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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
IRISH SHINE IN UNDER 23 LIEGE BASTOGNE LIEGE CLASSIC
By Shane Stokes
3 May 2004,
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Young Irish riders Philip Deignan and Nicolas Roche showed their potential when they finished well to the fore at the end of the under 23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège in Belgium yesterday. The duo were part of an eight man group sprinting for sixth place, 1 minute and 46 seconds behind the winner Samoilav Branislav (US Palazzago Vellutex). Deignan finished eighth and Roche eleventh, fine performances which bode well for their future in cycling.
The day marked a good ride in general by the Irish team, with four riders in the top thirty. Tim Cassidy (22nd) and Paídi O’Brien (29th) also impressed, finishing in a large group contesting 19th place. This 25 man bunch was just 17 seconds behind that of Deignan and Roche.
All four Irish riders are part of the VC La Pomme setup in Marseille, from which Mark Scanlon has already progressed to the professional ranks. Hopes are high that the other VC La Pomme riders may follow the same route in the future.
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Under 23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Belgium (1.7.1) :
1, Samoilav Branislav (US Palazzago Vellutex) 178.5 kilometres in 4 hours 34 mins (39.088 km/h)
2, Mads Christensen (Team Ph Denmark) at 30 secs
3, Laurent Arn (Hadimec) at 1 min 26 secs
4, Dominique Cornu (Palmans Colstrop) at 1 min 34 secs
5, Saul Raisin (USA National Team) at 1 min 35 secs
6, Tom Leezer (Dutch National Team) at 1 min 46 secs
7, Domenico Agosta (US Palazzago Vellutex)
8, Philip Deignan (Hibernian Team Ireland)
9, Luca Zanasca (US Palazzago Vellutex)
10, Sylvain Cheval (Cote D' Armor Maitre)
11, Nicolas Roche (Hibernian Team Ireland)
Other Irish: 22, Tim Cassidy, at 2 mins 3 secs
29, P. O’Brien, same time
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