mins 12 secs; 2, M. McCorry (Apollo CT A) at 6 secs; 3, D. McMackin (Toyota North Down) at

11 secs; 4, S. Gray (Harps CC) at 15 secs; 5, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 18 secs; 6, J. Wall (North Kildare) at 19 secs; 7, P. Byrne (Dublin Wheelers) at 20 secs; 8, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) at 20 secs

Points Classification (PM Mendes International): 1, C. Watson, 17 points; 2, L. Kirk, 14; 3, M. McGready, 12.

Mountains (Noel McKinley Builders): 1, M. McGready; 2, D. Travers; 3, P. Marshall.

Category 3 overall: John Harty (Newry Haldane A); junior overall: Peter MacSorley (Apollo B); veterans overall: 1, J. McConnell; 2, L. Kirk; 2, B. Graham (Total Cycling)

Team: 1, Newry Haldane Fisher A 17.37.46; 2, Bann Valley at 46 secs; 3, Apollo A at 49 secs.

Kerry Youth Tour, Killorglin, stage 1: Cat 3: 1, Christopher Whorrall (Isle Of Man); 2, A. Greenfield (Wales Cycling Union); 3, F. Austin (Wales CU); 4, P. Williams (Cycling Ulster); 5, S. Terry (Wales CU); 6, S. Doona (Killorglin Credit Union CC)

Cat 2: 1, Mark McNally (Liverpool Century); 2, T. Lundberg (Sweden); 3, L. Rowe (Wales); 4, D. Williams (British West Midlands); 5, R. Juhin (Sweden); 6, B. Stockdale (British West Midlands)

Cat 3: 1, Jerome Quetin (Belgium); 2, B. Drom (Belgium); 3, J. Van Schelven (Belgium); 4, A. Tennant (British West Midlands); 5, D. Clifford (Hibernian Irish Development squad); 6, B. Swift (Wales CU)

Mount Nugent Festival race: 1, Kieran McMahon (Earl of Desmond); 2, R. Moore (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 3, F. McCormack (Newbridge Cutlery); 4, S. O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 5, C. Sweetman (Cycleways Lee Strand); 6, R. Whelan (Navan Avonmore RC); 7, F. Whelan (Staggs Lucan); 8, D. Tansey (Orwell Wheelers)

Second cat: Brendan Whelan (Staggs Lucan); third cat: 1, Alan Clogher (TC Racing); 2, J. Kelly (McNally Swords CC); veteran: 1, Terry Ferris (Dublin Wheelers); 2, M. Nulty (Stamullen M. Donnelly)

Ballyconnell Festival Race: 1, Craig Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 2, D. Easton (Totalcycling.com); 3, R. Moore (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 4, P. Slane (Slane Cycles CC); 5, B. Doherty (Totalcycling.com)

First junior: Colm Crawley (Stamullen M. Donnelly)

GRIFFIN BEST OF IRISH AGAIN IN BELGIUM: (By Shane Stokes Aug 3) Paul Griffin was best of the Irish again on Friday’s stage of the Tour de Brabant, a time trial won by ABX-Go Pass rider David Boucher in 16 minutes and 25 seconds. Griffin covered the 13 kilometre course in a time one minute 53 seconds off the winning pace to place 78th, with Eugene Moriarty 8 seconds further back in 88th, John O’Shea 118th and Andrew McQuaid 121st.

Griffin now drops from ninth to 52nd, 2 minutes and 5 seconds behind Team Mixl rider Danny Verelst. Moriarty, O’Shea and McQuaid are over eleven minutes back, in 89th, 95th and 108th place respectively.

SCANLON EXCELLENT SIXTH ON FINAL DAY OF WALLOON STAGE RACE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 1) Young Irish rider Mark Scanlon provided further proof of his potential as a professional cyclist when he sprinted to an excellent sixth place on today’s final stage of the 2.3 ranked Tour of the Walloon Region in Belgium.

The first year professional came to the finish with the main bunch and out-galloped some of the sport’s fastest riders to land the top placing. He crossed the line in the same time as today’s winner and overall victor Julian Dean of the CSC Team, and ahead of riders such as former Tour de France sprint king Tom Steels, who was tenth.

Scanlon’s consistent showing this week means that he finishes the five-day race in an excellent 13th place overall. The former world junior champion has just returned from a month-long break from pro racing and is clearly in fine form, showing that he has recovered well from a heavy programme in the first few months of his professional career with the first division Ag2r team.

The 22 year old is hoping to land his first big pro win before the end of the season and on the basis of today’s showing, hopes are high that this goal will be achieved before too long.

GRIFFIN SEVENTH IN BELGIUM: (By Shane Stokes Aug 1) Following his sixth place finish on the opening stage of the Tour de Brabant in Belgium, Paul Griffin continued strongly yesterday with another top ten placing. The Kerryman crossed the line as part of the main bunch, 42 seconds after Stephen Van Eeckhout (Team Bikeland – Tradeco) took the 154 kilometre stage in a three-man sprint, to finish a fine seventh on the stage. He is now ninth overall, 42 seconds back.

Andrew McQuaid, Eugene Moriarty and John O’Shea placed 85th, 94th and 95th respectively on the stage. They are all now 9 minutes and 54 seconds back overall, with Moriarty 80th, O’Shea 86th and McQuaid 98th.

Meanwhile Tim Cassidy finished 31st in the bunch sprint which decided the Internatie Reningalst, an under 25 1.6-ranked race. The race was won by Michael Blanchy of Team ABX-Go Pass, with Michael Dennehy 45th, Mark Quigley 75th, Brian Ahern 92nd and Simon Kelly 115th.

IRISH SHOW WELL ON OPENING STAGE OF BELGIAN RACE: (By Shane Stokes Jul 31) The Team Ireland selection rode strongly on the 154 kilometre opening stage of the Tour de Brabant in Belgium, with Eugene Moriarty placing third and fourth in the two mountain primes and Paul Griffin placing inside the top ten at the finish.

The stage was won by Go Pass Abx rider Stephen Caethoven, who jumped clear with three others on the final run-in to the line. Griffin and Moriarty sprinted home sixth and eleventh respectively, ten seconds off the winning time, while John O’Shea also finished in the main group.

Tour de Brabant, Belgium: 1, Stephen Caethoven (Go Pass Abx) 154 kilometres in 3 hours 27 minutes. Irish: 6, P. Griffin, at 10 secs; 11, E. Moriarty; 58, J. O’Shea, both same time; 86, A. McQuaid, at 2 mins 38 secs

Tour de la Region Wallonne, Belgium (2.3): Stage 4, Houffalize-Auble, 189.3 km: 1, Julian Dean (Team CSC); 2, E. Magnien (Brioches La Boulangère); 3, D. Kopp (Team Telekom); 4, J. Planckaert (Cofidis, Le Crédit par Téléphone); 5, P. Gilbert (FDJeux.com)

Other: 29, M. Scanlon (AG2r Prévoyance) same time

General classification after stage 4: 1, Michele Bartoli (Fassa Bortolo); 2, J. Dean (Team CSC) at 4 secs; 3, Y. Popovych (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) at 6 secs; 4, K .Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) at 8 secs; 5, J. Van Goolen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) at 10 secs

Other: 12, Scanlon, at 20 secs

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