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Archives: January 2003 EVANS GETS OFF TO SOLID START: (By Shane Stokes Jan 31) Tommy Evans finished almost exactly at the midway point of the standings at the end of the first stage of the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi today. Evans, guesting with the Telekom Malaysia team in the race, covered the 9.5 kilometre individual time trial course in a time of 13 minutes 26.24 seconds to finish 67th of the 138 competitors. Best time of the day and the first yellow jersey went to Australian Nathan O´Neill of the Saturn cycling team, who scorched around the course in a time of 11 minutes 53.2 seconds. O´Neill was well clear of the next riders, with second placed Roland Green (Canada) and Tom Danielson (Saturn) over 23 seconds down. The 2.2 ranked Tour de Langkawi continues tomorrow with a 148.3 kilometre road stage from Kangar to Butterworth. Tommy Evans is acting as leader of the Telekom Malaysia team and will be targeting high finishes in the sprints over the next ten days. Stage 1, Langkawi time trial: 1, Nathan O´Neill (Saturn) 9.5 kilometres in 11 mins 53.2 secs; 2, R. Green (Canada) at 23.13 secs; 3, T. Danielson (Saturn) at 23.99 secs; 4, E. Wohlberg (Saturn) at 28.53 secs; 5, S. Matveyev (Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo) at 31.11 secs; 6, H. Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) at 38.01 secs Irish: 67, T. Evans (Telekom Malaysia) at 1 min 33.04 secs Overall: same See Pictures Here By Pat McQuaid Go Here. 'SEVERE TEST’: FBD MILK RAS 2003: (By Shane Stokes Jan 30) Releasing the route today, FBD Milk Rás race director Dermot Dignam has announced what he promises will be a ‘severe test’ for the riders lining up for this year’s 51st edition of Ireland’s premier cycling event. Running from Sunday 18th of May until Sunday 25th, the eight day, 2.5 ranked tour will see the competitors travelling northeast to slug it out over the tough Donegal mountains, most notable of which are the dauntingly-steep Mamore Gap and the Glengesh Pass, both regarded as among the toughest climbs in the country.
This year’s FBD Milk Rás features over 1150 kilometres of racing, 13 categorised climbs and a longest stage of 188 kilometres and will, according to Dignam, feature teams from at least ten countries. With several professional teams expected to travel, the race looks set to be a furiously-fought battle from the drop of the flag. Day one sees the riders heading to Roscrea on a mainly flat 135 kilometre opening leg, which starts in Dublin and winds through Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Mountmellick before encountering the first categorised climb of the 2003 race in the Slievebloom Mountains. Ranked as a category three climb, The Cut is unlikely to wreak major havoc but will make a flat-out, aggressive stage even tougher on the road to Roscrea. The second stage is the longest of the race, 188 tough, exposed kilometres from Roscrea to Clifden. The wind is likely to play a part in the action as the riders head west through Birr, Portumna and Galway City and into Connemara, where the heavy roads will make a long day even tougher and stir up plenty of attacks before the streets of Clifden. Stage three sees the race wind north through Connemara, passing through some of the most beautifully rugged scenery in Ireland. Leenane, Westport, Newport, the third category climb of Keenagh and Bellacorrick will be the battleground before the charge into Ballina at the end of 142 kilometres of racing. The following day’s stage to Letterkenny features 173 kilometres of mainly flat roads, the last respite before the serious climbing starts. After leaving Ballina the riders will travel through Dromore West, Sligo, Bundoran and Donegal before racing over the third category Barnesmore Gap and heading on towards the uphill finish in Letterkenny. The first serious shakeup of the general classification is set to occur one day later, with the lure of the yellow jersey and the four categorised ascents providing motive and opportunity for the climbers in the bunch. The slopes of the third category Bredagh Glen set the theme before the mayhem starts proper on the daunting roads up Ballagh Hill and the Mamore Gap - reputed to be the steepest climb in Ireland - with Pinch Hill acting as one final springboard before the finish in Buncrana. Day six will be similarly appealing to sadistic spectators and masochistic contestants, with another four categorised climbs awaiting the tiring field. The 167 kilometre stage takes the riders from Buncrana and back through Letterkenny to the second category slopes of Meenirroy Hill and then on to the one-in-four hairpins of the spectacular Glengesh Pass. The splintering peloton will then race down into the town of Carrick before the road pitches skywards once again up Bogagh Hill and Bavin Hill, and then on towards to the finish in Donegal town. Stage seven offers a respite of sorts, in that lower gearing will be needed for just the third category Oggal Hill and second category Bellavalley Gap, but the length of the day’s racing will nevertheless continue the shakeup. 180 kilometres parrying the final real assaults on his leadership will ensure a difficult few hours for the yellow jersey, while those with more modest ambitions will be willing their rapidly-tiring bodies onwards through Bundoran, Manorhamilton, Belturbet and Virginia to the finish in Oldcastle. After that, just one stage will remain and like the final day of the Tour de France, little change is expected in the overall classification during the one hour criterium in Dublin on Sunday May 25th. Returning once again to the fine surroundings of the Phoenix Park, the last day of racing is about the hunt for primes, plaudits and, of course, the stage win; constant attacking is expected throughout. 2003 FBD Milk Rás statistics:
Route details: Stage 1, Sunday 18th May, Dublin – Roscrea. 135 Kms. Dublin, Naas, Newbridge Hot Spot Sprint, Kildare, Monasterevin, Ballybrittas, Emo, Mountmellick Hot Spot Sprint, Clonaslee, The Cut Category 3 KOM & Hot Spot Sprint, Mountrath, Roscrea, Stage 2, Monday 19th, Roscrea – Clifden. 188 Kms. Roscrea, Birr, Riverstown, Portumna, Killimor, Loughrea, Galway, Moycullen, Oughterard, Maam Cross, Clifden. Stage 3, Tuesday 20th, Clifden – Ballina, 142 Kms.. Clifden, Letterfrack, Leenane, Westport, Newport, Keenagh Hill Category 3 KOM, (Bellacorrick), Crossmolina, Ballina. Stage 4, Wednesday 21st, Ballina – Letterkenny, 173 Kms. Ballina, Dromore West, Ballysodare, Sligo, Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Donegal, Barnesmore Gap Category 3 KOM, Ballybofey, Letterkenny. Stage 5, Thursday 22nd, Letterkenny – Buncrana. 146 Kms. Letterkenny, Newtowncunningham, Burnfoot, Muff, Quigleys Point, Moville, Bredagh Glen Category 3 KOM, Malin, Ballagh Hill Category 1 KOM, Carndonagh, Clonmany, Mamore Gap Category 1 KOM, Pinch Hill Category 3 KOM, Buncrana. Stage 6, Friday 23rd, Buncrana – Donegal, 167 Kms. Buncrana, Burnfoot, Letterkenny, Meenirroy Hill Category 2 KOM, Fintown, Glenties, Ardara, Glengesh Pass Category 1 KOM, Carrick, Bogagh Hill Category 2 KOM, Cill Carthaigh (Kilcar), Bavin Hill Category 2 KOM, Killybegs, Donegal. Stage 7, Saturday 24th, Donegal – Oldcastle. 180 Kms Donegal, Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Kinlough, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Oggal Hill Category 3 KOM, Glangevlin, Bellavalley Gap Category 2 KOM, Bawnboy, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Cavan Bypass, Virginia, Oldcastle. Stage 8 Sunday 25th Phoenix Park Circuit, 40Kms.
´It's a great honour to be named as team leader. My aim is to finish among the top three sprinters in the race. As for the team, our target is to win the blue jersey of Asian champions", he said. The fourth richest stage race in cycling, the Tour of Langkawi gets underway tomorrow (Friday) with a 9.5km Time Trial. It ends in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday week after over 1200 kilometres of racing. Stages:
Road Racing Back in the Phoenix Park: (By Shane Stokes Jan 30) Following long efforts to ensure a return of racing to the Phoenix Park, Cycling Ireland have announced that they have reached agreement with Dúchas to hold a series of events there this season. Nine road closure orders have been finalised, with the first taking place on Tuesday April 29th. The full list is as follows:
‘We are delighted to resume cycle racing in the Phoenix Park’, said Alice Sherratt, who has led Cycling Ireland’s efforts to reach agreement. ‘We are very grateful to John McCulllen and Margaret Gormley of Dúchas the Heritage Service, who are very supportive of cycling. It is a great boost to have nine dates for racing on closed roads in the Phoenix Park’. The Phoenix Park roads will also be closed for the week of the 2003 Special Olympics, when Cycling Ireland will be coordinating the cycling events.
Scanlon´s selfless team-riding was a vital part of their eventuall success, with the Sligoman performing exceptionally well throughout the 90 km Adelaide criterium. In addition to chasing down dangerous breakaways, he took second in one of two bonus sprints and thus denied former TDU winner Stuart O´Grady his opportunity to win the race overall. O´Grady, a former leader of the Tour de France green jersey competition was regarded as the day´s real threat and needed to net just five seconds in bonuses today to win overall, but thanks to the efforts of Scanlon, Tour de France stage winner Jaan Kirsipuu and the other AG2r riders, the Australian national champion got a mere second. The final stage was won by Australian Graeme Brown (Panaria), with O´Grady finishing a disappointed fourth on the stage and third overall. 22 year old Scanlon ended the race a fine 20th overall, completing a fine professional debut which saw him take eighth and tenth on stages of the world-ranked race. He will return to his French base shortly and prepare for his forthcoming schedule of European racing, which may include a debut in the Spring Classics. Jacob´s Creek Tour Down Under stage 6, Adelaide Street Circuit: 1, Graeme Brown (Panaria Fiordo) 90 kilometres in 1 hour 52 mins 9 secs (48.1 km/h); 2, B. Cooke (FDJeux.com); 3, J. Kirsipuu (AG2r); 4, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 5, T. Boonen (Quickstep Davitamon) all same time. Other: 18, M. Scanlon (AG2r), same time Final overall: 1, Mikel Astarloza (Ag2R) 17 hours 17 mins 45 secs; 2, L. Kristensen (CSC) same time; 3, O´Grady, at 4 secs; 4, G. Caruso (ONCE Eroski) same time, 5, P. Lanfranchi (Panaria) at 6 secs. Other: 20, Scanlon, at 47 secs SCANLON RIDES WELL ON TOUGHEST STAGE: (By Shane Stokes Jan 25) Today´s penultimate stage marked the toughest day of the Tour Down Under, with the torturous ascent of the Willunga Hill and a flat-out finale causing an upheaval in the general classification. Irish national champion Mark Scanlon continued to ride well in his pro debut, finishing the stage in a chasing group just 36 seconds behind stage winner Giampaolo Caruso of the ONCE team, and alongside many of the big professional names in the race. Scanlon is now up to a fine 20th place overall, 49 seconds behind his AG2r team-mate and new overall leader Mikel Astarloza. AG2r rode a tactically perfect race today, sending Nicolas Portal up the road with Andrea Tafi (CSC) on a 100 kilometre break which softened up the bunch and paved the way for Astarloza´s later move. Previous yellow jersey Fabio Sacchi (Saeco) finished alongside Scanlon today, losing his lead while Robbie McEwen, who started the stage second overall, pulled out with a knee injury. The Tour Down Under ends tomorrow with a criterium in Adelaide. Tour Down Under stage 5, Willunga-Willunga: 1, Giampaolo Caruso (ONCE Eroski) 147 kilometres in 3 hours 26 mins 43 secs; 2, S. Wesemann (Telekom); 3, P. Lanfranchi (Panaria Fiordo); 4, S. O'Grady (Credit Agricole); 5, L. Kristensen (CSC); 6, M. Astarloza (AG2r). Other: 21, M. Scanlon (AG2r) at 36 secs General classification after stage 5: 1, Mikel Astarloza (AG2r) 15 hours 25 mins 36 secs; 2, Kristensen, same time; 3, Caruso, at 4 secs; 4, O´Grady, at 5 secs; 5, X. Florencio (ONCE Eroski) at 7 secs; 6, Lanfranchi, same time. Other: 20, Scanlon, at 49 secs SCANLON EIGHTH ON STAGE 4: (By Shane Stokes Jan 24) Irish national champion Mark Scanlon is continuing to shine in his debut pro race, today placing an excellent eighth at the end of the fourth stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia. The 22 year old took his second top ten placing in two days in the bunch sprint which decided the race to Goolwa, with top honours going to Australian Baden Cooke of the FDJeux.com team. The stage was marked by a brave solo attempt on the part of UniSA rider Adrian Laidler, who was clear for 130 kilometres but was reeled in with just 12 kilometres to go. The Australian paid for his efforts in the day´s relentless heat, which was over 40 degrees for much of the stage, by losing over seven minutes in the closing kilometres, but he earned valuable publicity for himself and his team. Following Laidler´s recapture, ten riders used the McFarlane Hill climb as a springboard to go clear. Present was overall leader Fabio Sacchi (Saeco), Angel Vicioso (ONCE Eroski), Russell Van Hout (UniSA), Jaan Kirsipuu and Andy Flickinger (Ag2R), Cedric Hervé (Credit Agricole), Brad McGee (FDJeux.com), Andrea Tafi (CSC) and Graeme Brown (Panaria Fiordo). However Sacchi´s closest rival Robbie McEwen (Lotto - Domo) and Credit Agricole´s Stuart O´Grady dragged the bunch back, paving the way for a bunch sprint and Cooke´s second stage win. Italian rider Sacchi continues to lead overall but is now just eight seconds clear of Tour de France Green Jersey McEwen, who picked up a two second time bonus today. Scanlon is inching up the leaderboard, remaining 33 seconds behind Sacchi but now up to 21st overall. His strong performances have helped ensure that his AG2r team maintain their lead in the teams classification. The Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with the penultimate stage, a 147 kilometre road race starting and finishing in Willunga. Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under stage 4, Unley - Goolwa: 1, Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) 144 kilometres in 3 hours 33 mins 59 secs (40.4 km/h), 2, G. Brown (Panaria Fiordo), 3, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 4, R. McEwen (Lotto Domo); 5, A. Hutchinson (United Water) all same time. Other: 8, M. Scanlon (AG2r) same time. General classification: 1, Fabio Sacchi (Saeco-Longoni Sport) 11 hours 58 mins 33 secs; 2, McEwen, at 8 secs; 3, A. Flickinger (AG2r) at 17 secs; 4, C. Herve (Credit Agricole) at 18 secs; 5, M. Astarloza (AG2r) at 20 secs. Other: 21, Scanlon, at 33 secs Teams classification: 1, AG2r Prevoyance 35 hours 56 mins 52 secs; 2, Team CSC, at 5 secs; 3, Credit Agricole, at 9 secs SCANLON TENTH ON STAGE 3 OF TOUR DOWN UNDER: (By Shane Stokes Jan 23) Mark Scanlon´s fine pro debut continued today on the third stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia, with the Sligoman sprinting home an excellent tenth at the end of the 164 kilometre leg to Hahndorf. Although the Irish national champion is just 22 years of age, he has shown an ability to mix it with the established professionals since the start of the season-opening Australian Tour. First across the line was Tour de France Green Jersey winner Robbie McEwen of the Lotto-Domo team, who outsprinted fellow Australian Graeme Brown (Panaria Fiordo) by a mere centimetre. Their teams had succeeded in reeling in a eight rider breakaway with ten kilometres to go, paving the way for the second bunch finish in three days. Italian rider Fabio Sacchi (Saeco) continues to lead overall, although McEwen´s time bonus means he moves to within ten seconds of the yellow jersey. Mark Scanlon is 33 seconds back in 24th place overall, and with his AG2r squad continuing to lead the teams classification, the former world junior champion will be delighted with his debut. The Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with a 144 kilometre stage from Unley to Goolwa. Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under stage 3, Glenelg - Hahndorf: 1, Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) 164 kilometres in 3 hours 53 mins 4 secs; 2, G. Brown (Panaria Fiordo); 3, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole); 4, A. Davis (ONCE Eroski); 5, L. Paolini (Quickstep-Davitamon); 6, T. Boonen (Quickstep-Davitamon). Other: 10, M. Scanlon (AG2r) General classification: 1, Fabio Sacchi (Saeco-Longoni Sport) 8 hours 24 mins 34 secs; 2, McEwen, at 10 secs; 3, C. Herve (Credit Agricole) at 18 secs, 4, A. Flickinger (AG2r) at 20 secs; 5, M. Astarloza (AG2r); 6, L. Kristensen (CSC) both same time. Other: 24, Scanlon, at 33 secs SCANLON CONTINUES STRONGLY ON DAY TWO OF TOUR DOWN UNDER: (By Shane Stokes Jan 22) The 22 year old Irish neo pro Mark Scanlon rode strongly on today´s second stage of the Tour Down Under, finishing in a chase group some 27 seconds behind the winner and new overall leader Fabio Sacchi of the Saeco-Longoni Sport team. Sacchi had gone clear with a group of eight riders 53 kilometres from the end of the undulating stage, reeling in four front-runners, and then struck out alone with one kilometre remaining. Sacchi, a previous stage winner in the event, revealed afterwards that he was convinced Tour de France Green jersey Robbie McEwen would take the day's honours if the victory was decided in a sprint. "I have a lot of respect for Robbie, after we worked ourselves into the ground today," the Italian told reporters after the stage. "It was only the second day but I knew I was very strong. I also knew Robbie would be dangerous in a bunch sprint so I gave it everything I had in the final kilometres." McEwen showed his finishing speed by easily winning the five-man sprint for second, 14 seconds later. As for Scanlon, his 20-man chase group went clear from the main peloton 24 kilometres from the finish and reduced their deficit considerably in the run-in to the line. The Sligoman finished 24th on the stage, 27 seconds behind Sacchi and over a minute and a half ahead of the main field. He now lies 26th overall going into tomorrow’s 164 kilometre leg from Glenelg to Hahndorf, 33 seconds off the yellow jersey of Sacchi. Scanlon’s AG2r squad is leading the team standings, and will be delighted with the new professional’s strong start to the season. Tour Down Under stage 2, Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre to Kapunda: 1, Fabio Sacchi (Saeco-Longoni Sport) 140 kilometres in 3 hours 29 mins 16 secs (40.14 km/h); 2, R. McEwen (Lotto-Domo) at 14 secs; 3, C. Herve (Credit Agricole); 4, A. Flickinger (AG2r); 5, L. Kristensen (CSC); 6, M. Astarloza (AG2r) all same time. Other: 24, M. Scanlon (AG2r) at 27 secs General classification after stage 2: 1, Sacchi, 4 hours 31 mins 30 secs; 2, McEwen, at 16 secs; 3, Herve, at 18 secs; 4, Flickinger, at 20 secs; 5, Astarloza; 6, Kristensen, both same time. Other: 26, Scanlon at 33 secs PROMISING START BY SCANLON: (By Shane Stokes Jan 21) Irish national champion Mark Scanlon (AG2r) started his pro career in impressive style today, spearheading a dangerous seven-rider breakaway group in the opening stage of the Tour Down Under event in Australia. The septet went clear six laps into the 25 lap, 50 kilometre criterium in downtown Adelaide, and worked well together to open up a advantage of 40 seconds over the chasing main bunch. With five laps to go this advantage persisted, making it likely that the winner and first yellow jersey of the race would come from these seven. However, the riders in the break began to lose momentum, with a short- lived attack by Fabio Sacchi (Saeco-Longoni Sport) finally destroying their unity and they were recaptured with just one kilometre remaining. Scanlon finished safely in the main bunch, while stage honours and the early race lead went to Australian Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com), ahead of Lotto-Domo´s Robbie McEwen. Graeme Brown (Panaria) had crossed the line first but was relegated for dangerous sprinting following a protest from McEwen. Scanlon´s team will be delighted with his display as the Sligoman is clearly in excellent form in this, his opening race of the season. The Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with a 140 kilometre stage to Kapunda. TOUR DOWN UNDER, stage 1: (Adelaide street race): 1, Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) 50 kilometres in 1.02.20 (48.1 km/h); 2, R. McEwen (Lotto Domo); 3, L. Paolini (Quickstep-Davitamon); 4, J. Dean (CSC); 5, J. Rodriguez (ONCE Eroski); 6, S. O´Grady (Credit Agricole) Other: 60, M. Scanlon (AG2r) all same time
The Listowel rider showed he is in promising condition of late when he rode strongly in last weeks Geelong Bay Classic amateur events. Moriarty was 6th in the opening event at Rye and also collected sprint points in the opening three races of the five-race series (Rye, Portarlington and Geelong), eventually finishing tenth overall and an excellent second in the points classification. He will be hoping to carry some of that sprinting form into Sundays Australian championships, although given Robbie McEwen´s devastating finish, the defending champion’s rivals will surely do everything in their power to break up the field long before the final kilometre. Meanwhile another Irish amateur is preparing for his forthcoming appointment with some of the world’s big professional names in the Tour of Langkawi. Northern rider Tommy Evans had indicated that he was to scale back his international racing due to marriage plans, but his fine stage win in the Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia last August has led to an invitation to compete with Team Telecom Malaysia in the Lankawi 2.2-ranked event. Evans is expected to act as team sprinter in the race, which runs from January 31st- February 9th. Team Telekom Malaysia won the best Asian team prize in last year’s race and will be hoping to make a similarly good impression this season. Tonton Susanto of Indonesia, Wong Kam Po of Hong Kong, Malaysian duo Tsen Seong Hoong and Nor Effandy Rosli plus the Italian Simone Mori (winner of the Gamuda Eagle Tour of Malaysia 2002) comprise the remainder of the team line-up. SCANLON TO MAKE PRO DEBUT ON TUESDAY: (By Shane Stokes Jan 17) Former world junior champion Mark Scanlon will this Tuesday make his professional debut with the AG2r team when the Tour Down Under kicks off in Adelaide, Australia with a 50 kilometre criterium. The 22 year old Sligoman secured a place on the first division French team when he rode impressively in a five week trial last Autumn, taking a number of strong placings and showing that he has the ability to make a big impact in the pro ranks. Scanlon will be joined on the team by a number of their established professionals, including Tour de France stage winner Jaan Kirsipuu. A strong field has been amassed for the 2.3 ranked season opener, with defending champion Michael Rogers, Quickstep team-mate Tom Boonen, Tour de France Green Jersey Robbie McEwen, (Lotto-Domo), Stuart O’Grady (Credit Agricole), Cadel Evans and Steffan Weseman (Telecom) and the FDJeux.com trio of Brad McGee, Baden Cooke and Jacky Durand all travelling for the race. Also appearing will be a team ONCE selection, with Tour yellow jersey holder Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano likely to attract much interest from the cycling-mad crowds. Scanlon’s goals in the race will be to ride well for the team and log some good-quality racing miles in advance of a spring campaign which may see him ride some of the World Cup Classics. However, considering the ambitious and focussed way he tackled his stage last Autumn, it is quite possible that somewhere along the roads of the six stage event, the Sligoman will try to get his Irish champions jersey to the front of the action. Tour Down Under, Tuesday January 21st – Sunday January 26th: Stage 1: East End Adelaide Street Race, 50km Stage 2: Jacob's Creek – Kapunda, 140 km Stage 3: Glenelg – Hahndorf, 164 km Stage 4: Unley – Goolwa, 144 km Stage 5: Willunga – Willunga, 147 km Stage 6: Adelaide City Council circuit race, 90 km
OVERSEAS DRIVE FOR WICKLOW 200: (By Shane Stokes Jan 16) The organisers of the ever-popular Wicklow 200 are hoping for a bigger-than-ever turnout for the leisure event this year, with the registration of overseas riders to be made easier through a new website and credit-card payment system. Well over one thousand participants are expected for this year’s ride, which is moving from its usual timeslot due to a clash with the Special Olympics this Summer. It will take place on Sunday 8th of June. Information and application forms are available online at the new website http://www.wicklow200.ie CYCLING ULSTER COACHING COURSE AND PRE SEASON TRAINING CAMP Two Cycling Ireland/Cycling Ulster joint projects will take place over the next two weeks. This weekend a free level one coaching course will be held in Craigavon. More information on this can be obtained by ringing Frank Campbell at 048 90228465. A pre-season training camp will take place between January 31st and February 2nd at Carlingford. Barry Monaghan has further details at 048 38318614. BOARDMAN ANNOUNCED AS CI TRACK COACH: (By Shane Stokes Jan 16) World hour record holder, Tour de France stage winner and Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman has been announced as coach to the Irish track team in the build up to the World 'B' championships in Switzerland this July, with qualification for the 2004 Olympic Games his initial priority. Boardman’s appointment is a major coup for Cycling Ireland, given his experience as a highly-successful professional on both road and track, plus his in-depth knowledge of the fields of physiology and aerodynamics. ‘This is a big step forward for us’, said Cycling Ireland’s Ciarán McKenna. ‘Chris’s appointment will make a big difference to our riders in the build up to the B world championships and the Olympic Games.’ Equally enthusiastic is Phil Collins of CI's track commission, who himself competed in the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. 'This initiative, funded by the Irish Sports Council 2004 Olympic Programme, is a big, and unprecedented step for cycling in Ireland. This represents an investment in our future. We are very excited by it and hope that this project will be a great success.’ ‘We can learn a great deal from Chris, from planning an Olympic campaign to the details of dealing with the huge pressures involved. I am convinced that cycling in Ireland will benefit from this collaboration for years to come', he said. Boardman will meet the Olympic hopefuls next Saturday (January 25th) at Cycling Ireland’s pre-season camp in Dublin. Starting at 6 pm in the Spawell Leisure Centre, Templelogue, the former world pursuit and time-trial champion will outline the senior track programme for 2003 and also field questions from those present. All are welcome at the meeting. ‘The first step to getting results in Athens is to be there’, said Boardman. ‘So priority number one is to have athletes perform well in Switzerland this summer as, by doing so, they will qualify Ireland’s track places for Athens 2004.’ ‘Although my brief is specifically aimed at helping the team succeed at the B Worlds, I am hoping this short project will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics next year’, he stated. Chris Boardman shocked the cycling world a decade ago when he broke the hallowed world hour record while still riding in the amateur ranks. The display earned him a professional contract alongside Greg Lemond in the Gan team, where he went on to add world championship gold medals to the Olympic title he won in Barcelona in 1992. He competed for many years with the French team, later Credit Agricole, winning prologue stages in the Tour de France and also taking victories in many other major professional events. Team Telekom Malaysia for TdL: (By Shane Stokes Jan 15) Defending Asian champions Team Telekom Malaysia, who are gunning for a hat-trick of wins in the upcoming Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi, today announced a strong roster made up of four old faces and three newcomers for the 2003 edition of the Le Tour de Langkawi (Jan. 31 to Feb. 9). With the brutal climb of Genting Highlands invariably determining the outcome for any team, Team Telekom Malaysia has formed a team made up of five Asians and two Europeans, the majority of them competent climbers. Tonton Susanto of Indonesia, Wong Kam Po of Hong Kong, Iranian Ghader Mizbani Iranagh and Nor Effandy Rosli are the old faces of the team while Tsen Seong Hoong of Malaysia, Italian Simone Mori and Irish sprinter Tommy Evans are joining the composite team for the first time. Gamuda Eagle Tour 2002 champion Simone Mori of Team Nippon Hodo, is expected to boost the team's strength with his climbing abilities while Irish sprinter Tommy Evans, who won a stage and was 10th overall in the Gamuda Eagle Tour, is expected to shoulder the team's hopes in the sprints. Reigning Asian champion Tonton Susanto will certainly be the man to watch following his exploits and prowess in the mountains in last year's LTdL. The Indonesian, who recently signed a professional contract with Taiwan-based Division III team GiantART, has time and again proven his reputation as one of Asia's best climbers, along with Kam Po and Mizbani. The presence of Kam Po, the only Asian to have won a stage in the Tour, and Mizbani, the Iranian champion who won the King of Mountains jersey in last year's Gamuda Eagle Tour, are both expected to be a strong contenders for the overall Asian crown. Telekom Malaysia Chief Executive Datuk Dr. Md Khir Abdul Rahman hoped that the team would be able to retain their domination in the Asian competition and improve on their previous results - the team finished 7th on the general classification in the past two years. "It is our hope that the team will keep on improving, and with this lineup, I believe we can do even better," said Datuk Dr. Md Khir. First Cartel Executive Chairman Datuk Wan Lokman Dato' Paduka Wan Ibrahim agreed with Datuk Dr. Md Khir's comments, and said that the presence of several strong climbers should place the team as one of the strong contenders for the race. "I would say there is a good combination with emphasis on the mountain stages. The boys should be able to make Telekom Malaysia proud and stand tall in the race," said Datuk Wan Lokman. National rider, Nor Effandy, was thankful to Telekom Malaysia for putting their trust in him to ride and lead the team. "It's a heavy responsibility but I'm delighted that the team has given me another chance not only to be in the team, but also to lead the challenge. However, we'll have to get down to business as soon as possible to work things out," said Nor Effandy. Former SEA Games gold medallist Seong Hoong was elated with his selection, saying: "I'm honoured, but at the same, the pressure will be immense. The important thing is working hard for the team, and not for personal glory." Team Roster: Nor Effandy Rosli (Mal) Wong Kam Po (HKg) Ghader Mizbani (Irn) Tommy Evans (Ire) Tonton Susanto (Ind) Tsen Seong Hoong (Mal) Simone Mori (Ita) 21 - 26 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under (Aus) 2.3 31 - 9/2 Tour de Langkawi (Mas) 2.2
With the NCTC now due to integrate level two and three national coaches, Cycling Ireland’s courses are intended to increase the numbers of those who aspire to go on to this higher level. The hope that a ‘substantial’ number will be graded as level two, with some of these then going on to successfully reach the level three standard. Preference for those aiming for levels two and three will predictably be given to those who have already completed the CI level one coaching course. Paddy Doran will act as lead tutor for the program which will start on the 18th and 19th of this month when Cycling Ulster host a course in Craigavon. The Munster Cycling Federation’s continue the drive on February 7th- 9th in Mallow, while the Connaught Cycling Federation will run their level 1 course over five weekday evenings in February and March at an as-yet unconfirmed location. There is no cost to take part in the program. Further details are available from the following:
ROCHE TRAINING BASE FOR NICE: (By Shane Stokes Jan 10) Currently running a well-respected and successful training camp in Palma de Mallorca, former Tour de France winner and Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche has announced that he is to open a similar base on the Cote d’Azur, thus offering riders the chance to train and compete in one of the most renowned cycling areas of France. From early January, riders will be able to participate in the camps based around the Roche Marina Hotel, which is located along the seafront between Nice and Antibes, and within easy cycling distance of such places as Monaco, Cannes, Menton, the Var, plus the challenging climbs of the Alpes Maritimes. ‘For the past eight years I have been organising cycling holidays in Palma de Mallorca, and have enjoyed many good times with the visiting riders. During these camps many riders expressed an interest in participating in another camp of the same standing in another country, and so from January 11th I will be organising camps in the sunny south of France’, explained Roche. Well known as the training location for a number of top professionals, the area offers varied terrain and ideal early-season training conditions. Warm weather, easy accessibility to climbs such as the Col d’Eze and the Col de Vence, plus the opportunity to see such prestigious events such as the Tour of the Mediterranean and Paris-Nice has attracted huge numbers of cyclists to the region. It is therefore little wonder the local scene is thriving, with huge groups to be seen training along the roads each weekend. ‘This area is an ideal location for bike riding’, agrees Roche. ‘The Cote d’Azur is well known for its undulating roads and beautiful countryside, and has the attraction of 325 days of sunshine each year. There are also a large number of races nearby’, he adds, pinpointing the six-race Semaine Azur series (running from Feb 16th onwards) as of likely interest to those looking for early season form. Participating riders will stay in the 1987 Tour winner’s three-star Roche Marina Hotel in Villeneuve-Loubet, which is situated six kilometres from Nice airport and just a stone’s throw from the sea. Prices for a double room start at 55 euro per person per day, and include breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack and a buffet dinner. For more details go to www.rochemarina.com or call 00 33 493200854.
The Tallaght-located Cycle Superstore showed its support for the domestic cycling scene when it stepped in with sponsorship early last year, and is happy to be able to continue backing the site. ´We are glad to confirm our continued support for IrishCYCLING.com´, said John Donnelly of the Cycle Superstore. 'We look on the site as a replacement for the Irish Cycling Review magazine - it is the place to go when people want to see news about the sport here. IrishCYCLING.com is a real information site, the type I like to check every morning to keep up to date with what is happening in cycling in Ireland. It is an important part of our sport.' Since the shop started its backing of the site in 2002, the Cycle Superstore has had a lot of positive comments from customers and those visiting IrishCYCLING.com. 'The response has been great, we have had very good feedback', says Donnelly. ‘It is good to be able to give something back to the sport. We wish to show support for all aspects of cycling and to promote the sport as much as we can. The IrishCYCLING.com sponsorship is a good way to do this as it helps the site to continue, which in turn is good for Irish cycling'. The Cycle Superstore has a history of contributing to the sport in Ireland. It sponsored the recent Irish Cyclo-Cross Championships and helps out in events such as the Wicklow 200 and the West-Wicklow endurance ride. The shop has also sponsored the Irish Triathlon Championships for the past three years and is the sole stockist of dedicated tri gear in Ireland. Check out some of the Cycle Superstores 2003 products here:
Coming into the race with great form, Roche dominated the international event. He raced out as the clear winner of the prologue, soloed to victory on stage three and then defended his yellow jersey for the remainder of the week, thus joining Aidan Duff, Mark Scanlon and Kieran Page as the only riders in twenty-five years to lead the Junior Tour of Ireland from start to finish. Following his success, Roche travelled back to France to prepare for the world championships. He rode strongly in the road race in Zolder, going clear early on in a small breakaway group and staying out in front until the closing stages of the race. Had the course been harder it is quite likely that the group would have remained clear, but the flat, non-selective profile of the 2002 world championships made it difficult to stave off the efforts of the chasing main field. Roche will have other opportunities in the future, though, and if he keeps improving at his current rate, may well follow his father’s footsteps and land a professional contract in the next few years. WE ASK NICOLAS ROCHE 20 QUESTIONS: Go Here... |
SCANLON´S
EFFORTS ENSURE AG2R VICTORY AT END OF TOUR DOWN UNDER: (By Shane Stokes
Jan 25) Irish neo-pro Mark Scanlon today rode impressively in his efforts
to maximise the chances of AG2r team mate Mikel Astarloza, the overall leader,
on the final stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia.
MORIARTY,
EVANS PREPARE FOR TOP LEVEL PRO EVENTS: (By Shane Stokes
Jan 17) This Sunday Irish international Eugene Moriarty will rub
shoulders with riders of the calibre of Tour de France Green Jersey Robbie
McEwen, Stuart O´Grady, Baden Cooke, Brad McGee and Cadel Evans when he lines
out as part of a record-sized field in the BMC Software Australian Open Road
Championships in Ballarat, Victoria.
NCTC
DECISION PROMPTS CI COACHING COURSE DRIVE: (By Shane Stokes
Jan 10) The chances for Irish riders to exploit their full potential in
the future have increased with the news that Cycling Ireland’s coaching drive
is to be stepped up over the next two months. A number of courses will be held
around the country in January and February, a measure which is a direct response
to the news that the National Coaching and Training Centre have agreed a
procedure for the assimilation of experienced coaches and athletes from this
year onwards.
CYCLE SUPERSTORE TO EXTEND SPONSORSHIP: (By Shane Stokes
Jan 5) IrishCYCLING.com is delighted to announce that
following their initial period of support, the Cycle Superstore has undertaken
to continue its backing of the Shane Stokes section of the site. The welcome
decision ensures that we will be able to continue bringing you news, reports,
rider profiles and other information over the coming months.
TWENTY
QUESTIONS – NICOLAS ROCHE: (By Shane Stokes
Jan 5) For years he was best known as ‘the son of Stephen Roche’, but
last year Nicolas stepped out of his father’s shadow by showing that he has
the potential to become a good professional in his own right. Concentrating
solely on cycling for the first time after years of dabbling in other sports,
Nicolas won a number of races in France before travelling from his home near
Nice to compete in the M. Donnelly Junior Tour of Ireland.