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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
Ireland team-mates David McCann and Sean Downey are hoping to have a good performance in the FBD R�s, which begins today with a 125 kilometre stage from Kilcullen to Wexford.
While 2004 winner McCann said that he is not specifically targeting the race, he stated that his condition is good and that he thinks he will be a factor at some point during the week.
�Things are going pretty well,� he told Irishcycling.com. �The R�s isn't one of my main goals for this year as I really want to finish out the year with a strong August, September and October. But I seem to be in pretty good shape anyway, and staying healthy.
�After the heat in the Jelajah Malaysia race, I went on holiday with the family in Italy and had 8 days off the bike. My legs have been a bit sluggish after that but they seem to be coming around now.�
For now, he�s not talking about the overall classification. Of course, that could change if he finds himself in the right moves. �I'd like to manage a stage win. It is a pretty flat route this year so it will be quite a tactical race. But if the legs are good, I will be up there.�
Eighteen year old team-mate Downey is riding the race for the first time. He impressed as a junior, placing 24th in last year�s worlds, being national time trial champion for that age group for two years and also wining the Trophee Franco � Suisse last year. His Senior debut has gone very well, netting him a time trial victory in the Tour of the North plus the overall classification of the Tour of Ulster.
That means he will head to the race with an ambitious outlook. �I�m not too sure what the team goals are, but I would really like a top three in a stage or even a win,� he said recently. �There is no pressure on me as I am still young and still have a lot of learning to do. But you never know what will happen, As for the general classification, I will wait and see.�
McCann is predicting a hard-fought event due to the nature of the course. �The team with the most strength in depth should come out ahead,� he stated. �I think the time gaps may be small at the end of the week and a pretty close race. Rapha Condor look to be the strongest squad on paper, although Pinarello [CandiTV � Marshall�s Pasta] have Russell Downing who is very strong at the minute/. It could well ride only for him from the start.�
McCann has ridden many editions of the R�s, and has a lot of experience. Downey�s at the opposite end of the scale, still learning due to his young age. He�s finished his stint with the UCI�s World Cycling Centre in Aigle and will now head elsewhere in order to continue progressing.
�Some time after the R�s I am heading to France and going to VC La Pomme. I am really looking forward to that because of the Irish lads have gone to this team, went through the ranks and got on to ProTour teams. That�s something that I really want to do.�
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Follow the progress of Downey, McCann and the rest of the FBD R�s riders on this website. We�ll be bringing you Live Updates again this year, with a streamlined version available on www.Twitter.com/FBDRas.
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