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POWER 21st ON THIRD STAGE OF TOUR DE POITOU-CHARENTES: (By Shane Stokes Aug 31) St. Quentin-Oktos professional Ciaran Power yesterday finished 21st on the third stage of the Tour de Poitou-Charentes race in France, sprinting home as part of the main bunch which finished 49 seconds behind stage winner Jimmy Casper. Festina's Andy Flickinger was second on the stage, crossing the line in the same time as Casper. Power had previously finished 81st and 25th on the first two stages of the 2.4 ranked race. After considerable misfortune this year, the Irish professional is aiming for a strong end-of-season, with the forthcoming Tour de L'Avenir one of his biggest goals. McCann Breaks 10 record again: (By Jim Trainor Aug 30) David McCann (CCC-Mat) broke the Irish 10-miles time-trial record on the Ballydonaghy course yesterday evening. The Belfast professional, who rode his first World Cup event, the GP Zurich, at the weekend, recorded 19.38.13 on the Glenavy - Nutts Corner road. Three weeks ago McCann bettered Tommy Evans existing record of 19.59 but it is doubtful if all the necessary condition for an official record were in place. However, aware of the possibility of a repeat, the promoters of this round of the Dave Kane League had all the necessary officials in place with three timekeepers and a commissaire. Paul Kane (Northern Dave kane) was second in 21.16 and Irish 10 miles champion Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) was third in 21.20. European U23 Road Race Championships: (By Shane Stokes Aug 26) Mark Scanlon recorded one of the most impressive performances since his 1998 junior world title when he finished 10th in the time trial at the under 23 European championships in Brittany. The 20 year old Sligoman had been as high as third in the early stages, but the effects of cramp saw him slow towards the end of the 32 kilometre test and finish 1 minute and 28 seconds behind Manuel Quinziato of Italy. Following the display, hopes were high that he would ride well in today's road race but he finished just behind the main bunch of riders in 72nd place, with fellow Irish rider Dermot Nally 3 places better. Denis Lynch, who had finished 35th in the time trial, was 111th while Gary McQuaid crashed out. There was better news from the world veteran championships in Austria, where Cormac McCann Snr was an excellent tenth. The Belfastman, father of Irish professional David, crossed the line in a small chasing group behind five leaders. And in England, Susan O'Mara finished fifth in the curiously-titled Moscow Gallop in Scotland.
Back home, French based rider Thomas Hogan proved quickest of the front runners at the end of the national under 23 championships in Batterstown. Hogan pipped first-year senior Conor Murphy to inherit the crown won last year by David O'Loughlin, with Sean Dempsey securing bronze ahead of Daniel Lynch. <See Pictures Here> In the junior event, Fair City actor Niall O'Shea won his first road race in style when he took the national title with a powerful solo attack. The Cycleways rider, who started competing as a mountain bike competitor, jumped clear inside the final ten miles and opened out a comfortable lead. Silver went to Cian Power 20 seconds later, with Paudi O'Brien redisplaying his finishing speed in taking third a further 15 seconds behind. <See Pictures Here> Finally, Sean Bracken showed his continuing dominant form when he won his first veteran's title. The Usher IRC rider beat Norman Cambell to take gold in the 52 mile race, with Brendan Graham next home. <See Pictures Here> European under 23 championships, time trial: 1, Manuel Quinziato (Italy) 32 kilometres in 39 mins 3.44 secs; 2, A. Bespalov (Russia) at 20.94 secs; 3, S. Lang (Germany) at 30.04 secs. IRISH: 10, Mark Scanlon at 1 min 27.87 secs; 35, Denis Lynch at 2 mins 41.01 secs European under 23 champs, road race: 1, Giampaolo Caruso (Italie) 164 kilometres in 3 h 50 mins 53 secs; 2, E. Baumann (Germany) at 9 secs; 3, Roman Luhovyy (Ukraine) same time. IRISH: 69, Dermot Nally, at 18 secs; 72, Mark Scanlon, same time; 111, Denis Lynch, at 4 mins 14 secs Irish
under 23 championships: 1, Thomas Hogan (CC
Plancote) 78 miles in 3 hours 5 mins 12 secs; 2, C.
Murphy (McKenna Fireplaces); 3, S. Dempsey (Clonmel); 4,
D. Lynch (Kanturk); 5, S. Prendergast (Cahills Naas); 6,
G. Corey (Newry) all same time ICF Track League - results after 6 events: Dublin
Skip Senior Track Bike League: 1, Shane Prendergast
(Naas) 30 points; 2, P. Doyle (unattached) 29; 3, Mark
Colbart (Usher IRC) 19; 3, K. Bannon (Naas) 19
HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Jim Traynor Aug 25) Paul Griffin (unattached) rode up the 1.2 miles climb of the Spelga Pass in the Mournes with a time of 4 minutes, 55.38 seconds, 18 seconds faster than anyone else to take the Irish HIll Climb Championship, promoted by the UCPC. It was the closest of races for the silver medal, '2000 Irish 10 miles TT champion Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) fractionally faster (5.13..91 to 5.13..94 ) than Tommy Evans (La Pomme) home for a few days holiday from racing in France with the Team Ireland project. Evans, who won a 3-day event in France last weekend returns to France today (Monday) and has a 4-day event this coming weekend. Irish Hillclimb Championship, Spelga Pass, 1.2m.: 1, Paul Griffin (unatt.) 4.55.38; 2, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls RT) 5.13.91; 3, T. Evans (La Pomme) 5.13.94; 4, A. Buckley (Limerick) 5.15.86; 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) 5.20.67; 6, B. Doherty (Provision) 5.24.06; 7, G. Kinning (XMTB) 5.32.69 (firist junior); 8, B. Graham (Provision) 5.35.12 (first veteran); 9, M. Kiernan (Provision) 5.35.68; 10, I. Robinson (Ards CC) 5.37.84. Team: Provision: B. Doherty; B. Graham, M. Kiernan. First under 14: Adam Petrie-Armstrong (Northern Dave Kane) 6.35.83. First under 12: Alastair Fiddes (Orchard Whs.) 9.42.94. TOMMY GIVEN CUP: In the Tommy Given Cup 50 miles time-trial at Lisburn, Jim McConnell, who won the NICF NI 50 championship last weekend, won by 7 minutes from Ashley Patterson (Northern Dave Kane) with Ian Graham (unattached) third. First time-through Nutts Corner roundabout at 18 miles Ryan Hamilton (Maryland Whs.) led with 39.01 to the 39.23 of Paul Kane (Northern Dave Kane) with McConnell at 39.30. However both Hamilton and Kane pulled out, both with back problems, leaving McConnell a clear run. The event incorporated the UCF 50 championship and the UCF Vets championship, the former going to Patterson while Martin Birney (maryland Whs.), who was fourth overall was the best vet. Northern just beat Phoenix by 29 seconds in the team race, Lisa Rodgers being their third counter, just37 seconds faster than her father Alan. Tommy Givan Cup 50 miles TT, Knockmore, Lisburn: 1, Jim McConnell (Kings Moss) 1.56.36; 2, A. Patterson (Northern Dave Kane) 2.04.05; 3, I. Graham (unatt.) 2.04.23; 4, M. Birney (Maryland Whs.) 2.04.44; 5, C. White (Northern Dave Kane) 2.7.14; 6, B. McCourt (Phoenix CC) 2.7.55; 7, B. McCartan (Phoenix CC) 2.9.39; 8, J. McKeown (Phoenix CC) 2.9.51; 9, B. Ellis (Phoenix CC) 2.15.30; 10, J. Whitly (Phoenix CC) 2.16.29. First Lady: Lisa Rodgers (Northern Dave Kane) 2.23.12. First team: Northern Dave Kane Cycles: A. Patterson, C. White; L. Rodgers. Kilnaleck GP: 1, Paul Healion (Usher IRC) ; 2, B. Monaghan (Provision) ; 3, C. Bracken (Usher IRC) ; 4, P. Griffin (unattached) ; 5, K. McMahon (unattached) ; 6, P. Dunne (Navan Avonmore) 1st senior 2: Frank O'Leary (Navan Avonmore); 1st Jnr: Alan Fitzpatrick (Navan Avonmore) 1st Veteran: Brendan Graham (Provision) McCann 10th in World Championships: (Aug 24) Belfast veteran Cormac McCann, father of Irish International riders Cormac, Chris and current CCC Mat professional David was in Austria this week for the World Masters Road Championship. Rather than ride the individual time trial, the 64 year old Phoenix rider opted to warm-up in a 100km open road race on Tuesday and showed his good form when finishing 18th in a mass bunch sprint of over 150 riders. In Thursday's Championship event over 2 laps of the 22mile circuit featuring a 1000ft climb, the lithe Belfastman formed part of a small chasing group which reeled in all but the first five riders approaching the line and finished 10th overall. Speaking after the race he said "I am absolutely over the moon. To come to an event like this and be able to compete with so many former world champions and ex-professionals is fantastic. The atmosphere throughout the week is the perfect mixture of camaraderie and competition, its a pity that more of the Irish vets don't come over. I am delighted with my result and would love to come back next year to try to improve it." Dublin Skip All Ireland Track Championships: (Aug 25)
SCANLON TOP HOPE FOR EUROPEAN UNDER 23 CHAMPS: (by Shane Stokes Aug 24) One of the biggest races of the year takes place for young Irish riders this weekend with the staging of the European under 23 championships in Brittany. Four have been selected to wear the green jersey in the event - Mark Scanlon and Denis Lynch line out as part of the 102 man field entered for today's 32 kilometre time trial, with Dermot Nally and Gary McQuaid joining them in Sunday's tough 164 kilometre road race. Scanlon has the best prospects of the quartet, and will be chasing a good result to help him find a professional contract for next season. The 1998 junior world champion has ridden well of late - Scanlon was of great assistance to Tommy Evans in his winning of the recent Tour de Ronde race in France and himself finished 8th overall and best young rider. Evans took the lead in the race after some strong riding early on, including second on a 10 kilometre individual time trial, and went into the final stage leading by 14 points and also heading the sprints competition. The former national champion won the bunch sprint for 16th place on that final 100 kilometre stage, thus surviving the threat caused when the second placed rider Regis Balanrob broke away and gained time over the chasing bunch. However Balanrob was unable to join up with the leading group and so failed to close the gap. He ultimately ended up 4 points off the total of Evans, who was also second in the sprints classification.
In England, Paddy Moriarty once again showed his class in foreign competition when he won the Surrey League five day. Moriarty took the lead when he went clear on the final day of racing, finishing third on the stage, while fellow Irishmen Timmy Barry and Richie Cahill finished third and sixth overall. This weekend, more national titles are up for grabs. Tomorrow the Irish Hillclimb Championships takes place on the Spelga Pass in Co. Down, while the Dublin Skip underage track championships will be held in the Sundrive Road track in Kimmage. On Sunday the Veteran, Under 23 and Junior titles will be decided in Batterstown, with some great racing in store. Taking place on a 13 mile circuit, the Veterans will complete 4 laps while the Juniors and Under 23 riders will race over 5 and 6 laps respectively. READ MORE HERE >> McCann 10th in World Championships: (Aug 24) Belfast veteran Cormac McCann, father of Irish International riders Cormac, Chris and current CCC Mat professional David was in Austria this week for the World Masters Road Championship. Rather than ride the individual time trial, the 64 year old Phoenix rider opted to warm-up in a 100km open road race on Tuesday and showed his good form when finishing 18th in a mass bunch sprint of over 150 riders. In Thursday's Championship event over 2 laps of the 22mile circuit featuring a 1000ft climb, the lithe Belfastman formed part of a small chasing group which reeled in all but the first five riders approaching the line and finished 10th overall. Speaking after the race he said "I am absolutely over the moon. To come to an event like this and be able to compete with so many former world champions and ex-professionals is fantastic. The atmosphere throughout the week is the perfect mixture of camaraderie and competition, its a pity that more of the Irish vets don't come over. I am delighted with my result and would love to come back next year to try to improve it."
The Chief Executive Eamon Duffy took the floor and gave a spirited speech on how we should go forward and gave our underage development our top priority. He concluded that if everybody rowed in over the next four years we will make our organisation stronger and our participant levels will be higher. After the break there was a seven minute video, looking at what has been going on in cycling over the past 3 months. After the video a workshop was set up where people were able to air there views with what they thought was missing in the document, this was very informative and the results will be taken away and analysed by the Strategic committee. The meeting was concluded by PJ Nolan and Tom Keenan who thanked everybody for turning up and putting their views across. Mick Lawless thanked all those who were involved in the document and the board for all the work that has been done in the past year. The Regional meeting will continue with Ulster on the 22nd, Connaught on the 23rd and Munster on the 24th. McCann takes national time trial championship: (By Shane Stokes Aug 19) Road race champion David McCann added a third national title to his CV when he won the national mile time trial championships in Castlebar on Saturday. The CCC Mat professional stormed around the tough 25. 8 mile course in a time of 55 minutes 28 seconds, catching many of his rivals and beating silver and bronze medallists Paul Kane and Paul Healion by 3 minutes, 13 seconds and 3 minutes, 25 seconds respectively. McCann has now won a dozen championship medals on road and track. READ MORE HERE >> Irish
National TT Championship, Castlebar: 1,
David McCann (CCC Mat) 25.8 miles in 55 mins 28 secs; 2,
P. Kane (Northern Dave Kane) at 3 mins 13 secs; 3, P.
Healion (Usher IRC) at 3 mins 25 secs; 4, J. Dempsey
(Northern Dave Kane) at 4 mins 28 secs; 5, E. O'Donoghue
(Cidona Carrick) at 4 mins 43 secs; 5, R. Hamilton
(Maryland Wheelers) at 4 mins 55 secs. Team: Usher
IRC (Healion, Colm Bracken, Dave Peelo) European
Under 23 Championships Team: The
Irish team which will compete in the 2001 European road
race Championships which will be held in Brittany France
on August 24th -26th Road Race has been announced by the
Senior road manager Declan Byrne. The team will be
headed by Mark Scanlon the Junior World Champion in
1998. Scanlon will be joined by Dermot Nally who is
living and racing in Spain and was Scanlon's team mate
in his World Championship victory. Danial Lynch and Gary
McQuaid who have been putting in good performances since
the National Championships have also got the call and
will be out to prove themselves on the world stage.
Scanlon and Lynch will ride the Time Trial on Friday and
all four will ride the road race. Mayo Grand Prix, Castlebar: 1, Paul Griffin (unattached) 90 kms in 2h21'00"; 2 G. McQuaid (Emerald) at 30 seconds; 3, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 4, S. Coughlan (unattached); 5, M. Quigley (Mayo Wheelers) all same time. 6, M. McNena (VC la Pomme) at 50 seconds. 1st Senior 2: Coughlan; 1st Junior: Michael Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union). Brendan Carroll Memorial, Donore: 1, Greg Swinard (Usher IRC); 2, D. Easton (Maryland); 3, B. Doherty (Provision); 4, B. Ahern (Classic Walls); 5, T. Cassidy (Usher IRC); 6, C. Murphy (Emyvale) Senior 2: Paddy Ennis (Orwell Wheelers); Junior: Tim Cassidy (Usher IRC); Vet: Brendan Graham (Provision) U16: Keith Daly (Drogheda Wheelers); U14: Thomas Jensen (Sorrento Wheelers); U12: Chris Jensen (IMBRC)
Silver Pail Grand Prix, Fermoy: 1, William De Moulin (Belgium); 2, D. Lynch (Kanturk CU); 3, J. O'Shea (Cidona Carrick); 4, G. Sheehan (Limerick CC); 5, D. Nugent (Western Lakes); 6, B. Lynch (Leeside Douglas) Senior 2: Andrew O'Brien (Leeside Douglas); Junior: Paudi O'Brien (Kanturk CU); Veteran: Sean McElroy (Cidona Carrick); U16: Ian Ormond (Cidona Carrick); U14: Billy Tarrant (Duhallow Safari); U12: Pat Ahern (Kanturk Crotty Cup in Kilrush: (Aug 12) 1 Miceal Fitzgerald Classic Walls 2 Richie Cahill Banteer 3 Tim Barry Leeside Douglas 4 Michael McNena VC La Pomme 5 Danial Lynch Kanturk Credit Union 6 Vincent Glesson West Clare CC 1st B Brian Lynch Kanturk Credit Union 1st Jun Owen O'Leary Killarney CC Vet Kevin O'Leary Triton St Finbarr U16: Aidan O'Shea Killorglin Credit Union U14: Cian Lanigan Killorglin Credit Union U12: Pat Ahern Kanturk Credit Union. Healion Wins Tour of Armagh: (By JIM TRAYNOR Aug 12) Irish Criterium champion Paul Healion (Usher IRC) won Clann Eireann CC's 120 kms Tour of Armagh, the opening event in their week of cycling, part of the Master McGrath Festival at Lurgan. Run off in atrocious conditions most of the action was at the back of the bunch where riders were constantly getting dropped. At the front there were continual breaks with Keith Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) particularly active taking the first two KOH primes. However he pulled a wheel on the third climb at Keady Mountain where David Peelo (Usher IRC) led a group of seven over the top 15 seconds ahead of the bunch, now down to just over 20 riders. At Portadown on the way back five riders held a 15 second advantage and from this group Healion and Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) got away to finish at the Silverwood Hotel, 8 seconds ahead of Peelo and Brendan Graham (Provision) with the remains of the bunch led in by Colm Bracken (Usher IRC) 19 seconds behind Healion. Paul Kane (Northern Dave Kane Cycles CC) won the 100 kms Madigan Grand Prix at Kilroot from Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) with Norman Campbell (unattached) at 9 seconds and Alastair Martin (Ards CC) at 10 after these four went away on the final lap.
Tour of Armagh, 120 kms, Lurgan: 1, Paul Healion (Usher
IRC) 2.45.04; 2, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) s.t.; 3, D.
Peelo (Usher IRC) at 8 secs; 4, B. Graham (Provision)
s.t.; 5, C. Bracken (Usher IRC) at 19 secs; 6, A.
Crowley (Cycleways); 7, K. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.); 8,
J. Peppard (Swords McNally); 9, C. Greene (Clann
Eireann); 10,G. Swinard (Usher IRC) all same time. Madigan Grand Prix, 100 kms. Kilroot: 1, Paul Kane (Northern Dave Kane) 2.13.27; 2, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) s.t.; 3, N. Campbell (unatt.) at 9 secs; 4, A. Martin (Ards CC) at 10 secs; 5, M. Ward (Crumlin Roadstars) at 51 secs; 6, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane); 7, S. Turner (Ballymena Scott RC); 8, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down), 9, M. Lyttle (Crumlin Roadstars) all same time; 10, M. Robinson (East Antrim Audi) at 1.12. Under 16: 1, Mark Robinson; 2,D. Dougan; 3, A. Hoey (all Ballymena Scott RC). Under 14: 1, M. Furphy (Lurgan RC); 2, C. Church (Ballymena Scott RC).
Tesson had broken clear after the first ascent of the category one Sally Gap climb, storming into a commanding lead and riding the last 45 miles of the race alone. He finished with a decisive advantage of almost two minutes over a group of four, which included best young rider Nicolas Roche. Ireland team rider Philip Deignan rode courageously in defense of his race lead but finished a further six seconds back to slip to second overall. Today's sixth and final leg of the race could have resulted in further changes, but strong riding by Tesson and his VC La Pomme team-mates ensured the field finished en masse at Blessington. The bunch sprint was won by a charging Bart Kerkdijk of the Dutch Tempo Veldhoven team, with Irish riders Stephen Enright and Paudi O'Brien finishing strongly to place second and third. Deignan safely retained the runner-up position while Nicolas Roche, son of 1987 Tour de France winner Stephen, ended the race 4th overall. He also won the white jersey for best first year junior. 'This is my first international win, and I am very happy', said Tesson afterwards. 'The race was very difficult, the other riders were all very competitive and the Irish weather was pretty testing. But my team all rode strongly to help me win.' The Ireland squad performed well during the race, winning two stages (Deignan and O'Brien) and finished second behind Tempo Veldhoven in the teams classification.
Stage 6, sponsored by Usher Insulations:1, Bart
Kerkdijk (Tempo Veldhoven) 61 miles in 2h03'17"; 2,
Stephen Enright (Usher IRC); 3, Paudi O'Brien (Ireland);
4, Steve Harrisson (Great Britain); 5, Adam Craig (Great
Britain);6, Philippe Tesson (VC La Pomme) all same time <Results
Here> <Pictures
Here> <Official
Results Site>
Tempo Veldhoven rider Michel Van Diessen was second, outsprinting Great Britain's Ben Clark, stage 1 winner Alex Coutts of Scotland and Nicolas Roche of the Cote D'Azur team. The latter is son of 1987 Tour de France winner Stephen Roche.
With just one stage remaining in the race,
Tesson has a comfortable 1 minute 42 seconds lead over
Philip Deignan of the Ireland team, who had led the race
until this afternoon. The race concludes with a 90
kilometre road race tomorrow. Overall: 1, Tesson; 2, P. Deignan (Ireland) at 1'42"; 3, Clark, at 2'15"; 4, Roche, at 2'22"; 5, T. Cassidy (Ireland) at 2'35", 1st year junior: Roche Points: Tesson Mountains: Clarke Team: Tempo Veldhoven <Results Here> <Pictures Here> <Official Results Site>
With Ireland team-mate Philip Duignan holding yellow, there was no onus on O'Brien to contribute to the pace setting and so he arrived into the final kilometre with a golden opportunity for success. Leading out the sprint with 400 metres to go, the diminutive powerhouse took an impressive victory, beating Barry Meade (Kanturk CU) and PJ O'Halloran (Duhallow Wheelers) to the line. The main bunch arrived 25 seconds later, with Duignan managing to stave off Martin Quill of Team Keyne by just 10. The toughest stage of the race beckons today, a gruelling 60 mile mountain epic which takes in four first category ascents; by the time the riders grind to a weary halt in Roundwood, the likely final outcome of this race will become clearer.
Results: Stage 4: 1, Paudi O'Brien (Ireland) 46
miles in 1h 45' 25"; 2, B. Meade (Kanturk Credit
Union); 3, P.J.O'Halloran (Duhallow Wheelers); 4, S.
Enright (Usher IRC); 5, C. Varley (Great Britain); 6, M.
Sarkissian (VC La Pomme) all same time
Stage 3 Ballyboughill 47 miles 1 Tim Brammeier Liverpool Century 1:52'07" 2 Martin Quill Team Keyne @same 3 Stephen Harrison Great Britain @02" 4 Bart Kerkdijk Tempo Holland @same 5 Julian Antomarrchi VC La Pomme @04" 6 Chris Penketh Liverpool Century @same. Overall 1 Philip Duignan Stena Ireland 3:53'04" 2 Joost Van Leijen Tempo Holland @12 3 Philippe Tesson VC La Pomme @20" 4 Bart Kerkdijk Tempo Holland @30" 5 Martin Quill Team Keyne @35" 6 Chris Penketh Liverpool Century @36" <Results Here> <Pictures Here> <Official Results Site>
DUIGNAN WINS STAGE AND TAKES YELLOW: (By Shane Stokes Aug 8) Philip Duignan of the Irish team today became the new leader of the NCBI Stena Junior Tour when he won the second stage in Skerries. The young rider was active for most of the 46 mile hilly stage, which was enlivened by a big crash on the first lap and a subsequent spate of attacks which saw a six man group draw clear. Tipped Irishman Tim Cassidy was present in this break, but his chances faded when six more riders bridged the gap and then ten pressed ahead. On the last of 6 laps, only three remained up front; Duignan, Joost Van Leijen of the Dutch Tempo Veldhoven squad and Great Britain's Ben Clarke. Clarke eventually slipped back to finish fourth, while up ahead Duignan outsprinted his breakaway companion to take a fine victory and the yellow jersey of race leader. Steve Harrison of the GB squad led home the depleted main bunch some 51 seconds later. The race continues tomorrow evening with a 47 mile race around Ballyboughal. <Results Here> <Pictures Here> <Official Results Site> Results - stage 2: 1) Philip Duignan (Ireland) 46 miles in 1 hour 53 mins 41 secs; 2, J. Van Leijen (Holland Tempo Veldhoven) same time; 3, Phillipe Tesson (France VC La Pomme) at 27 secs; 4, B. Clarke (Great Britain) same time; 5, Steve Harrison (Great Britain) at 51 secs; 6, J. Plumier (France Cote D'Azur) Overall classification: 1, Philip Duignan (Ireland); 2, J. Van Leijen (Holland Tempo Veldhoven) at 12 secs; 3, Phillipe Tesson (France VC La Pomme) at 21 secs; 4, B. Clarke (Great Britain) at 39 secs; 5, N. Roche (France Cote d'Azur) at 46 secs; 6, J. Sarkissian (France VC La Pomme) same time.
'I am going to try to hold the jersey for as long as possible', vowed Coutts, in his thick Scottish accent, 'but it will be difficult. I have been training hard this summer and have matured as a rider so that should help.' Best of the Irish was Stephen Roche's son Nicolas, 7 seconds off the winning time in 4th place, and best of the first year juniors. The Cote d'Azur rider now lives in France, speaks fluent French and has a French mother, but nevertheless describes himself as Irish. Philip Duignan was best of the national squad, racing up Howth in 6 minutes and 56 seconds to claim 8th place on the Dublin Bus-sponsored stage. The Junior Tour continues on Wednesday with a 46 mile stage around Skerries, and finishes on Sunday. Stage 1, Dublin Bus Howth Hillclimb: 1, Alex Coutts (Scotland) 2.4 miles in 6'44"; 2, J. Antomarccii (VC La Pomme) 6'46"; 3, P. Tesson (VC La Pomme) 6'49"; 4, N. Roche (Cote d'Azur) 6'51"; 5, M. Sarkissian (VC La Pomme) same time; 6, B. Kerkdijk (Tempo Veldhoven) 6'53" <Results Here> <Pictures Here> <Official Results Site> Havant Grand Prix: (Aug 5) 1 John Tanner Provision 2 Mark Lovatt Provision 3 Gordon McCoy Unatt 6 Paddy Moriarty Ireland <Report & Pictures by Gerry McManus Here> SCANLON ON TOP IN FRANCE: (By Shane Stokes Aug 4) Talented 20 year old Mark Scanlon remains in the lead of the 4 days of As series in France, placing third in the GP du Conseil Regional race in Provence yesterday. The former world junior champion had won Thursday's opener, the GP des Ambulances Deleyrolles, and has a clear lead over Miika Hietanen of Finland and Frenchman Eric Kerloc'h with two races left. The series leader is determined by points: Scanlon's total is 20, with Hietanen and Kerloc'h on 12 and 10 respectively. The series continues today with the Grand Prix Espi-Pélissanne race. Scanlon is building up for a strong display in the European under 23 championships later this month, also in France.
Paul Bloomer (Harps CC) marked himself out as a new sprinter to be watched as he took the final stage after having won the opener on Friday. Bloomer lost his lead in Saturday morning's 6.5 miles TT won by Ian Proctor (Castlereagh CC) who took over at the top of the GC. However Proctor punctured twice on the afternoon 62.5 miles road stage and dropped out of contention. A big break which went away on this stage was the move of the race and when Graham, and Monaghan got clear with Gary Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher) of the leaders in the closing stages to finish 48 seconds ahead Graham virtually clinched the race. Monaghan won the sprint for the stage and took the green points jersey. On the final 65 miles stage from
Warrenpoint, an early break had 1.30 after 25 miles and
Norman Campbell (unatt.), lying 12th at 2.40 was beginning
to threaten the jersey but by the KOH at
Rathfriland, 10 miles later, the leaders were
caught. Mark Lyttle (Roadstars Crumlin) attacked
on his own and stayed out in front over the two KOM's to
take the mountains jersey. However he was caught with 3
miles to go setting up another sprint finish which
Bloomer won well by 2 seconds. The promoting Newry
Haldane Fisher club took the overall team prize. Stage 2, 6.5m. TT: 1, Ian Proctor (Castlereagh CC) 12.36.41; 2, A> Hammond (Orwell Whs.) 12.46.68; 3, N. Campbell (unatt.) 12.46.77; 4, C. Campbell (Newry Haldane Fisher) 12.48.91; 5, M. McCorry (Apollo CC) 12.53.72; 6, D. Gardiner (Apollo CC) 12.54.06. <Full Results Here> Stage 3, 62.5m.: 1, Barry Monaghan 4.35..29; 2, G. Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher) s.t.; 3, B. Graham (Provision) at 2 secs; 4, W. Hamilton; 5, B. Nugent (Classic Walls); 6, P. Lynch (Newry Haldane Fisher) all same time. <Full Results Here> Stage 4, 65m.: 1, P. Bloomer 2.43.14; 2, C. Kelly (Usher IRC) at 2 secs; 3, P. Sweeney (Leinster) at 4 secs; 4, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave kane); 6, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down) all same time. <Full Results Here> General Classification: 1, B. Graham 7.18.48; 2, D. Gardiner at 33 secs; 3, B. Monaghan s.t.; 4, G. Crory at 35 secs; 5, B. Nugent s.t.; 6, P. Madden (Leinster) at 41 secs; 7, W. Hamilton at 1.10; 8, T. Hare (Apolo CC) at 1.40; 9, P. Ennis (Orwell Whs.) at 1.43; 10, P. Lynch at 1.43. Vet: B. Graham., Junior: Ryan Patton (Classic Walls)., 2nd Cat.: D. Gardiner., Points: 1, B. Monaghan 21; 2, P. Bloomer 20; 3, I. Proctor 14., Mountains: 1, M. Lyttle 12; 2, P. Ennis 10; 3, G. Crory 9., Team: 1, Newry Haldane Fisher 22.00.49; 2, Apollo CC at 5 secs; 3, Classic Walls at 2.42. 2001 Junior Tour Starts Tuesday 7th August: <Stage Details Here> Westwood
Homes International Youth Tour: promoted
by the Killorglin Credit Union Cycling Club. (Rresults
of Stage 4 Aug 6) Gene Moriarty Mem (Aug 5 Listowel) 1 Michael Fitzgerald Classic Walls 2:13'30" 2 Michael McNena VC La Pomme @03" 3 Paul Healion Usher IRC @same 4 Eddie O'Donoghue Carrick Cidona @same 5 Paul Reid Gary Fisher @same 6 Vincent Glesson West Clare @same 1st B John Horgan St Finbarrs Vet Sean Horgan Carrick Cidona Jun Cian Power Carrick Cidona. Havant Grand Prix: (Aug 5) 1 John Tanner Provision 2 Mark Lovatt Provision 3 Gordon McCoy Unatt 6 Paddy Moriarty Ireland <Report & Pictures by Gerry McManus Here> SCANLON
ON TOP IN FRANCE:
(By Shane Stokes Aug 4) Talented 20 year old Mark
Scanlon remains in the lead of the 4 days of As series
in France, placing third in the GP du Conseil Regional
race in Provence yesterday. The former world junior
champion had won Thursday's opener, the GP des
Ambulances Deleyrolles, and has a clear lead over Miika
Hietanen of Finland and Frenchman Eric Kerloc'h with two
races left.
International
Youth Tour in Killorglin Stage 1 Results
(Aug 4) MOUNTNUGENT GRAND PRIX: (Aug 3) 1 Tomas Lavery Cycleways 2 Simon Whealan McNally Swords 3 Craig Sweetman Stamullen 4 Chris Green Clann Eireann 5 Tim Cassidy Usher IRC 6 Conor Murphy McKenna F/places |
In
other foreign competition, Beth McCluskey was the
highest placed Irish rider in the European MTB
championships last weekend. She finished 33rd, with Don
Travers 68th in the mens Elite race. Glenn Kinning was
61st in the Junior event, with Johnny Reid 73rd, while
Colm Mullen was 68th in the under 23 race. Meanwhile
across the Atlantic, Robin Seymour was a non-finisher in
the final round of the Norba series.
ICF
Stategic Meetings Start:
(Wed 23) On Tuesday 21st in the Red Cow Hotel the first
of the Strategic Regional meeting took place. It was
very well attended with approximately 120 people
attending. The meeting was started off by the Leinster
chairman Tom Keenan who welcomed everybody to the
evening. The President PJ Nolan was introduced and
explained what format the evening would take, he was
followed by Ciarán McKenna who gave a history on how
the document came about. The President then went through
each of the areas involved and gave a brief outline on
how we were going to achieve our aims set out in the
document. 
Tesson
Tops in Junior Tour: (By
Shane Stokes Aug 12) French rider Philippe Tesson today
became the 2001 NCBI Stena Line Junior Tour champion,
joining the list of previous winners which includes
riders of the calibre of Tour de France stage winner
Martin Earley and 1998 world junior champion Mark
Scanlon. Tesson, competing in the race with his VC La
Pomme squad, successfully staved off attacks from his
rivals to retain the 1 minute 42 seconds lead he took
with a virtuoso display on Saturday's tough mountain
stage.
TESSON
TAKES STAGE AND JERSEY:
(By Shane Stokes Aug 11) French rider Philippe Tesson
today took command of the 2001 NCBI Stena Line Junior
Tour with a dominant display in the Wicklow mountains.
After a torturous route which saw the field tackle two
circuits of a demanding circuit near Roundwood,
including two ascents of the category one climbs of
Luggala and Sally Gap, the VC La Pomme rider finished 1
minute 56 seconds clear of the next four riders home.
PAUDI
TAKES STAGE:
(By Shane Stokes Aug 10) Paudi O'Brien yesterday took
the second Irish stage victory in the 2001 NCBI Stena
Line Junior Tour, showing his sprinting speed at the end
of the 4th leg of the race into Dunboyne. The Ireland
team rider was part of a 8 man breakaway which went
clear 15 miles from the finish of the mainly flat stage,
establishing a maximum lead of 45 seconds on the fast
run in towards the finish.
NCBI
STENA JUNIOR TOUR: (By Ciaran McKenna ICF PR
Aug 9) Today's stage of the Junior tour could have been
over for the Irish after a 9 man break went clear on the
second of 4 laps around Ballyboughill in North County
Dublin. There was no Irish rider in the break and it
looked as if they would finish well ahead after going
over 1 min clear at the end of the third lap. The Stena
Ireland team with race leader Philip Duignan and Nicolas
Roche riding on Cote D'Azur team chased hard on the last
lap and brought the break down to 20 seconds at the
finish, where the stage was one by Tim Brammeier from
Liverpool. Duignan still holds the yellow jersey by 12
sec from Joost Van Leijen from Holland.
Roche
junior rides tour: (By
Gerard Cromwell Aug 10) Since it’s inception in 1978
the Junior Tour of Ireland, a six-day race for 17 and 18
year olds, has gained a reputation for unmasking future
cycling champions.That year’s first edition was won by
a skinny, young, bespectacled Dubliner named Martin
Earley. Earley later went on to become a very successful
professional rider, winning stages in both the Tour of
Italy and the Tour De France. <
SCOTLAND
TAKES FIRST STAGE:
(By Shane Stokes Aug 7) Scottish rider Alex Coutts won
the first stage of the NCBI Junior Tour on Tuesday
evening, storming up the Howth Head hillclimb 2 seconds
clear of the next rider and taking the first yellow
jersey in the process. Coutts recorded a time of 6
minutes 44 seconds for the 2.4 mile time trial, beating
last year's winning time by a full 23 seconds. VC La
Pomme riders Julian Antomarccii and Philippe Tesson were
second and third, with times of 6 minutes 46 and 6
minutes 49 respectively.
FRM
3-DAY, NEWRY:
(By Jim Trainor Aug 5) Brendan Graham, who turned
veteran on Thursday last, thereby qualifying to ride the
FPM 3-day at Newry (not open to 1st cats.), made the
most of his debut by winning the event from David
Gardiner (Apollo CC) and his Provision teammate Barry
Monaghan, both 33 seconds behind.
David
McCann Breaks Irish National 10 mile Record:
(Aug 2) The Belfast rider, Professional with the CCC-Mat
team, and just home from competing in the Italian Brixia
Tour, broke the Irish 10 mile time trial record with a
time of 19 minutes and 51 seconds in the UCF league race
on the Ballydonaghy course. His Time knocked 8 seconds
of the previous record held by Thomas Evans of
Banbridge. His time was over a minute faster than second
placed Gary McKeegan(Team Madigan) who did 20minutes 55
seconds. With Reighning Irish 10mile Champion, Jonathan
Dempsey, 3rd with a time of 21:09.