Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: February 2003 SCANLON FOR HET VOLK: (By Shane Stokes Feb 28) Following his strong debut to the season, Mark Scanlon has got a big vote of confidence from his Ag2R team with the news that he has been selected as part of their squad for tomorrow´s tough Belgian semi-classic, the Omploop Het Volk. Last Sunday, Scanlon´s horsepower laid the foundations for team leader Jaan Kirsipuu´s 100th career win in the Haribo Classic. He will once again play an important supporting role for Kirsipuu in the prestigious 200 kilometre clash. Although the former world junior champion is just 22 years of age, he has wasted no time in getting to grips with professional racing, and has been tipped for a top-level career in the peloton. Scanlon had listed a ride in the Het Volk as one of his early-season targets and will see his selection as recognition of his good performances thus far.
´Ciaran seems to be improving daily and I expect he will be racing in Feyt-le-Franc on March 5th. Hopefully it's straight up from there,´said Beamon. Power has trained hard during the off-season and, injury problems aside, the expectations are that he should be able to take his pro career to a new level this year. NALLY RIDING SOLIDLY IN SPAIN: (By Shane Stokes Feb 27) New professional Dermot Nally is continuing his start to the season, with the Spanish-based Corkman currently competing alongside some of the world´s top stage race riders in the Vuelta Valenciana. Nally performed respectably in the opening three stages, placing 86th of the 136 starters in the opening time trial, 55 seconds down on winner Dario Frigo. He then finished 87th on Wednesday´s stage to Vila Joiosa and 86th again today into Port De Sagunt. Saeco rider Igor Astarloa was first across the line this afternoon, with stage two winner Rafael Casero of the Paternina-Costa Almeria team finishing in the same 50-strong front group and thus retaining his race lead. Nally is currently 107th overall, 40 minutes and 3 seconds off the pace set by his Spanish team-mate. Vuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad Valenciana, stage 1- San Vicent Del Raspeig ITT: 1, Dario Frigo (Fassa Bartolo) 9.7 km in 10 mins 58 secs; 2, A. Zuelle (Team Coast) at 5 secs; 3, R. Andrle (ONCE-Eroski) at 6 secs; 4, J. Jaksche (ONCE-Eroski) at 7 secs; 5, D. Millar (Cofidis) at 8 secs Other: 86, D. Nally (Paternina-Costa Almeria) at 55 secs Stage 2, Castalla - Vila-Joiosa: 1, Rafael Casero (Paternina-Costa Almeria) 159.7 km in 3 hours 49 mins 48 secs; 2, B. De Groot (Rabobank) at 41 secs; 3, M. Martin Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 4, Millar; 5, A. Edo (Milaneza-MSS) all same time Other: 87, Nally, at 25 mins 24 secs Stage 3, Onda - Port De Sagunt: 1, Igor Astarloa (Saeco) 157.6 km in 3 hours 44 mins 55 secs; 2, A. Edo (Milaneza-MSS); 3, A. Vicioso (ONCE- Eroski); 4, M. Martin Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 5, De Groot all same time Other: 86, Nally, at 14 mins 21 secs General classification after stage 3: 1, Casero, 7 hours 46 mins 18 secs; 2, Frigo, at 4 secs; 3, Zuelle, at 9 secs; 4, Jaksche, at 11 secs; 5, Millar, at 12 secs Other: 107, Nally, at 40 mins 3 secs CI HAPPY WITH PEAT COACHING WEEKEND: (By Shane Stokes Feb 27) Cycling Ireland have expressed their satisfaction with the downhill coaching session held last weekend in Wicklow, which saw world number one Steve Peat give valuable tips and guidance to the country´s downhill team. Peat took the riders out en site to Bray Head, giving practical examples of technique, as well as providing valuable pointers and advice during a thorough question and answer session back at the base in the Heather House Hotel. Workshops were also held covering topics such as training, psychology and preparation for races. Three juniors and eight elite riders were in attendance and it is hoped that the weekend will help them to improve on their current, impressive world rankings of tenth and thirteenth.
GRAND PRIX D'ANTIBES (1.12.4): 1, Guillaume Lejenue (CR4C Roanne); 2, L. Renaud (CR4C Roanne); 3, N. Dumont (CC Etupes); 4, N. Lelarge (UV Aube); 5, J. Alberts (CC Etupes). Other: 8, Paidi O´Brien (VC La Pomme) O’LOUGHLIN TO MISS CYCLEWAYS CUP: (By Shane Stokes Feb 25) 2002 winner Martin O’Loughlin will miss the chance to defend his title in this Sunday’s Cycleways Cup due to injuries sustained in a freak training accident. The Cidona Carrick rider had won the last two editions of the race but now will be sidelined for the early season, a time when he traditionally is one of the strongmen of the bunch. ‘Contrary to some reports, I won't be going for 3 in a row in the Cycleways Cup,’ he told Irishcycling.com. ‘I was flying in training up to a fortnight ago, but during a sprint session my stem snapped and I broke my elbow and collarbone. The elbow was operated on in Waterford Regional Hospital and tension wires were inserted…however, the resultant swelling has put added pressure on the collarbone. It's still swinging around and may need pinning.’ ‘It's a pity, because I won't be able to defend 3 of the races I won in 2002 - the Cycleways Cup, the Bill Hyland Memorial in Clonmel and the Silver Pail Grand Prix in Fermoy. Anyway, that's bike riding. As the banner in the CI handbook says, ‘Cycling has never been so exciting……’ 2003 LACEY CUP PREVIEW: (By Shane Stokes Feb 25) The Tralee Bicycle Club’s Lacey Cup will get the 2003 Irish domestic racing season underway this Sunday, with the competitors slugging it out over 48 miles of Kerry roads. Traditionally the opening event of the season, the handicap race provides riders with the first real opportunity to test their legs after a winter of hard training, and so a fast and competitive contest is expected. Further incentive comes from the announcement that a set of Mavic Cosmos racing wheels will be presented to the winner of an intermediate points competition, with three sprints counting during the race. A strong contingent of riders are expected to take part, with Paul Griffin, Seán Lacey, Thomas Hogan and Kieran McMahon (all Earl of Desmond-Tralee Bicycle Club) carrying the local hopes. Griffin was second in 2002 to Eddie O’Donoghue (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) and will be aiming to go one better this year; reports are that he has been training hard after a fine end to last season, and so he will be one to watch. The full text of the Tralee Bicycle Club press release is as follows: Tralee Bicycle Club have the privilege of celebrating 50 Years of the Lacey Cup Cycle Race this year on March 2nd. Traditionally the first race of the season, the event this year boasts new sponsors and a special competition for the most prominent rider during the race. Pat McDonnell Paints Ltd, MileHeight, Tralee is delighted to be associated with this edition of the Lacey Cup. Pat McDonnell Paints Ltd have previously supported Tralee Bicycle Clubs famous 'Conor Pass' leisure tour. This year, Denis O'Shea, proprietor of the Big Little Bike Shop, Woodlawn Road, Killarney has donated a pair of fabulous Mavic Cosmos Racing Wheels worth over 260 euro for a points competition within the race. Top placed riders will register points at three locations during the race, and the rider with most points earns new wheels. The route for the race will remain as before. A neutralised race cavalcade will roll from the Earl of Desmond Hotel to the Dingle Road. Riders of Junior, S3, S2, S1 and Veterans will be started at intervals and the race will proceed through Blennerville, Camp, Annascaul, Inch, Castlemaine and on to the finish in Tralee. Last year saw the 48-mile race finish in 1 hour 50 minutes. The overall placings were decided on the last climb of the day, where the remains of the initial 70-strong field was left behind by a select group of riders. The descent into Tralee was likened by some to Seán Kelly's descent of the Poggio during Milan-San Remo in the golden era of Irish cycling. Last years top riders Tipperary rider Eddie O'Donoghue (winner), Paul Griffin (Earl of Desmond-Tralee Bicycle Club), Richie Cahill (Cork) and Seán Lacey (Earl of Desmond-Tralee Bicycle Club) will be determined to defend or improve their reputations this year. The mild winter has provided the perfect preparation conditions for this race and the cycle racing season ahead. Paul Griffin has been training very diligently this winter and is looking forward to showing how it should be done this season. With the help of Earl of Desmond-TBC riders Seán Lacey, Thomas Hogan and Kieran McMahon, the fiftieth edition of the Lacey Cup should be one to remember. Details:
KENNY PLANS AHEAD: (By Shane Stokes Feb 25) Masters MTB rider Mark Kenny will once again race in the colours of the Rocky Mountain team this season, with E1 and World Cup events plus the MTB world championships his main targets for the year. Kenny has competed with the American team since 2001, racing in the Masters (over 30) division, and in that time he has recorded some fine results in World Cup events, such as top 20 finishes in 2001 in Napa (8th), Sarntal (15th)and Houffalize (16th). ‘I am delighted to be a member of the Rocky Mountain Bicycles race team for the third consecutive year’, said Kenny. ‘The team is looking good, with a new title sponsor, Crystal Decisions, and the appointment of Lesley Tomlinson, one of the sport's most successful athletes, as directeur sportif. My objective for 2003 is to ride to potential and to establish myself as a leading international Masters rider.’ Despite the demands of setting up the new K Capital Source investor relations company, Kenny is planning to ride a selection of international events this year as well as competing in domestic MTB and road race contests. In March he will line out in the Masters category of two Italian E1 events, with World Cup races to follow in May and June. He is hoping to build form during the season and ride well in the world championships in Lugano in September. In addition to these plans, Kenny is hopeful that some of the Rocky Mountain Crystal Decisions team will travel to Ireland for a training camp before the Scottish round of the World Cup on June 1st. International schedule 2003:
Trofeo Luis Puig, France: 1, Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) 181.6 kilometres in 4 hours 14 mins 29 secs; 2, I. Galvez (Kelme-Costa Blanca); 3, A. Valverde (Kelme-Costa Blanca); 4, I. Herrero (Labarca-2 Cafe Baque); 5, I. Landaluze (Euskaltel-Euskadi) all same time Other: 84, Dermot Nally (Paternina-Costa Almeria) at 29 mins 9 secs IRISH MTB RIDERS GET OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY: (By Shane Stokes Feb 23) Four of Ireland´s MTB riders began their drive for Olympic qualification this weekend when they lined out in the strongly- contested Voroklini Cup E1-ranked event in Cyprus. National champion Robin Seymour was best of the Irish in the 6 lap men´s race, finishing a good 18th, seven minutes and 18 seconds behind Dutchman Bas Peters. Richie McCauley and Glen Kinning were one lap down, 48th and 49th respectively of the 74 starters. Tarja Owens and Jenny McCauley rode well in the 5 lap women´s event, fought out by 20 riders. The Irish duo finished 9th and 10th behind German victor Yvonne Kraft. The Irish riders will continue their quest for the qualifying world ranking points when they contest the three day Afxentia Cup next weekend. ´There was a good turnout today´, said manager Geoff Seymour afterwards. ´It turned out to be like a mini World Cup race, with the Olympic teams from Holland, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Russia and many more hunting for world ranking points.´ Voroklini Cup, Elite men: 1, Bas Peters (Holland) 6 laps in 2 hours 2 mins 35 secs Irish: 18, R. Seymour, at 7 mins 18 secs; 48, R. McCauley, at 1 lap; 49, G. Kinning, at 1 lap Elite women: 1, Yvonne Kraft (Germany) 5 laps in 2 hours 6 mins 48 secs Irish: 9, T. Owens, at 8 mins 29 secs; 10, J. McCauley, at 9 mins 23 secs LINGERING INJURY PUTS POWER ON HOLD: (By Shane Stokes Feb 23) Despite previous expectations that he would be sidelined for a minimal amount of time, Ciarán Power has been forced to postpone his scheduled season debut because of a lingering problem with tendonitis. The US based professional had been due to start racing with his Navigators team in the recent Trofeo Laigueglia in Italy, but withdrew before the event due to the ongoing injury. He was similarly a non-starter in Saturday´s Tour du Haut Var. ´Ciarán´s knee is a problem at the moment´, confirmed his agent Frank Quinn in recent days, ´but fortunately it is getting better. He hopes to be able to get racing as soon as possible. He is remaining optimistic about the year ahead; he has a good winter´s training behind him and should do well.´ It is unclear as to how soon Power will make his debut. The injury will be of considerable frustration, particularly as he worked hard throughout the winter to build on his good 2002 season with the Navigators team. ARMSTRONG SEPERATES FROM WIFE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 23) Quadruple Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has suffered a setback to his goal of joining the illustrious ranks of five-time champions this season, with the news that he has seperated from his wife of four and a half years, Kristin. The 31 year old Texan announced their marital difficulties on Friday and will return alone to the team base in Girona tomorrow. Armstrong has stated on numerous occasions that his family is more important to him than cycling, and so it remains to be seen how this seperation will affect his career. Kristen Armstrong met her husband during his recovery from testicular cancer. The couple have three children. For more details go here >>>>>
OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN BEGINS: (By Shane Stokes Feb 21) Four of Ireland´s Elite mountain bike riders began their campaign for Olympic qualification when they embarked on an eleven day trip to Cyprus yesterday. Robin Seymour, Glen Kinning, Richie McCauley and Tarja Owens will use their time abroad to train and also, crucially, to take part in two international races which they hope will help raise their world ranking towards the required level. Tomorrow the quartet will line out in an E1 event in Voroklini in Cyprus, with a three-day stage race based around the Afxentia area of the Troodos Mountains to follow next weekend. Of the four, Seymour and Owens have already experienced the chase for Olympic qualification, with their 1999 world rankings of 53rd and 57th ensuring that Ireland secured two berths in the Sydney 2000 cross country event. The duo went on to compete for the country in the races and have listed Athens 2004 as their main goal for the future. Cycling Ireland's elite MTB riders will line out in a number of International world-ranking events this year, with the two Cypriot races the start of what is hoped will be a successful campaign. FRENCH SUCCESS FOR LA POMME: (By Shane Stokes Feb 21) Three of Ireland´s French-based amateurs have got their seasons off to a good start, with Denis Lynch and Philip Deignan taking third and fourth in the recent GP de Cannes Montauroux and Deignan, Lynch and Paudi O´Brien placing third, twelfth and twenty-second respectively in the GP de Peymeinade. The trio are racing this year as part of the VC La Pomme setup in Marseilles, the club with whom Lynch, Tommy Evans and Ag2R neo-pro Mark Scanlon competed with in 2002.
Scanlon is quickly settling into life as a professional, and despite his young age, is showing no problem in mixing it with the more experienced riders. Tour of the Mediterranean stage 5, La Garde - Berre l'Etang: 1, Daniele Bennati (Dominia Vacanze Elitron) 114 kilometres in 2 hours 51 mins 25 secs; 2, B. Cooke (FDJeux.com); 3, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole); 4, M. Zanotti (Fassa Bortolo); 5, F. Sacchi (Saeco); 6, P. Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) all same time Other: 29, M. Scanlon, at 5 secs Stage 6, Gemenos - Marseille team time trial: 1, Fassa Bortolo, 42 kilometres in 51 mins 19 secs; 2, Rabobank, at 5 secs; 3, Quickstep Davitamon, at 52 secs; 4, Brioches La Boulangere, at 53 secs; 5, Ag2R Prevoyance, at 58 secs; 6, Credit Agricole, at 1 min Final general classification: 1, Paolo Bettini (Quick Step Davitamon) 12 hours 54 mins 40 secs; 2, L. Brochard (Ag2R) at 16 secs; 3, S. Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) at 23 secs; 4, B. De Groot (Rabobank) at 36 secs; 5, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole) at 41 secs. Other: 65, Scanlon, at 28 mins 6 secs SCANLON RIDES WELL ON DAY THREE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 16) New Ag2r professional Mark Scanlon rode strongly on today´s third day of the Tour of the Mediterranean, sprinting home 17th at the end of the short morning stage to La Motte to finish in the same time as winner Baden Cooke. Then in the 110 kilometre afternoon stage, the 22 year old performed commendably against older and more experienced professionals to finish 63rd to the top of the first category Mont Faron, a legbreaking climb above Toulon. He crossed the line 3 minutes and 46 seconds off the winning time of Frenchman David Montcoutie, with many respected riders finishing behind the young Sligoman. Italian rider Paolo Bettini placed 2nd and 5th on today´s stages and now leads the race. Scanlon is 76th overall in the tough early season event, which continues tomorrow with a 114 kilometre road race to Berre l'Etang. Stage 3 - February 14: Seillans - La Motte: 1, Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) 60 kilometres in 1 hour 18 mins 46 secs; 2, P. Bettini (Quick Step Davitamon); 3, G. Gasparre (De Nardi-Colpack); 4, D. Bennati (Domina Vacanze Elitron); 5, G. Trenti (Fassa Bortolo); 6, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole) all same time Other: 17, M. Scanlon (Ag2r), same time Stage 4 - February 14: La Motte - Toulon Mont Faron: 1, David Moncoutie (Cofidis) 110 kilometres in 2 hours 35 mins 34 secs; 2, M. Martinez (Phonak Hearing Systems) at 9 secs; 3, M. Boogerd (Rabobank) at 11 secs; 4, B. Zberg (Rabobank); 5, P. Bettini (Quick Step Davitamon) both same time; 6, L. Brochard (Ag2r Prevoyance) at 14 secs Other: 63, M. Scanlon at 3 mins 46 secs General classification after stage 4: 1, Paolo Bettini, 9 hours 11 mins 4 secs; 2, Brochard, at 13 secs; 3, S. Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) at 22 secs; 4, T. Husovd (Credit Agricole) at 37 secs; 5, T. Voeckler (Brioches La Boulangere) at 58 secs; 6, M. Celestino (Saeco) at 1 min 10 secs Other: 76, Scanlon, at 27 mins 55 secs SCANLON IN DISTANCED MAIN BUNCH: (By Shane Stokes Feb 14) Mark Scanlon today finished with the main bunch at the end of the second stage of the Tour of the Mediterranean, crossing the line with 93 others almost 19 minutes after Frenchman Emmanuel Magnien´s victorious sprint. Magnien, race leader Bram de Groot and a clutch of pre-race favourites went clear in a 40 man front group during the stage, and with the remainder of the field showing little interest in chasing, their advantage grew all the way to the finish. The Tour of the Mediterranean continues tomorrow with two stages, a short 60 kilometre race from Seillans to La Motte and then a mountainous 110 kilometre afternoon leg to the top of the first category Mont Faron in Toulon. Scanlon is now 107th overall, 24 minutes and 21 seconds off de Groot´s time. Tour of the Mediterranean stage 2, Menton - Le Cannet: 1, Emmanuel Magnien (Brioches La Boulangere) 109 kilometres in 2 hours 39 mins 22 secs; 2, Filippo Pozzato (Fassa Bortolo); 3, F. Sacchi (Saeco); 4, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole); 5, P. Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) Other: 101, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) at 18 mins 52 secs Overall after 2 stages: 1, Bram de Groot (Rabobank) 5 hours 16 mins 32 secs; 2, Bettini at 5 secs; 3, Hushovd, at 7 secs; 4, L. Brochard (Ag2r) at 11 secs; 5, T. Voeckler (Brioches-La Boulangere) same time Other: 107, Scanlon, at 24 mins 21 secs APOLLO AND LURGAN MERGE: There will be considerable change to the structure of the Northern Ireland cycling scene this year with the news that the Apollo Cycling Team and the Lurgan Road Club have merged. According to PRO Andy Layhe, the amalgamation means that ´there is a lot of excitement about the forthcoming racing season, which is only a month away´. The new-look Apollo Cycling Team will hold a reliablity trial in aid of cancer research this Sunday, February 16th. Starting at 10 am from Annagh Hill GAC clubrooms in Coalisland, riders will cover 64 miles with refreshments and showers available afterwards. There will also be a broom wagon on duty, plus a police outrider escort. For more details contact Eddie at 077-48444483. The full text of the Apollo press release is as follows: This beginning of the Irish racing season will be remembered as a historic time as new and old come together to form the new look Apollo Cycling Team, based in Lurgan, County Armagh. Lurgan Road Club, which can claim its origins back to 1968 and Apollo Cycling Team which began more recently in 1995, have merged together to form the largest cycling team in the region. Original members of Lurgan Road Club, Pat McGibbon, Donal Lavery and Colin Totten can all look back on 34 years of cycling history with pride as Lurgan Road Club was the beginning of many local cyclists interest in the sport. Pat McGibbon himself, as one of the most successful local cyclists at national and international level, can list off names such as Joe Hatchel, Roy Kennedy, David Wilson, Charlie and Davy Gardiner, all of whom began their cycling careers in the ranks of the Lurgan Road Club. Even four founder members of Apollo Cycling Team, Martin Rogers, Myles McCorry, John Donnelly and Mark McAlorum began cycling in the red jerseys of the Road Club. The club has a long history in the cycling world and is led by the irrepressible Billy Stewart, who, although in his eighties still manages to keep in touch with all the goings on in the cycling world. Apollo Cycling Team is almost the complete opposite to Lurgan Road Club which makes this merger ideal. Apollo CT, formed in 1995 by a competitive young group of cyclists who wished for a local club that did not have any affiliations, quickly grew in attracting like minded cyclists who wanted to compete AND enjoy cycling. Apollo quickly stamped their name on the Irish cycling scene and became renowned for their friendly attitude and sense of fun, but were also respected as a team of competitive cyclists in road racing, cyclo-cross, MTB'ing and time trialling. Apollo were instrumental in the 're-birth' of cyclo- cross in Ireland by successfully promoting the National Championships for a number of years, winning the team prize 2 years running with Aiden McDonald taking a magnificent individual bronze medal this season. The club also set up its own website (www.apolloct.com) allowing members to be updated on the latest club news and events and see photographs of themselves in races. Last year also saw Davy Gardiner, a former Road Club member himself, selected to ride the Commonwealth Games in Manchester where he rode to a top 30 place. Whilst a Lurgan Road Club member Davy was also selected to ride the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 but due to a serious accident was not able to compete. There is a lot of excitement about the forthcoming racing season which is only a month away. Overall this merger will prove beneficial to Irish Cycling and local cycling alike and you never know, with a bit of good fortune, maybe the next Sean Kelly or Stephen Roche will come from the Lurgan area. Apollo Cycling Team looks forward to a very bright future indeed. Andy Layhe P.R.O Apollo CT SCANLON GETS UNDERWAY IN TOUR OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: (By Shane Stokes Feb 12) Mark Scanlon today started the second stage race of his professional career, finishing in the second half of a divided main peloton at the end of the 106.6 kilometre opening stage of the Tour of the Mediterranean. The former world junior champion crossed the line as part of a group of 43 riders, 5 minutes and 19 seconds off the winning time of Dutchman Bram De Groot of the Rabobank team. De Groot went clear in a group of eight riders just after the halfway point of the mountainous stage and then launched his winning attack 1 kilometre from the finish line in the Italian town of Arma Di Taggia. Second was the 2002 World Cup champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step- Davitamon), with Credit Agricole rider Thor Hushovd third. The five day Tour of the Mediterranean continues tomorrow with a tough second stage from Menton to Le Cannet. Tour of the Mediterranean stage 1, Arma Di Taggia - Arma Di Taggia: 1, Bram De Groot (Rabobank) 106.6 km in 2 hours 37 mins 20 secs; 2, P. Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) at 1 sec; 3, T. Hushovd (Credit Agricole); 4, L. Brochard (Ag2r); 5, M. Celestino (Saeco) all same time Other: 102, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) at 5 mins 19 secs Tour of the Mediterranean: Stage 1 - February 12: Arma Di Taggia - Arma Di Taggia, 106.6 km Stage 2 - February 13: Menton - Le Cannet, 109 km Stage 3 - February 14: Seillans - La Motte, 60 km Stage 4 - February 14: La Motte - Toulon Mont Faron, 110 km Stage 5 - February 15: La Garde - Berre l'Etang, 114 km Stage 6 - February 16: Gemenos - Marseille TTT, 42 km GALLAGHER´S NEW TEAM IS GO: (By Shane Stokes Feb 12) The list of Irish professionals is continuing to expand following the official launch of the TeamEndurasport.com-Principia squad last Friday in Wiltshire. Stephen Gallagher will compete this year in the colours of the new British outfit, which will be based in Italy and compete in events all over Europe. According to the team press release, this will also include ´key´ events in the UK and Ireland. Former British professional Harry Lodge will act as team director and has pinpointed graduation to the UCI second division as one of their main goals for the year. ´I am looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of our young riders´, said Lodge. ´It will be a big step up for them, from amateur racing to the professional scene, with the extra travelling, different style of racing and different culture.´ Gallagher joins Mark Scanlon (Ag2R), Dermot Nally (Paternina-Costa Almeria), Ciaran Power (Navigators) and David O´Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi Sports) in the current list of Irish professional cyclists. Fellow Northern rider Tommy Evans may also be joining the paid ranks, if his rumoured move to Nippon Hodo goes ahead. Further details of the team can be found on their website http://www.teamendurasport.com/ Team Roster: Chris Tonge (Team Captain) (GBr) Lee Vertongen (NZl) Jan Richter (Ger) John Ibbotson (GBr) Dan Lloyd (GBr) Alex Coutts (GBr) Andrew Parsons (GBr) Greg Sandy (GBr) Neil Coleman (GBr) Stephen Gallagher (Ire) Women's Cycling Training Weekend: Any women interested in women's cycling either to be on a squad or to race in the League or to just meet other women cyclists, go to the training weekend in Leenane, Co. Galway on the 15th and 16th Feb. It's a training weekend for all categories organised by Cycling Iireland but women are especially encouraged to go. Please see this as an opportunity to keep women's racing in Ireland going and organised. Sign on 9-10am on Saturday the 15th of Feb. Contact John O'Halloran 095 44605 / 086 393 0907. Connacht Spring Training Camp: 15th & 16th of February Venue the K2 Hostel Leenane Co Galway. For all categories from 14 up Male and Female Fee 60-euro meals and accommodation included. Every grade of cyclist will be catered for so do not hesitate. Sign on 9-10.00 am on Saturday 15th of February - Contact John O Halloran 095 44602 , 0863930907
Both riders were guesting on the Telekom Malaysia team and now Mori has indicated he is planning to ask his Nippon Hodo team director to take on Evans as team sprinter for the 2003 season. Evans had been planning on cutting back on his racing abroad this year, due to marriage plans, but his strong showing last week appears to have prompted a change of heart. NO JOY FOR EVANS ON FINAL STAGE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 9) Tommy Evans´s stated goal of landing a stage win in the Tour de Langkawi came to naught today when the Belfast rider finished towards the rear of the field in the concluding criterium leg of the 2.2 ranked race. Torrential rain made the going treacherous, leading to a freeze on changes to the general classification, although Irish chief commissaire Michael Robb ruled that stage prizes and the fight for the points jersey would continue. First across the line was Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo rider Ruben Bongiorno, who narrowly outsprinted team-mate Graeme Brown, while the young American Tom Danielson held onto the yellow jersey and so took the biggest win of his career. Irish amateur Evans will be pleased with his showing against the professionals during the ten-day Tour, netting four top twenty placings, tenth in the mountains competition and 19th in the points classification. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 10, Kuala Lumpur Criterium: 1, Ruben Bongiorno (Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo) 75.6 km in 1 hour 49 mins 42 secs; 2, G. Brown (Ceramiche Pararia Fiordo); 3, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 4, M. Di Biase (Formaggi Pinzolo Fiave); 5, A. Bo Andresen (Team Fakta) Other: 112, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) all same time Final general classification: 1, Tom Danielson (Saturn) 31 hours 54 mins 9 secs; 2, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) at 9 secs; 3, F. Gonzalez Martinez (Colombia Selle Italia) at 1 min 44 secs; 4, R. Green (Canada) at 2 mins 3 secs; 5, J. Jufre Pou (Colchon Relax-Fuenlabrada) at 2 mins 35 secs 118, Evans, at 35 mins 7 secs Points: 1, Brown, 128 points; 2, O´Grady, 113; 3, Bo Andresen, 74 Other: 19, Evans, 30 Mountains: 1, Roland Green (Canada) 49 points; 2, K. Fukushima (Japan), 28; 3, Dario Munoz, 27. Other: 10, Evans, 11 EVANS LOOKS TO FINAL STAGE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 8) Tommy Evans has his last chance for a top placing tomorrow when the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi ends with a likely sprint finish on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The Irish amateur has taken a total of four top twenty placings since the start of the 2.2 ranked race, including sixth and eight on stages, and is highly motivated to shine against the professionals in the concluding criterium. As expected, Evans´s sprinting legs were of little use today on the daunting climb to the top of the Genting Highlands. The Northern rider crossed the line over 19 minutes behind stage winner Hernan Dario Munoz, who finished one second ahead of the overall race leader and now, the likely winner, Tom Danielson. Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi stage 9, Seremban - Genting Highlands: 1, Hernan Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) 143.7 kilometres in 4 hours 15 mins 30 secs; 2, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 1 sec; 3, R. Green (Canada) at 39 secs; 4, F. Gonzalez Martinez (Colombia Selle Italia) at 1 min 25 secs; 5, J. Jufre Pou (Colchon Relax- Fuenlabrada) at 1 min 48 secs; Other: 102, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) at 19 mins 39 secs General classification after Stage 9: 1, Danielson; 2, Dario Munoz, at 9 secs; 3, Gonzalez Martinez, at 1 min 44 secs; 4, Green, at 2 mins 3 secs; 5, Jufre Pou, at 2 mins 35 secs Other: 118, Evans, at 35 mins 7 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. EVANS CLOSE TO BIG FINISH: (By Shane Stokes Feb 7) With the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi drawing to a close, Irish amateur Tommy Evans today gave his all in his ongoing search for a stage win in the pro-am event. Evans went clear with long-distance Koji Fukushima at the start of the 112.5 kilometre stage, and while the Japanese rider distanced him on the first King of the Hills climb, Evans combined with other breakaways to stay clear of the pursuing main bunch for most of the stage. All of the front runners were eventually overahauled before the finish in Seremban, with an exhausted Evans losing contact with the main bunch shortly afterwards, but his valiant efforts saw him collect a clutch of points in both the sprints and mountains classification. He is now 15th in the points competition and 7th in the King of the Mountains ranking. Today´s stage went to Australian rider Stuart O´Grady, who profited from the premature celebrations of Spaniard Miguel Perdiguero to win by the slenderest of margins. American rider Tom Danielson continues as race leader going into tomorrow´s crucial penultimate stage to the top of the Genting Highlands. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 8, Menara Telekom KL - Seremban: 1, Stuart O´Grady (Credit Agricole) 112.5 kilometres in 2 hours 48 mins 56 secs; 2, M. Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 3, M. Kahalilov (Colombia-Selle Italia); 4, L. Ytting Bak (Team Fakta); 5, M. Van Haecke (Palmans-Collstrop); 6, G. Missaglia (Lampre) all same time Other: 104, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) at 5 mins 38 secs Hot spot sprints: Hot Spot Sprint at Petronas PGA: 1, Thomas Evans (Telekom Malaysia) 5 pts 3 sec; 2, K. Fukushima (Japan) 3 pts 2 sec; 3, A. Quirimit (Philippines) 2 pts 1 sec; Hot Spot Sprint at K. Klawang: 1, Koji Fukushima (Japan) 5 pts 3 secs; 2, C. Lange (Canada) 3 pts 2 sec; 3, S. Hashemzadeh (Iran) 2 pts 1 sec; 4, Evans, 1 pt Mountains: Cat 3 at Hulu Langat: 1, Fukushima 6 pts; 2, Evans, 4 pts; 3, Quirimit Cat 2 at Bt Hulu Beranang: 1, Fukushima 10 pts; 2, Evans, 7 pts; 3, C. Lange (Canada) 4 pts Cat 2 at Jeram Toi: 1, Fukushima 10 pts; 2, L. Cardellini (Domina Vacanze-Elitron) 7 pts; 3, M. Colleoni (De Nardi-Colpack) 4 pts Overall: 1, Tom Danielson (Saturn) 25 hours 49 mins 2 secs; 2, O´Grady, at 1 sec; 3, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo) at 7 secs; 4, G. Brown (Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo) at 11 secs; 5, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia Stelle Italia) at 14 secs Other; 121, Evans, at 15 mins 23 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. EVANS TENTH ON STAGE SEVEN: (By Shane Stokes Feb 6) Tommy Evans today continued his fine run of top finishes in the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi, taking tenth on the 196 kilometre stage from Kuantan to Bentong. Evans sprinted home in the same time as Austrailian winner Graeme Brown, who edged out compatriot Stuart O´Grady to nab his second stage victory in three days. ´It was great to be back in the grove of things after Wednesday´s misfortune´, said Evans, referring to yesterday´s team orders which saw him wait for ailing team-mate Simone Mori and consequently lose over 8 minutes by the end of the stage. Evans thus lost an opportunity to take another high placing, and to compound matters, the action proved to have been in vain. ´After nursing Mori to the end of the stage yesterday he called it quits on the road today and abandoned. Anyway, it was kamikaze stuff out there again today...there were crashes all over the place, with the race leader Nathan O´Neill taking a tumble. I was surprised to see the yellow jersey that far back coming into the last kilometres.´ O´Neill´s misfortune saw him drop to ninth overall, 24 seconds behind his Saturn team-mate and new race leader Tom Danielson. With thirty riders less than a minute off the yellow jersey, the scene is set for a real showdown on Saturday´s queen stage to the top of the Genting Highlands. Evans, however, is thinking only of his next opportunity to mix it up with the other sprinters, which is likely to come on Sunday´s concluding stage of the race. ´I am still hopeful of winning a stage...I tried to get away again today but they chased me down. So I just hung in there until the finish and got amongst the sprinters´, said Evans. The Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with a 113 kilometre stage to Seremban. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 7, Kuantan-Bentong: 1, Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo) 196 kilometres in 4 hours 14 mins 26 secs; 2, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 3, A. Bo Andresen (Team Fakta); 4, M. Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 5, A. Aug (De Nardi-Colpack) Other: 10, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia), same time Overall classification: 1, Tom Danielson (Saturn) 23 hours 6 secs; 2, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 3 secs; 3, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria- Fiordo) at 7 secs; 4, O´Grady, at 11 secs; 5, Brown, same time; 6, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) at 14 secs Other: 125, Evans, at 9 mins 48 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. STEVE PEAT TO COACH IRISH DOWNHILL RIDERS: (By Shane Stokes Feb 6) Following Chris Boardman´s recent session with Irish track riders, downhill competitors have their chance to benefit from top-class professional experience when the world no. 1 Steve Peat coaches the National Downhill Squad later this month in Bray. Organised by Bray Events.com and supported by the Irish Sports Council and Cycling Ireland, the session runs from February 21st-23rd and will focuse on the Hibernian Team Ireland junior and elite squads. Outdoor work will take place on Bray Head, while the training headquarters for the weekend will be at the Heather House Hotel. The full text of Cycling Ireland´s press release is: Cycling Ireland in conjunction with Bray Tourism is pleased to welcome to Ireland the No.1 ranked Downhill Rider in the world, Steve Peat. Steve will be coaching the Irish National Downhill Squad over two days in Bray, Co Wicklow. The event is being organised by Bray Events.Com and will take place on Bray Head, Ireland's award winning Downhill Course. Training headquarters for the weekend will be the Heather House Hotel where lectures will be held and the team will be staying. Steve will be focusing his training on the Hibernian Team Ireland Junior and Elite Downhill Squads. Following last years world championships, Ireland is now ranked 10th and 13th respectively in the world. This is the first time that an event like this has been run in Ireland and has been made possible by Cycling Ireland, Bray Tourism, Heather House Hotel, Bray Events and The Irish Sports Council. EVANS SACRIFICES CHANCES FOR TEAM MATE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 5) Despite being the Telekom Malaysia team´s most consistent performer thus far in the Tour de Langkawi, Tommy Evans today lost his chance to register another high placing in the deciding sprint finish due to team duties. Evans had gone on the attack in the opening kilometre, but when team-mate Simone Mori got into difficulties and slipped off the back of the main bunch, Evans was asked to drop back to the Italian climbing specialist and limit his losses in advance of Saturday´s crucial stage up to the Genting Highlands. ´Simone is a climber and should ride well on the 6000 feet Genting climb on Saturday´, said Evans. ´I dropped back to make sure he finished the stage in reasonable condition. I had been away in a break with the Japan's Koji Fukushima early on, and he was just caught by the main bunch in the last kilometre. That's bike racing, I guess. Anyway, who knows when I'll need a favour in return?´ Evans and Mori ended the stage over eight minutes behind winner Stuart O´Grady, who led home a fast-finishing bunch of 78 riders. The Irish amateur consequently drops to 127th overall, with Saturn´s Nathan O´Neill continuing to lead, but the Belfast rider will have more chances in the sprints yet to come. He is fifteenth overall in the points classification. The Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with a 196 kilometre road race to Bentong. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi, stage 6 (Marang-Cukai): 1, Stuart O´Grady (Credit Agricole) 136.3 kilometres in 2 hours 50 mins 43 secs; 2, G. Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo); 3, S. Cadamuro (De Nardi- Colpack); 4, M. Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 5, A. Bo Andersen (Team Fakta); 6, G. Vanderaerden (Palmans-Collstrop) all same time Other: 128, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) at 8 mins 39 secs General classification after Stage 6: 1, Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) 18 hours 45 mins 16 secs; 2, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 24 secs; 3, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 27 secs; 4, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) at 38 secs; 5, M. Freddy Gonzalez (Colombia Selle Italia) Other: 127, Evans, at 10 mins 12 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. NALLY 66th OVERALL IN SPAIN, 7TH IN SPECIAL SPRINTS RANKING: (By Shane Stokes Feb 4) Three days into the five race Challenge Illes Balers series in Mallorca, Spain, Irish neo pro Dermot Nally is currently a solid 66th overall and seventh in the special sprints ranking. The Paternina-Costa Almeria rider finished in the same time as the winners of the opening two stages, crossing the line 144th behind Isaac Galvez of Kelme on day one and 60th behind Phonak´s Alexandre Usov 24 hours later. Nally also placed third in the first of two special sprints yesterday. Today´s third race was a chaotic affair, with a massive crash in wet conditions fragmenting the peloton with ten kilometres remaining. Nally crossed the line in 87th place, 14 minutes and 52 seconds behind a lead group led in by ONCE´s new Australian signing Allan Davis. Davis is the new overall leader, with Nally 66th and a fine 7th in the special sprints classification. The Challenge Illes Balers continues tomorrow with a 166 kilometre race from Manacor to Porto Cristo. Challenge Illes Balears, Mallorca, Spain (5x1.3 races): Stage 1,Circuito Palma Mallorca: 1, Isaac Galvez (Kelme Costa Blanca), 80 km in 1 hour 35 mins 2 secs; 2, A. Davis (ONCE-Eroski); 3, A. Valverde (Kelme-Costa Blanca) Other: 144, D. Nally (Paternina-Costa Almeria) same time Stage 2, Cala Bona - Cala Rajada: 1, Alexandre Usov (Phonak Hearing Systems) 164.5 kilometres in 4 hours 15 mins 24 secs; 2, Galvez; 3, E. Zabel (Telecom) Other: 60, Nally, same time Special Sprints Sant Llorenç: 1, Juan Carlos Guillamon (Paternina-Costa Almeria) 3 points: 2, R. Casero (Paternina-Costa Almeria) 2 points; 3, Nally, 1 point Stage 3, Port D'Alcudia - Port D'Alcudia: 1, Allan Davis (ONCE-Eroski) 169.5 kilometres in 4 hours 28 mins 15 secs; 2, Zabel; 3, G. Lowik (Bankgiroloterij) all same time Other: 87, Nally, at 14 mins 52 secs General classification after race 3: 1, Davis, 10 hours 18 mins 41 secs; 2, Zabel; 3, Valverde 66, Nally Special sprints classification: 1, Rafael Casero (Paternina-Costa Almeria) 9 pts; 2, J Carlos Guillamon (Paternina-Costa Almer) 8, 3, J. Cayetano Julia (Kelme-Costa Blanca), 2; Other: 7, Nally, 1 point Remaining stages: February 5: Manacor - Porto Cristo, 166.3 km February 6: Magalluf - Palmanova, 149.4 km EVANS 17th ON DAY FIVE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 4) Irish rider Tommy Evans took another top 20 placing on today´s fifth stage of the Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia, sprinting home 17th out of the 127-man bunch which reached the finish in Kuala Terengganu together. Evans is now 11th in the points standings and his Telekom Malaysia squad remain second in the Aisan team classification. Today´s stage was won by Australian fastman Graeme Brown, who found an extra bit of speed after registering two seconds and one third place to date. Overall leader Nathan O´Neill retained his 20 second advantage over his closest rival. The Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with a 136.3 kilometre leg from Marang to Cukai. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 5, Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu: 1, Graeme Brown (Ceramich Panaria-Fiordo) in 4 hours 1 min 37 secs; 2, R. Bongiorno (Ceramich Panaria-Fiordo); 3, S. Cadamuro (De Nardi-Colpack), 4, H. Maleki Mizan (Iran); 5, A. Aug (De Nardi-Colpack) Irish: 17, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) same time General classification after stage 5: 1, Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) 15 hours 54 mins 33 secs; 2, R. Green (Canada) at 20 secs; 3, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 24 secs; 4, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 27 secs; 5, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo) at 31 secs; 6, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia- Selle Italia) at 38 secs Other: 65, Evans, at 1 min 33 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. EVANS SIXTH INTO TANAH MERAH: (By Shane Stokes Feb 3) Tommy Evans took his best placing to date in the Telekom Malaysia Tour of Langkawi when he sprinted home an excellent sixth on today´s 172.9 kilometre stage into Tanah Merah. While Evans found the going tough on the day´s two climbs, the Irish amateur had no problem mixing it with the professionals in the flat run-in to the line, finishing in the same time as triple stage winner Luca Mendonca Paglierini of the Lampre team. Evans had lost contact with the bunch on the ascent of the second climb of the day from Gerik to Tanah Merah. However, a determined chase saw him eventually regain contact and from that point onwards he set about finishing as strongly as possible. "Like a lot of other guys, I hadn't the legs to stay in touch with the main group on the second climb, which just went up and up. I wasn't alone, though, and eventually after chasing the escapees for virtually a hour we made contact.´ ´Although I haven´t got climbing legs, my sprinting is serving me well....you just have to dig deep. Fortunately, I kicked for the line at the vital time and was rewarded,´ he said. Eighth on stage two and 21st yesterday, Evans is now eleventh overall in the points standings. He remains 65th in the general classification, 1 minute and 33 seconds behind the yellow jersey Nathan O´Neill of the Saturn team. The 2.2 ranked Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with a 179 kilometre stage to Kuala Terengganu. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 4, Gerik - Tanah Merah: 1, Luca Mendonca Paglierini (Lampre) 172.9 km in 4 hours 14 mins 13 secs; 2, G. Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo); 3, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 4, A. Aug (De Nardi-Colpack); 5, M. Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze-Elitron); 6, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) General classification after stage 4: 1, Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) 11 hours 52 mins 56 secs; 2, R. Green (Canada) at 20 secs; 3, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 24 secs; 4, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 27 secs; 5, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo) at 31 secs; 6, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia- Selle Italia) at 38 secs. Other: 65, Evans, at 1 min 33 secs (Thanks to Tommy Campbell for quotes) EVANS 21st ON DAY THREE: (By Shane Stokes Feb 2) Irish amateur Tommy Evans today sprinted home in 21st place at the end of the third stage of the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi, a 170 kilometre road race from Kulim to Ipoh. Eighth yesterday, Evans had hopes of finishing higher in today´s mass bunch sprint but despite being at the very front of the peloton in the last kilometre, he was swamped in the dash for the line. The stage marked the second successive sprint victory for the Brazilian Lampre rider Luciano Mendonca Paglierini, who out-sped Moreno Di Biase and Graeme Brown in their charge for the finish. Australian rider Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) continues to maintain his 23 second overall lead, while Evans is in 67th place in the general classification. The Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with the first mountainous stage, a 173 kilometre trek from Gerik to Tanah Merah. Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi stage 3, Kulim to Ipoh: 1, L. Mendonca Paglierini (Lampre)169.6 kilometres in 3 hours 55 mins 55 secs; 2, M. Di Biase (Formaggi Pinzolo Fiave); 3, G. Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo); 4, G. Vanderaerden (Palmans-Collstrop); 5, A. Aug (De Nardi-Colpack); 6, A. Bo Andresen (Team Fakta) Irish: 21, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) all same time General classification: 1, Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) 7 hours 38 mins 43 secs; 2, R. Green (Canada) at 23 secs; 3, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 24 secs; 4, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 27 secs; 5, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo) at 31 secs; 6, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) at 38 secs 67, Evans, at 1 min 33 secs See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. EVANS
EIGHTH ON STAGE TWO: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 1) Guesting with the Telekom Malaysia squad in the role of team
sprinter, Irish rider Tommy Evans showed the required finishing speed by taking
an excellent top ten finish on today´s second stage of the Tour de Langkawi in
Malaysia. |
POWER
INJURY ALMOST RESOLVED: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 27) Irish professional cyclist Ciaran Power is
expected to finally make his 2003 season debut next Wednesday, with his
troublesome knee all but recovered from injury. The 2002 FBD Milk Rás winner
has been sidelined since the start of the season due to tendonitis, missing all
of the Navigators squad´s early assignments, but team manager Ed Beamon said
that he expects the Waterford rider to be ready for action soon.
O´BRIEN
EIGHTH IN GP D´ANTIBES: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 25) First year senior Paidi O´Brien showed he is
adapting well to racing abroad when he placed a fine eighth in the Grand Prix de
la Ville d´Antibes, near Nice. O´Brien sprinted home behind winner
Guillaume Lejenue at the end of the Cote d´Azur event, continuing a good run of
fine placings by VC La Pomme´s Irish riders this season.
NALLY
84th IN TROFEO LUIS PUIG: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 23) New Irish professional Dermot Nally finished 84th in
the Trofeo Luis Puig today, coming home in a 39-man group which finished 29
minutes and 9 seconds behind the Italian sprinter Alessandro Petacchi of the
Fassa Bortolo team. Petacchi outsprinted 18 other riders to win the 1.2 ranked
event, with world champion Mario Cipollini finishing 69th, in the same group as
Nally.
MORE
GOOD RESULTS FROM FRANCE: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 22) Following their good rides recently in the GP de
Cannes Montauroux and the GP de Peymeinade, VC La Pomme clubmates Philip Deignan
and Denis Lynch once again figured amongst the results in a 1.12.4 ranked early
season race. Deignan finished fifth at the end of the Trophee Des Alpes De La
Mer, 4 seconds behind winner Balasz Pratesi Rothmer of the Saeco San Paolo team,
with Lynch coming home in the same group in 16th place.
SCANLON
ENDS TOUR OF MED IN 65th: (By Shane Stokes
Feb 16) New professional Mark Scanlon had a solid ride in the
Tour of the Mediterranean, finishing 65th overall, 28 minutes and 6 seconds
behind Paolo Bettini of the Quick Step Davitamon team. The 22 year old Sligoman
placed 29th on the penultimate fifth stage, and then helped his Ag2R team to a
fine 5th in yesterday´s team time trial. The effort ensured that his team mate
Laurent Brochard ended the Tour of the Mediterranean in 2nd place, another fine
group result after their win in the Tour Down Under last month.
NEW
PRO FOR IRISH CYCLING? (By Shane Stokes
Feb 10) Irish amateur Tommy Evans may have the chance to land the
first pro contract of his career following his strong showing in the Tour de
Langkawi last week. The 29 year old impressed in taking four top twenty places
on stages of the Malaysian Tour, including sixth and eighth, but also worked
hard for tipped rider Simone Mori during the race.