Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: May 2003 IRISH RIDER TESTS POSITIVE FOR PSEUDOEPHEDRINE: (By Shane Stokes May 29) Twenty year old Irish cyclist Conor Murphy has tested positive for the substance pseudoephedrine, following a test carried out at the Tour of Ulster on May 5th, 2003. Murphy had placed second on the second stage of the three-day and finished seventh overall. He was also best under 23 rider. The test was conducted by the UK Sports Council’s Drug Free Sport Unit, with the subsequent analysis of the sample provided showing that pseudoephedrine was present at a level greater than the permitted threshold of 25 micrograms per millilitre. The substance is contained in many cold and flu medications, and helps ease breathing. Although classified as a ‘soft’ substance by cycling’s world governing body, the UCI, Murphy faces a possible ban of up to six months at the disciplinary hearing next month. Under current UCI and IOC rules, an athlete is responsible for ensuring that any product or substance consumed is free from anything which would provide a positive test result. Murphy’s case will be heard by a panel comprised of legal, medical and sporting experts. Reacting to the news, Cycling Ireland’s Chief Executive Stuart Hallam stated that ‘It is imperative that all athletes from cycling and other sports show great diligence when taking medicines. Ignorance is no excuse for contravening the clearly stated anti-doping regulations of the national governing bodies. Over the counter medicines and those prescribed by doctors can often contain banned substances and the athlete is responsible for the care of their own bodies and must always check the contents of any medication.’
TEAM IRELAND IN BELGIUM: (By Shane Stokes May 29) Cycling Ireland are hoping for a good uptake of places for their Team Ireland project in Belgium, which is getting up to speed. The Irish Sports Council-funded operation began with the placement of several Irish riders in France in 2001 and since transferring to Belgium one year later, has enabled large numbers of cyclists to live, train and race abroad. The scheme costs riders just 50 euro per week for food and lodging, and with flights to local airports starting from a similarly small amount, participants can benefit from the experience for a very low cost. Riders from junior level upwards are welcome to take part and can stay for several days to longer periods of time, depending on availability of places. The project was set up with the assistance of Sean Kelly and this year has also got close links with Kurt Bogaerts, coordinator of one of Belgium’s top amateur teams, Maximise Almero. This weekend Eugene Moriarty, Denis Easton and Brian Kenneally will ride with that team in a one-day race at Laarne, and there will be opportunities for other Irish riders to guest with them during the year. Next season, Maximise Almero is likely to be a third division pro squad and so those who perform well in Belgium may be considered for the team. The Team Ireland house is in Merchtem, in the heart of the racing country. Cycling Ireland President PJ Nolan feels that the move of the base from last year’s location will be of considerable benefit. ‘We got a really nice place this year – it has space for 16 riders and is really close to the races. Most events are within 30 kilometres of the base. It is near Antwerp, Ghent and Flanders, so it is right in the centre of things. The races are all close enough for people to cycle to the start, if they wish, although we do have transport there too.’ Last year’s ‘player-manager’ Eugene Moriarty has agreed to take up the reins again and he has headed out, fresh from his strong showing in the FBD Milk Rás. ‘Eugene is again looking after the house and will supervise the riders, give them advice on what race to ride and what training to undertake, and also how to adjust to the Belgian system,’ says Nolan. ‘I would recommend it (the project) to anyone who is interested. It is easy to get to, as both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have good rates into Brussels and Charleroi. Aer Lingus is closer at Zaventem, while Charleroi is an hour away. The best thing is that it is a real cheap way for young guys to get into continental racing. It is a great way to learn a few bits and pieces without needing to commit yourself to a long time away from your job or studies.’ The Team Ireland initiative is open to Cycling Ireland members from junior grade upwards. Juniors need a special licence to race in Belgium but this is easy to obtain from their national federation. More details are available from Brendan or Cara in the Cycling Ireland offices, at 01 8551522, or on the website at www.cyclingireland.ie. NEWS ROUNDUP – MTB, GILL IN FRANCE
The Fiat LCV rider broke a chain at the start of his first run, but was able to come back and win the second despite his new chain coming off 300 metres before the finish. He beat the next rider home by over a second and a half, and now leads both the UK and Irish NPS. Popham has travelled to St Wendel in Germany to prepare for the round of the downhill World Cup, where he will line out against the Elite riders. Ben Reid was a fine sixth in the race won by Popham, while Glynn O’Brien was best of the Irish in the Elite Men’s event. He was 15th, 5 places ahead of John Lawlor. The race was won by Will Longden of the MBUK/Scott USA team. Results: Elite Men: 1, Will Longden (MBUK/Scott USA) 2 mins 16.81 secs; 2, F. Barel (Kona Clarks Factory Team) 2 mins 19.06 secs; 3, C. Carrick Anderson (Santa Cruz/Fox) 2 mins 20.25 secs Other: 15, G. O’Brien (In Touch NS Racing) 2 mins 27.27 secs; 20, J. Lawlor (Fiat LCV Racing) 2 mins 28.26 secs; 30, W. Corry (Norstar Foes Team) 2 mins 30.48; 33, A. Yoong (In Touch NS Racing) 2 mins 31.9 secs Junior: 1, Jamie Popham (Fiat LCV Racing) 2 mins 28.263 secs; 2, D. Young (Probikesport) 2 mins 30.04 secs; 3, S. Jenkinson (Printexpress/Stendec) 2 min 31.04 secs Other: 6, B. Reid, at 2 mins 33.46 KENNY 18th, NO JOY FOR SEYMOUR AND McCAULEY: (By Shane Stokes May 27) Rocky Mountain rider Mark Kenny placed a fine 18th in the masters event at the opening round of the UCI world cup in St. Wendel, Germany at the weekend. Olympic hopefuls Robin Seymour and Jenny McCauley had a tougher time, with Seymour crashing out of the men’s race and McCauley finished 23 minutes off the time of the winner Gunn-Rita Dahle in the women’s race, placing 71st. World Cup round 1, St Wendel, Germany: Men: 1, Christoph Sauser (Siemens Mobile) 2 hours 24 mins 19 secs; 2, M. Galinski (Orbea) at 11 secs; 3, J. Absalon (Motorex-Bianchi) at 58 secs DNF: Robin Seymour (Ireland) (38 non finishers) Women: 1, Gunn-Rita Dahle (Merida International) 2 hours 3 mins 38 secs; 2, S. Spitz (Merida International) at 2 mins 33 secs; 3, I. Kalentieva (Merida International) at 2 mins 57 secs Other: 71 J. McCauley (Ireland) at 23 mins GILL WINS FRENCH RACE: (By Shane Stokes May 27) French-based Irishwoman Geraldine Gill proved best in a race on Sunday in Douarnenez. She broke away 7 kilometres into the 70 kilometre event and held on to take a fine victory. ALAN CARBON Road Test: Shane Stokes road tests the latest Alan Carbon Full Test Report Here
Other Rás Stages
Murphy Gunn/Tilechoice Manchester Track meet: 32 lap scratch: 1, Huw Pritchard (Condor); 2, P. Doyle (Tilechoice); 3, M. Freeman (Trek) Devil points race: 1, John Blackwell (Tilechoice); 2, T. Murray (Batley CC); 3, R. Chapman (SCU) 80 lap points race: 1, Huw Pritchard (Condor); 2, R. Anderson (Clarkes); 3, P. Doyle (Tilechoice) 6 lap scratch: 1, Keith Bannon (Tilechoice); 2, W. Curtin (Tilechoice); 3, B. Storey (VC St. Raphael) Ladies: 1, Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip); 2, G. Darby (Tilechoice); 3, E. Hunter (Yasumitsu-Schlapp) FINE RIDE BY IRISH IN UK NPS: (By Shane Stokes May 21) Irish riders performed strongly in the second round of the UK National Points Series last weekend, held at Catton Hall in South Derbyshire. Olympic hopeful Jenny McCauley took more world ranking points when she placed a fine third in the E2 women’s event, six minutes and fourteen seconds behind Motorex/Bianchi rider Jenny Copnall. MI Racing/Peugeot rider Thomas Jensen took an excellent win in the youth contest, crossing the line over a minute clear of runner-up Alex Atkins (Evans Cycles RT). The promising XMTB junior Lewis Ferguson was second in his event, two minutes and six seconds behind Principia RT’s Ian Legg. Other good rides include Chris Jensen’s fourth in the juvenile race and Andrew McCullough’s fifth in the youth event. Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) was fifteenth in the Elite men’s race while Don Travers (Banbridge CC) came home thirty-fourth. Glen Kinning (XMTB) was one lap down, while Richie McCauley was two behind. Knud Jensen rode well to place eighth of twenty-nine finishers in the veteran’s race. (This report was delayed as Shane Stokes is at present working on the FBD Milk Ras) Giant NRS UK National Points Series XC #2 (E2): Elite Men: 1, Liam Killeen (Gary Fisher/Subaru) 1 hour 52 mins 39 secs; 2, B. Clarke (Giant Racing) at 2 mins 49 secs; 3, E. Baxter (Giant Racing) at 4 mins 36 secs Irish: 15, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 14 mins 20 secs; 34, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 26 mins 52 secs; 40, G. Kinning (XMTB) at 1 lap; 42, R. McCauley (WORC) at 2 laps Elite Women: 1, Jenny Copnall (Motorex/Bianchi) 1 hour 53 mins 56 secs; 2, Elizabeth Scalia (Bikes Ragusa) at 3 mins 54 secs; 3, J. McCauley (unattached-Ire) at 6 mins 14 secs Youth: 1, Thomas Jensen (Mi Racing/Peugeot - Ire) 56 mins 7 secs; 2, A. Atkins (Evans Cycles RT) at 1 min 20 secs; 3, W. Thompson (Bike Plus) at 1 min 57 secs Other Irish: 5, Andrew McCullough (Xmtb) at 6 mins 30 secs Juvenile: 1, David Fletcher (Newark Castle CC) 1 hour 1 min 48 secs; 2, A. Turner (Newark Castle CC) at 4 mins 21 secs; 3, A. Griffiths (Lee Valley Youth CC) Irish: 4, Chris Jensen (IMBRC) at 8 mins 56 secs Junior Men: 1, Ian Legg (Principia Racing Team) 1 hour 59 mins 31 secs; 2, L. Ferguson (XMTB - Ire) at 2 mins 6 secs; 3, R. Firth (MBUK/Scott USA) at 2 mins 24 secs Veteran men: 1, Mike Osbourne (Pulse 8/Podiumsport.co.uk) 1 hour 57 mins 2 secs; 2, K. Townsend (Climb on Bikes RT) at 3 mins 25 secs; 3, I. Wright (Pearce Cycles RT) at 12 min 4 secs Irish: 8, Knud Jensen (Mi Racing/Peugeot) at 14 mins 18 secs
Scanlon, a former world junior champion, finished in the main bunch on the next two stages and then consolidated his position in yesterday evening’s concluding 5.5 kilometre time trial in Creil, when he finished 13th, just 27 seconds behind the victorious Juan Carlos Dominguez of the Phonak team. That left him 28 seconds off the final time of race winner David Millar, taking twelfth in the highly-regarded 2.2 ranked event. Scanlon was best placed of the Ag2r team and with the squad being awarded a wildcard place in the Tour de France this morning, speculation is increasing that the Sligoman could find himself riding the world’s biggest cycling event this summer. If so, he would be the first Irishman to take part since 1993. Stage 1, Beauvais - Cayeux-sur-Mer: 1, Aurélien Clerc (Quick.Step-Davitamon) 158 kilometres in 3 hours 15 mins 43 secs (48.28 km/h); 2, S. O’Grady (Crédit Agricole); 3, J. Kirsipuu (Ag2r Prévoyance); 4, Y. Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago); 5, B. Cooke (FDJeux.com) Other: 53, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) Bonus sprints: Belleville, 41 km: 1, Bradley McGee (FDJeux.com) 3 pts; 2, D. Bramati (Quick.Step-Davitamon) 2 pts; 3, Scanlon Stage 2, Amiens – Laon: 189.5km: 1, Jérémy Hunt (MBK-Oktos-Saint-Quentin) 190 kilometres in 4 hours 21 mins 24 secs (43.49 km/h); 2, S. Van Dijk (Lotto-Domo); 3, J. Dean (Team CSC); 4, Cooke; 5, R. Hunter (Rabobank) all same time Other: 83, Scanlon, same time Stage 3, Laon - Nogent-sur-Oise: 1, Stefan Van Dijk (Lotto-Domo) 113 kilometres 2 hours 33 mins 41 secs; 2, Kirsipuu; 3, J. Dean (Team CSC); 4, Cooke; 5, Mitlushenko all same time Other: 44, Scanlon, same time Stage 4, Nogent-sur-Oise - Creil time trial: 1, Juan Carlos Dominguez (Phonak Hearing Systems) 5.5 kilometres in 7 mins 24 secs; 2, D. Millar (Cofidis) at 1 sec; 3, M. Rogers (Quick.Step) at 8 secs; 4, McGee, at 10 secs; 5, Hunter, at 15 secs Other: 13, Scanlon, 27 secs Final general classification: 1, David Millar (Cofidis) 10 hours 18 mins 20 secs; 2, Dominguez, at 2 secs; 3, McGee, at 9 secs; 4, Hunter, at 10 secs; 5, Rogers, at 11 secs Other: 12, Scanlon, at 28 secs OVERSEAS COMPETITORS ARRIVE FOR FBD MILK RAS: (By Shane Stokes May 16) With the FBD Milk Rás now just two days away, a large number of foreign riders have been arriving in advance of tomorrow evening’s sign-on. Chief amongst the teams likely to challenge for the honours in Ireland’s biggest cycling race is the Great Britain team of 2001 winner Paul Manning and Chris Newton, who took three stages and finished second overall last year. Others certain to figure are the four professional teams in the race, including the Bianchi Scandinavia team managed by former top professional Tommy Prim. The South African HSBC line-up have won stages and the mountains jersey in the past, while the Sportsbook.com and Team Down Under squads will also be in the thick of the hunt. The former Tour of Spain points leader Malcolm Elliott is another who will be a dangerman. He has made a comeback to racing this year and will be lining out with the London Irish team. The Irish charge is led by last year’s winner Ciarán Power and fellow US-based professional David O’Loughlin. Their two-pronged attack will be aided by team support from Tommy Evans, Andrew Donnellan and Vincent Gleeson. The FBD Milk Rás begins at 11 o’clock on Sunday, outside Dublin’s GPO, with the first stage travelling to Roscrea. The race is following a clockwise route which is chiefly based in the northwest of the country, with the crucial days likely to be the two tough stages in the Donegal mountains next Thursday and Friday. In total the world-ranked race is over 1150 kilometres in length and will be contested by 150 riders. The RTE/Telegael programme "Highlights of the FBD MILK RAS 2003" will be transmitted on Network 2, 23:05 Sunday 25th May (after The Sunday Game). IARNROD EIREANN AIM FOR COUNTY PRIZE: (By Shane Stokes May 14) The Dublin Iarnrod Eireann team is aiming for a strong performance in the FBD Milk Rás despite losing two of its strongest riders to the Irish team in recent weeks. Andrew Donnellan and Vincent Gleeson had been lined up to ride with the squad but were then called up by national team manager Frankie Campbell to compete as part of the Irish quintet, alongside Ciarán Power, David O’Loughlin and Tommy Evans. Dublin Iarnrod Eireann manager Liam Walker has nevertheless amassed a good squad, with Paul Griffin hoping to land a high overall placing in the 2.5 ranked international race, which starts this Sunday. Griffin was 9th in 2001. French-based John Dempsey, Kieran McMahon, Matthew Slattery and John Peppard will join Griffin in the team’s distinctive orange jerseys for the 8 day event, and will be targeting the best county team award. SCANLON 28TH IN DUNKIRK TIME TRIAL: (By Shane Stokes May 12) Mark Scanlon recorded another solid time trial result in the professional ranks, placing a fine 28th in the penultimate-stage time trial in the Four Days of Dunkirk on Sunday. The Ag2r professional finished one minute and 22 seconds off the pace set by the Frenchman Christophe Moreau, who had grabbed the race lead with a dominant ride on the previous day of the race, a mountainous stage to Boulogne Sur Mer. Scanlon had finished 52nd on that stage. The young Sligoman ended the race 12 minutes and 17 seconds behind Moreau, placing a solid 48th of the 110 finishers and continuing what has been an encouraging first few months in the professional ranks. The expectation is that the 22 year old will continue to gain strength and experience and reap the benefits in the coming months and years. Four Days of Dunkirk, stage three, Arras - Arques: 1, Jaan Kirsipuu (Ag2r-Prevoyance) 191 kilometres in 4 hours 30 mins 39 secs (42.43 km/h); 2, J. Dean (Team CSC); 3, J. Hunt (MBK-Oktos-Saint-Quentin) both same time Other: 90, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) at 27 secs Stage four, Wimereux - Boulogne sur Mer: 1, Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) 180 kilometres in 4 hours 35 mins 27 secs: 2, D. Rous (Brioches La Boulangère) same time; 3, P. Halgand (Jean Delatour) at 9 secs Other: 52, Scanlon, at 10 mins 16 secs Stage 5 time trial, Gravelines - Sivom de l'Aa: 1, Moreau (Credit Agricole) 19 kilometres in 23 mins 5 secs (49.38 km/h); 2, R. Bartko (Rabobank) at 25 secs; 3, D. Rous (Brioches La Boulangère) at 26 secs Other: 28, Scanlon, at 1 min 22 secs Stage 6, Gravelines – Dunkerque: 1, Jean-Patrick Nazon (Jean Delatour) 96 kilometres in 2 hours 2 mins 31 secs; 2, Y. Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet Colnago); 3, J. Kirsipuu (Ag2r) same time Other: 37, Scanlon, same time Final general classification: 1, Moreau; 2, Rous, at 29 secs; 3, L. Brochard (Ag2r) at 1 min 19 secs Other: 48, Scanlon, at 12 mins 17 secs. (110 finishers)
The Fiat LCV rider covered the course in 1 minute and 38 seconds, over half a second quicker than Elite winner John Lawlor. Popham was three and a half seconds faster than the next junior home, Andrew Smith. In other categories, Dave Egan was best of the senior entrants while Peter Popham and Michelle McCartney won the veteran and ladies races. Carl Young, Mark Nugent and Jason Murphy came out top in the masters, under 16 and under 14 contests. Cycling Ireland Downhill NPS round 2, Minaun Mountain, Waterford. Elite: 1, John Lawlor, 1 minute 38.64 secs; 2, N. Hogg, 1 minute 44.97 secs; 3, S. Lennon, 1 minute 46.41 secs; 4, A. Cogher, 1 minute 50.29 secs; 5, D. Callaghan, 1 min 51.51 secs; 6, A. Yoong, 1 min 59.06 secs Junior: 1, Jamie Popham, 1 min 38 secs; 2, A. Smith, 1 min 41.66 secs; 3, N. Davis, 1 min 48.16 secs; 4, A. Sweeney, 1 min 50.95 secs; 5, C. Kilmurray, 1 min 52.8 secs; 6, K. Quille, 1 min 53.72 secs Senior: 1, Dave Egan, 1 min 51.14 secs; 2, N. Hunt, 1 min 53 secs; 3, E. Beorsell, 1 min 53.57 secs; 4, J. O’Neill, 1 min 54.48 secs; 5, P. Loughane, 1 min 55.94 secs; 6, P. Driscoll, 1 min 59.1 secs Veterans: 1, Peter Popham, 2 mins 23.45 secs; 2, V. Bradley, 3 mins 2.95 secs Ladies: 1, Michell McCartney, 2 mins 29.75 secs; 2, A. Hogg, 2 mins 46.52 secs Masters: 1, Carl Young, 2 mins 4.96 secs; 2, A. Carson, 2 mins 12.35 secs; 3, S. Murphy, 2 mins 15.55 secs; 4, D. O’Toole, 2 mins 16.55 secs; 5, P. Whitney, 2 mins 20.76 secs; 6, M. Flynn, 2 mins 23.79 secs U 16: 1, Mark Nugent, 1 min 45.99 secs; 2, D. Quille, 1 min 46.3 secs; 3, G. Wolfe, 1 min 49.11 secs; 4, R. Smith, 1 min 51.81 secs; 5, G. O’Keefe, 1 min 54.9 secs; 6, S. Maginn, 1 min 56.83 secs U 14: 1, Jason Murphy, 1 min 53.796 secs; 2, D. Wolfe, 1 min 57.94 secs; 3, N. Wolfe, 2 min 5.26 secs; 4, P. Cummins, 2 mins 7.54 secs; 5, C. Lawlor, 2 mins 15.96 secs; 6, L. McTiernan, 2 mins 22.93 secs
EASTON TAKES PHOTO FINISH IN BALLYBOUGHAL: (By Shane Stokes May 11) Denis Easton (Totalcycling.com) outsprinted Cidona Carrick rider Joe Fenlon by the narrowest of margins today to win the Noel Hammond Memorial in Ballyboughal. The duo had reached the finish of the 83 mile Classic League race together with Usher IRC’s Shane Baker and Paddy Moriarty of Dublin Skip Hire, crossing the line some two minutes and twelve seconds clear of the next riders home.
The race began with the Senior 2 riders getting a small advantage over the A’s, and this first group stayed clear until after the first of seven laps was covered. At the top of the Nags Head climb on lap two Stephen O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand) and Usher IRC’s Greg Swinand bridged across, with the remainder of the Senior 1 riders close in pursuit, and shortly afterwards the race was all together. Once past the start-finish line, Scott McDonald of the promoting Orwell Wheelers team attacked, and was then joined by six other riders on the Nags Head. Paul Griffin (Earl of Desmond), Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers), plus Easton, Fenlon, Moriarty and Baker combined with McDonald to open up a considerable advantage on the main bunch. By the end of the lap, the septet were one minute clear of three pursuers – Ray Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand), Dave Smith (Naas Fig Rolls) and Brian Lennon (St. Tiernan’s), who was only now getting his season underway after injury disruptions. The bunch were two minutes back, and while the riders there eventually succeeded in reeling in the chasers, their disjointed effort meant that were unable to make any inroads into the lead of the front runners.
As time passed, it became more and more certain that the winner would come from the front group. Kenneally lost his place when he suffered a puncture on the fifth lap, Griffin did likewise soon afterwards and then McDonald faltered due to fatigue and cramp. That left four up front, and that is how they finished; in a hard-fought sprint, Easton lunged at the right moment to take the photo verdict ahead of a disappointed Fenlon. Baker and Moriarty took third and fourth, while Dave Peelo (Usher IRC) crossed the line two minutes and twelve seconds later for fifth, just ahead of Ray Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand), Mick Mulcahy (Usher IRC) and Martin O’Loughlin (Cidona Carrick).
Meanwhile, the inaugural Kieran Hammond memorial was won by former junior international cross-country runner Brian Keane (Dublin Wheelers), who broke clear of the bunch on the final ascent of the Nags Head and time trialled to a fine solo win. Keane finished twenty seconds clear of Totalcycling.com rider Colm Watson, who had outsprinted Comeragh’s Conor McGrath, the McNally Swords duo of Keith Daly and Sean Lally, plus the rest of the field. ‘I am delighted with this, it is my first real result,’ Keane said after the race. ‘I got a prize as second unplaced Senior 3 in Stamullen, but am going much better now. I have been doing club races for the past two weeks and this is really bringing me on. Hopefully things will keep progressing; I would love to be able to get an A licence by the end of the season.’ Keane started cycling several years ago but has only really begun concentrating on the sport in recent months. ‘I did cross-country running for years and developed an interest in cycling from watching the Tour de France on television. I used to get out once a week or so on the bike, but last August or September I started doing a bit more. I was out training around Howth by myself and met some lads from the club – they got me to come out on spins and things went on from there.’ Also riding strongly today was Louise Moriarty, who once again proved best of the women. The Dublin Skip Hire rider finished as part of the Senior 3/junior bunch, showing little fatigue after the track evaluation held in Orangefield yesterday. Emyvale’s Paul Brady took the unplaced junior prize, while John Shortt of McNally Swords team got the unplaced veteran’s award.
Noel Hammond Memorial, Ballyboughal (Classic League event, 83 miles): 1, Denis Easton (Total cycling.com); 2, J. Fenlon (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); 3, S. Baker (Usher IRC); 4, P. Moriarty (Dublin Skip Hire) all same time; 5, D. Peelo (Usher IRC) at 2 mins 12 secs; 6, R. Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand); 7, M. Mulcahy (Usher IRC); 8, M. O’Loughlin (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) all same time; 9, R. Hooker (UCD) at 3 mins 1 sec; 10, A. Hedderman (Cycleways Lee Strand) at 3 mins 15 secs Kieran Hammond Memorial (senior 3, juniors, veterans and ladies): 1, Brian Keane (Dublin Wheelers); 2, C. Watson (Totalcycling.com) at 20 secs; 3, C. McGrath (Comeragh Wheelers); 4, K. Daly (McNally Swords): 5, S. Lally (McNally Swords); 6, O. McQuaid (Emerald) all same time First woman: Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip Hire); unplaced junior: Paul Brady (McQuaid Tyres/Emyvale); veteran: John Shortt (McNally Swords) Surgenor Cup time trial, Randalstown: 1, Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC); 26 miles in 58 mins 48 secs; 2, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) and G. McKeegan (Team Madigan) at 1 hour 1 min 28 secs; 4, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC) 1 hour 1 min 28 secs; 5, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) 1 hour 2 mins 34 secs; 6, R. Bankhead (Ballymena Scott RC) 1 hour 2 mins 38 secs First Junior: Chris McCaughan (Ballymena Scott RC). Women: 1, Mary McKee (Phoenix CC) 17 miles in 50 mins 8 secs; 2, Mary Boyd (Roe Valley CC) 53 mins 23 secs; 3, Ann McFarland (Omagh Wheelers) 55 mins 15 secs. Under 16: 1, William Barr (Ballymena Scott RC) 17 miles in 49 mins 19 secs; 2, M. Robb (Old Bleach CC) 51mins 3 secs; 3, A. Macauley (Team Madigan) 53mins 1 sec. TWO PODIUM PLACES FOR SEYMOUR: (By Shane Stokes May 11) Irish mountainbike champion Robin Seymour jumped closer to Olympic qualification when he placed third in both E1-ranked cross-country events held in Kissavos, Greece, this weekend. Seymour rode strongly to take thirty UCI ranking points in each of the races, adding to the total accumulated by him thus far this season. He thus moves closer to a year-end world ranking which will gain Ireland a place in Athens 2004. Seymour will be delighted with the results, but will also be rueing the puncture today which cost him second place. Today’s race was also marked also a fine ride by Ireland’s other entrant, Richie McCauley, who bounced back from the broken chain he suffered yesterday to place seventh in this afternoon’s contest. The result means that he takes his first world ranking points of the season. Both races had over 100 starters. Romanian rider Todi Oprea was first across the line on both occasions, with Konstantine Simelidis of Greece finishing second yesterday and Szilard Buruczhi (Hungary) making it past Seymour today when the 32 year-old Wicklowman suffered his puncture. SCANLON IN MAIN BUNCH IN DUNKIRK: (By Shane Stokes May 8) Ag2r professional Mark Scanlon finished in the main bunch on the opening two stages of the Four Days of Dunkirk cycling race in Northern France. Scanlon crossed the line 110th on yesterday’s 190 kilometre opening stage to Roost-Warendin, won by Jean Delatour’s Frédérick Finot ahead of Scanlon’s team-mate Stephane Berges. The main bunch finished 2 minutes and 5 seconds behind the two leaders, who had broken away 30 kilometres into the stage. The young Sligoman crossed the line today in the same time as the winner Lars Michaelson (Team CSC), placing 108th on the 201 kilometre stage, and is currently in the same position overall. Finot continues to lead the race. In direct contradiction with the title, the Four Days of Dunkirk is actually five days long. It finishes on Sunday with two split stages. Four Days of Dunkirk, France (2.1): Stage 1, Dunkirk - Roost-Warendin: 1, Frédéric Finot (Jean Delatour) 190 kilometres in 4 hours 35 mins 34 secs (41.26 km/h); 2, S. Berges (Ag2r-Prevoyance) same time; 3, T. Steels (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) at 2 mins 5 secs; 4, Y. Mitlushenko (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago); 5, L. Brochard (Ag2r) both same time Other: 110, M. Scanlon (Ag2r) same time Stage 2, Sin-le-Noble – Bapaume: 1, Lars Michaelsen (Team CSC) 201 kilometres in 4 hours 16 mins 55 secs; 2, J. Kirsipuu (Ag2r-Prevoyance); 3, R. Kemna (BankGiroLoterij Cycling Team); 4, Mitlushenko; 5, S. O’Grady (Credit Agricole) all same time Other: 108, Scanlon, same time General classification after stage 2: 1, Finot, 8 hours 52 mins 13 secs; 2, Berges, at 6 secs; 3, Michaelson, at 2 mins 11 secs; 4, Kirsipuu, at 2 mins 15 secs; 5, Kemna, at 2 mins 17 secs Other: 108, Scanlon, at 2 mins 21 secs DEIGNAN, LYNCH RIDE WELL IN U23 L-B-L: (By Shane Stokes May 8) The young Irish rider Philip Deignan rode strongly in the recent under 23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège World Cup race in Belgium, placing 25th in the tough 180 kilometre event. Denis Lynch finished in the same three-man to take a similarly encouraging 27th. The Team Ireland duo were 3 minutes and 40 seconds off the pace set by Johan Vansummeren (Quick-Step-Latexco), who outsprinted his team-mate Jurgen Van den Broeck and Rabobank’s Pieter Weening. There were no other Irish finishers but CI president PJ Nolan was nevertheless happy with the ride. ‘Having two finishers was no disgrace as the standard was very high and there was a howling wind blowing. Roger Aitken also rode very well and was only dropped from the leading group on the La Redoute climb. The other Irish riders were Gary Crory, Micheal Concannon, Nicholas Roche, Mark Quigley and Paidi O’Brien, who was unlucky to puncture out of the main group after 100 kilometres. There were 180 starters and 80 finishers, with 20 international teams taking part.’ The Team Ireland team then went on to ride the Tour of Flanders, where Deignan was again the leading finisher in 47th. He was part of a 45 man group sprinting for 18th place, some 4 minutes and 57 seconds behind Quick Step’s Wim De Vocht, Rabobank’s Rory Sutherland and William Frischkorn of the USA squad. Nicolas Roche was the only other Irish rider listed as finishing, crossing the line 12 minutes and 4 seconds down and placing 85th. The riders stayed in the new Team Ireland house in Merchtem, which was chosen by Sean Kelly. Kelly was there last week and, Nolan says, was happy with the set-up. ‘He said that the Team Ireland project had good location, good accommodation and a good support team. Elite rider Kurt Bogaerts is acting as the co-ordinator for the project.’ Nolan pointed out that the Team Ireland facility is available for riders to use. Those interested should contact Cycling Ireland at 8551522 and speak to either Cara or Brendan. Liège-Bastogne-Liège (U23, 1.7.1 World Cup event) Belgium, May 1, 2003: 1, Johan Vansummeren (Quick-Step-Latexco) 180 kilometres in 4 hours 27 mins (40.449 km/h); 2, J. Van den Broeck (Quick-Step-Latexco); 3, P. Weening (Rabobank) same time Other: 25, P. Deignan (Team Ireland) at 3 mins 40 secs; 27, D. Lynch (Team Ireland) same time Tour of Flanders (U23, 1.7.1 World Cup event), Belgium, May 4, 2003: 1, Wim De Vocht (Quick Step-Davitamon-Latexco) 160 kilometres in 4 hours 5 mins; 2, R. Sutherland (Rabobank); 3, W. Frischkorn (USA) both same time Other: 47, P. Deignan (Team Ireland) at 4 mins 57; 85, N. Roche (Team Ireland) at 12 mins 4 secs NOEL HAMMOND/KIERAN HAMMOND MEMORIAL RACES: (By Shane Stokes May 8) The final major race before the FBD Milk Rás takes place this Sunday with the holding of the Noel Hammond Classic league event in Ballyboghal. The event will give a major insight into the identities of those who should be riding well in the Rás, which starts on Sunday May 18th in Dublin. Defending Rás champion Ciarán Power is one of many who will line out in Ballyboghal. The Navigators professional is back from competing on the European and US circuits, and is at the moment recovering from a particularly hard block of racing. ‘I haven’t touched my bike all week but will go out on a couple of easy spins and then race on Sunday,’ he confirmed. The combined senior A and B race will take in 7 laps of the undulating 12 mile circuit, while the senior 3, junior, veteran and ladies race will be disputed over 5. This latter event has been renamed the Kieran Hammond Memorial race, in memory of the amicable Orwell Wheelers rider who ran the show in recent years. One change to the races is that the finish line will be situated on the straight road before the left turn into Ballyboghal. ‘A couple of small speed ramps have been put on the main road,’ said Aidan Hammond of Orwell Wheelers. ‘They will be fine during the race but we thought it was best to move the finish back slightly.’ The race headquarters will be situated in the local GAA hall, as per usual. More information can be obtained from Aidan at 01 8431056. BARRY WINS LAST MAJOR STAGE RACE BEFORE FBD MILK RAS: (By Shane Stokes May 5) Cidona Carrick Wheelers’ Timmy Barry today highlighted his good form in the run up to this month’s FBD Milk Rás when he repeated his 2001 victory in the Tour of Ulster. The Corkman became only the sixth rider in 47 years to win the contest twice, inheriting the yellow jersey without a struggle when the overnight leader Denis Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Ford) failed to start the stage. Easton’s manager cited personal reasons for the no-show, but the dissatisfied race organisers have withheld his prize money pending a report to Cycling Ireland on the matter. Today’s concluding 80 mile stage went to the Northern Dave Kane Cycles rider Brian Stewart, who jumped clear with six others at the start of the day’s race. Two riders were dropped on the first prime at Primate’s Wall, leaving Stewart, Keith Gallagher (Orchard Wheelers), Shane Baker (Usher IRC), Mark Power (Carrick Cidona) and Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man of Man) up front. Stewart and Gallagher were doing the most work but the former was still able to place first in each of the day’s King of the Hills primes. He was clearly also keeping a little bit of strength for the finale, as after Andrew Donnellan (Dublin Wheelers), Derek Cunningham (Bray Wheelers), and Mick Mulcahy (Usher IRC) got across to their group, Stewart went clear in a four man group with Gallagher, Mulcahy and Donnellan and outsprinted them to win the stage. Barry finished as part of the main bunch some 31 seconds later and ended the race 2 minutes and 7 seconds ahead of his resurgent team-mate Brian Kenneally, who has wasted little time in getting back to top form after his layoff from the bike. Tour of Ulster stage 3, Craigavon: 1, Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) 80 miles in 3 hours 24 mins 35 secs; 2, K. Gallagher (Orchard Wheelers); 3, M. Mulcahy (Usher IRC); 4, A. Donnellan (Dublin Wheelers) all same time; 5, M. Cavendish (Isle of Man) at 11 secs; 6, D. Cunningham (North Kildare CC) same time; 7, B. Ahern (Newbridge CC) at 27 secs; 8, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) same time; 9, E. Moriarty (Cycleways Lee Strand A) at 31 secs; 10, E. O’Donoghue (Usher IRC) same time Final General Classification: 1, Timmy Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) 10 hours 34 mins 42 secs; 2, B. Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) at 2 mins 7 secs; 3, E. O’Donoghue (Usher IRC) at 2 mins 20 secs; 4, E. Moriarty (Cycleways Lee Strand A) at 3 mins 5 secs; 5, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) at 4 mins 37 secs; 6, S. O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand A) at 5 mins 25 secs; 7, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) at 8 mins 10 secs; 9, M. O'Loughlin (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) at 10 mins 48 secs; 10, P. Finnegan (Cycleways Lee Strand A) at 10 mins 52 secs. Vredstein King of the Hills: 1, S. O'Sullivan 32; 2, B. Stewart 31; 3, T. Barry 18. Under 23: Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland). 2nd cat: Brendan O'Brien (Classic Walls); 2, M. McLeavy (Dublin Skip) at 1 min 2 secs; 3, D. Lynch (Bray Wheelers) same time Team: Carrick Cidona 31 hours 57 mins 39 secs; 2, Cycleways A at 6 mins 8 secs; 3, Usher IRC at 19 mins 40 secs. HAMMOND BEST IN CORKMAN THREE DAY: (By Shane Stokes May 5) Orwell Wheelers’ Aidan Hammond used his strong time trial abilities as the basis for a fine win in the recent Corkman 3 Day, leaping to the head of the classification with a dominant 16 second victory in the second-stage 3.5 mile test. The opening stage of the race was won by Kanturk Credit Union rider Willie Curtin, who was highly motivated to succeed in his home event. Curtin finished one second clear of Staggs Lucan rider Fergus Whelan and Killorglin’s Barry Woods at the end of the 42 mile stage, with Joe Magill (Walls Cycles), Hammond and Cathal Keane (Galway Bay CC) a further five seconds back. Hammond vaulted from fifth up to first with a 30.7 miles per hour ride in the time trial, finishing well clear of Gorey 3 day stage winner Mark Colbert (Tile Choice), Killorglin’s Eoin Concannon and the rest of the field. Gorey champion Theo Hardwick was back in 7th place, 25 seconds down. Hammond successfully defended his lead in stage three, having enough in hand to protect his jersey from a solo charge by Emmet Hogan. The Galway Bay rider finished 27 seconds clear of the other contenders. Willie Curtin again came out on top on the final stage, beating Woods, Emyvale’s Paul Brady and the other riders in the mass gallop for the line. That left Hammond at the top of the GC, taking a fine win ahead of Woods and Harwick and, with it, earning an upgrade to a first category licence. Corkman 3 Day stage 1: 1, Willie Curtin (Kanturk Credit Union) 42 miles in 1 hour 43 mins 42 secs (24.3 mph); 2, F. Whelan (Staggs Lucan) at 1 sec; 3, B. Woods (Killorglin Credit Union) same time; 4, J. Magill (Walls Cycles) at 6 secs; 5, A. Hammond (Orwell Wheelers); 6, C. Keane (Galway Bay CC) both same time Stage 2: 1, Aidan Hammond (Orwell Wheelers) 3.5 mile time trial in 6 mins 51.09 secs (30.7 mph); 2, M. Colbert (Tile Choice) at 16.75 secs; 3, E. Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union) at 17.61 secs; 4, P. Brady (Emyvale) at 20.88 secs; 5, A. Meehan (Naas) at 24.12 secs; 6, Woods, at 24.24 secs; 7, T. Hardwick (Killorglin Credit Union) at 25.61 secs; 8, D. O’Shea (Killarney CC) at 26.2 secs; 9, M. Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) at 29.76 secs; 10, R.Cullen (Autoview) at 30.15 secs Stage 3: 1, Emmet Hogan (Galway Bay CC) 50 miles in 2 hours 7 mins 46 secs (23.6 mph); 2, D. Finnegan (Navan Avonmore) at 27 secs; 3, Colbert; 4, Curtin; 5, Hardwick; 6, F. Duncan (Northern CC) all same time Stage 4: 1, Curtin, 47 miles in 1 hour 59 mins 29 secs (23.7 mph); 2, Woods; 3, Brady; 4, R. Maes (Killarney CC); 5, J. Murphy (Fermoy); 6, A. Reade (Galway Bay) all same time Final overall: 1, Hammond, 5 hours 58 mins 21 secs; 2, Woods, at 19 secs; 3, Hardwick, at 31 secs; 4, J. Dillon (Ravens CC) at 36 secs; 5, Concannon, same time; 6, Curtin, at 38 secs; 7, O’Shea, at 45 secs; 8, Cassidy, at 48 secs; 9, S. McIlroy (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) at 49 secs; 10, Cullen, same time Overall team: 1, Killorglin Credit Union, 17 hours 56 mins 6 secs; 2, Killarney CC, at 1 min 50 secs; 3, Autoview, at 2 mins 3 secs (We unfortunately did not receive results for the underage competitions.) POPHAM WINS BRITISH NPS DOWNHILL: (By Shane Stokes May 4) Jamie Popham today became the first ever Irish junior to win a British Downhill National Points Series event. The Fiat LCV Racing cyclist won the opening round of the series in Combe Sydenham, North Somerset by 1.2 seconds, beating 55 other juniors in the race. O’DONOGHUE IN YELLOW AFTER TOU STAGE ONE: (By Shane Stokes May 4) Eddie O’Donoghue overcame gusting, wet conditions and the efforts of all his main rivals to win the 98 miles opening stage of the UCPC Tour of Ulster yesterday. The Usher IRC rider had been part of a nine man group which went clear ten miles after the start at the Cycling Ulster Centre of Excellence/Craigavon Watersports Centre, and after taking the KOM primes at Armagh and Crankey, he and his breakaway companions were joined by five reinforcements. With many of the main field suffering in the awful conditions and being further hindered by a spate of punctures, the leaders were able to maintain their advantage all the way to the 3.6 mile finishing circuit in Downpatrick, and beyond. Split by this stage into four groups, O’Donoghue proved fastest of the three front runners at the end of the race, with 2001 Tour of Ulster winner Tim Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) and Total Cycling.com/Lindsay Ford’s Denis Easton next to finish. Just over two minutes later, Brian Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) led home Gary Cranston (East Antrim CC), with the remnants of the break finishing further back and the bunch itself over eleven minutes down. Seventh on the stage was Cycleways Lee Strand rider Stephen O’Sullivan, who holds the King of the Mountains jersey going into the second day of the race today. EASTON ON TOP IN TOUR OF ULSTER: (By Shane Stokes May 4) Total Cycling.com rider Denis Easton took over the lead in the Tour of Ulster today when he won the 80 mile second stage from Downpatrick to Craigavon. The TotalCycling.com rider was fastest in the five man sprint which decided the 80 mile stage, pushing Conor Murphy (Crannog Monaghan) and Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways Lee Strand A) into the lesser placings in the gallop for the line. The rain-lashed stage had seen a twelve man group go clear at the start, enabling King of the Mountains leader Stephen O’Sullivan to fortify his lead with prime wins at Castlewellan and Hilltown. A partial regroupment saw the front group swell to 24 riders, after which Northern Dave Kane rider Brian Stewart attacked and led the race for some time. After his recapture, Barry made a solo move and opened up a lead of over one minute. Following the KOH at Keady Mountain, he was reeled in by four chasers who all combined well to further distance the yellow jersey of Eddie O’Donoghue (Usher IRC), and to ensure the stage win would be fought out between them. In the dash for the line, it was Easton who proved faster than Murphy, Moriarty, Barry and Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers), taking the five seconds winner’s bonus and edging ahead of Barry, who had been second yesterday. The race concludes tomorrow with a 76 mile final stage which starts and finishes in Craigavon. Tour of Ulster stage one, Craigavon – Downpatrick: 1, Eddie O’Donoghue (Usher IRC) 95 miles in 3 hours 42 mins 46 secs; 2, T. Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) at 2 secs; 3, D. Easton (Total Cycling.com/Lindsay Ford) same time; 4, B. Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) at 2 mins 3 secs; 5, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC) same time; 6, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) at 2 mins 48 secs; 7, S. O’Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand A) same time; 8, E. Moriarty (Cycleways Lee Strand A) at 3 mins 2 secs; 9, E. Baxter (Isle of Man) at 3 mins 34 secs; 10, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) at 5 mins 3 secs Primes: KOM Cat 2, Armagh: E. O’Donoghue; KOM Cat 3, Crankey: O’Donoghue; KOM Cat 3, 7 Sisters: S. O’Sullivan; KOM Cat 1, Castlewellan: O’Sullivan; KOM Cat 3, Ardglas: O’Sullivan (KOM leader: O’Sullivan) Tour of Ulster Stage 2, Downpatrick-Craigavon: 1, Denis Easton (Total Cycling.com/Lindsay Ford) 80 miles in 3 hours 27 mins 8 secs; 2, C. Murphy (Crannog Monaghan); 3, Moriarty; 4, Barry; 5, Kenneally, all same time; 6, O'Donoghue at 2 mins 23 secs; 7, M. O’Loughlin (Cidona Carrick); 8, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC); 9, M. Slattery (Earl of Desmond); 10, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane CC) all same time General Classification after stage 2: 1, D. Easton 7 hours 9 mins 31 secs; 2, Barry, at 5 secs; 3, Kenneally, at 2 mins 12 secs; 4, O’Donoghue, at 2 mins 26 secs; 5, Moriarty, at 3 mins 12 secs; 6, Cranston at 4 mins 40 secs; 7, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) at 5 mins 28 secs; 8, O’Sullivan at 5 mins 30; 9, Murphy at 8 mins 22 secs; 10, O’Loughlin at 10 mins 53 secs Points: 1, Easton, 15 points; 2, C. Murphy, 12; 3, E. Moriarty, 10 Vredstein King of the Hills: 1, Stephen O'Sullivan, 32 points; 2, T. Barry, 18; 3, B. Stewart, 13. Under 23: Conor Murphy. 2nd cat.: B. O'Brien (Classic Walls). Team: Cidona Carrick STRONG FOREIGN CHALLENGE FOR FBD MILK RAS: (By Shane Stokes May 2) FBD Milk Rás race organiser Dermot Dignam has released details of an intimidating foreign contingent for this year’s race, with a large number of strong teams hoping to carry off the spoils. Dignam highlights a national selection from Kazakhstan as perhaps the biggest threat to Irish hopes, with the Great Britain team also sure to be one of the most prominent in the 8 day Irish tour. This quintet will be led by the 2001 winner Paul Manning and the current world points champion Chris Newton, who took three stages in last year’s race and finished second overall. Former top professional Tommy Prim will manage the first of four pro teams in the race, the Bianchi Scandinavia line-up, which is travelling from Sweden. Prim twice finished second in the Tour of Italy and will bring a wealth of tactical experience to the squad. Team HSBC and Team Down Under will fly in from South Africa and Australia respectively, while the Sportsbook.com pro lineup is coming over from America. There will also be a number of teams from Germany, Denmark and Britain in the 150-rider race. The British national champion and Team Fakta professional Julian Winn will aim to repeat his 2000 victory when he lines out at the head of the Welsh national selection. The world-ranked FBD Milk Rás starts on May 18th and runs until the 25th. |
POPHAM WINS NPS DOWNHILL
ROUND TWO: (By Shane Stokes May 27)
Promising young talent Jamie Popham extended his lead at the top of the British
Junior Dowhill NPS in Ae Forest on Sunday when he followed up his opening-round
win with another excellent victory.
IRISH PERFORM WELL IN
MANCHESTER TRACK MEET: (By Shane Stokes May
21)
Irish riders had a good showing in the Murphy Gunn/Tilechoice Manchester Track
Meet at the weekend, with several fine performances in different events.
Tilechoice duo John Blackwell and Keith Bannon rode to victory in two events,
the devil points race and the six lap scratch respectively, with their team-mate
Willie Curtin second in the latter contest. Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip) and
Gillian Darby (Tilechoice) were first and second in the ladies scratch race, and
also took part in some of the men’s events.
SCANLON
TAKES BEST RESULT OF PROFESSIONAL CAREER: (By Shane Stokes May
19)
22 year old Mark Scanlon has taken the best result of his professional career,
finishing twelfth in the highly-ranked Tour de Picardie in France. The first
year pro rode strongly throughout the mainly flat three day event, nabbing a one
second time bonus on the opening stage and thus ending the day twelfth overall.
POPHAM’S GOOD FORM
CONTINUES: (By Shane Stokes May 11)
Jamie Popham continued in the vein of form which won him the junior race in the
opening round of the British National Points Series in North Somerset last
weekend when he was fastest yesterday in the Irish NPS round two at Minaun
Mountain, Waterford.
