Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: April 2001 McCANN HIGHLY PLACED IN PRO RACE: (Apr 30) Irish neo-pro David McCann yesterday showed further signs that he is settling into life in the paid ranks when he rode strongly to finish alongside established professionals in the 1.3 ranked Tour de Berne in Switzerland. McCann crossed the line in 28th position, as part of the main bunch which came home 3 minutes and 25 seconds behind winner Danilo Hondo of the Deutsche Telecom team. The Belfastman's group was led home by 1999 Paris-Roubaix winner Adriano Baffi, who was 19th, with Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie next in line. McCann was 10th in the bunch sprint and finished ahead of riders of the caliber of 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich and team-mate Kevin Livingston. The Irish road race champion made his professional debut earlier this season, after a strong 2000 season which saw him finish 43rd in the Olympic road race. Yesterday's performance shows that he is once again mixing well with the world's top riders, prompting expectations that his improving form will result in a strong challenge in the forthcoming FBD Milk Rás, and hopes that he will go on to record some high finishes in professional races before the end of the season. McCann is racing this year with the modest CCC Mat squad but a strong showing should enable him to graduate to a higher-ranked team. Meanwhile, Team Ireland rider Tommy Evans yesterday continued his strong run this year when he won the 2 day Criterium Varois national race in France. Evans placed 3rd in the opening prologue on Saturday and then got clear with team-mate Michael McNena and two others on the following road stage, where they placed 2nd and 4th respectively. The former FBD Milk Rás champion went into yesterday's final stage 2 seconds off the race lead but took over at the top when the yellow jersey crashed. He then consolidated his position by breaking clear in a small group and finishing a fine third on the stage. McNena finished 23rd overall. Evans will join McCann on the five man Irish team in the FBD Milk Rás, which starts in Navan on May 20th. CASSIDY WINS NOEL HAMMOND MEMORIAL: (Apr 29) With the final countdown to the FBD Milk Rás underway, 1999 champion Phil Cassidy (Cycleways) today proved best when he outsprinted national criterium champion Paul Healion (Usher IRC) to take his third Noel Hammond Memorial victory. Cassidy was part of a strong five man group which got clear on the fourth of six laps, and together with Healion, Dave Peelo (Usher IRC) and the Clarkes Contracts duo of Mark Sittlington and 1998 national champion Ray Clarke, forged a decisive lead over a weary looking main bunch. The quintet steadily drew clear on the tough 12 mile circuit, before Cassidy struck for home with about 20 miles remaining. However, as the other three wilted, Healion exhibited the form which netted him the national 25 mile time trial title last year in bridging the gap to the Cycleways rider, before commencing a series of attacks which he hoped would secure victory. Following the climb of the Nags head, one such jump looked set to bring success as Cassidy dropped back but lugging a huge gear, he rejoined two miles later. The pattern was repeated again before Cassidy himself attacked, but this attempt was in turn negated and sensing stalemate, the duo opted to work together and settle the race in the final kilometre. Having lost the race in 1998 after rounding the last corner in second place, Cassidy lunged for the lead immediately before the final left-hand bend, and kicked strongly for home to leave a disappointed Healion trailing. 'Phil was very strong today,' said the Usher IRC rider after the race. 'I made a couple of attempts to get rid of him but was unable to do so.each time I got clear he was leaving me out there for a while and would then join back up again.' Cassidy confirmed the tactic. 'Whenever Paul tried to get clear I left him out there, but he copped on to what I was doing quickly enough. I knew that I had to be first around the last corner after losing the race that way to Kieron McMahon in 1998. I was first around the corner the following year to beat Mark Scanlon, and knew I had to do the same again today.' However, despite taking his third victory this year, Cassidy was playing down his chances of a repeat Rás victory. 'I am coming into form but haven't got the same preparation as in 1999 - the business (running the Cycleways shop) means that I can't get out on Saturday mornings and that means I haven't done as much as I would like. Hopefully the first few days of the Rás will bring me around and then I will try to get a stage.' <See Pictures Here> Meanwhile, namesake Tim Cassidy registered
yet another good win in the junior ranks, with victory
over 2000 Kelly/Roche winner Ryan Patton of the Clarkes
team. Cassidy forged clear in a small breakaway group
with two laps remaining and then outsprinted Patton and
Usher IRC team-mate David Rawlins in the final 200
metres. Lorraine Manning was first woman home while
Seamus Kennedy (Navan Avonmore) took the unplaced
veterans prize. Stamullen's Daniel Nulty was best of the
senior 2 riders in the main race. <See
Pictures Here> BRACKEN WINS LEINSTER CYCLING FEDERATION LEAGUE: (Apr 28) Usher IRC cyclist Sean Bracken today emerged best in the Leinster Cycling Federation league, after placing 4th in the third and final race in the series. Bracken came home 15 seconds behind today's winner Stephen Enright, also of the Usher IRC club, who completed the 45 miles in just over one hour and 48 minutes, and finished second overall as a result of today's performance. Enright had started alongside Bracken in a bunch of junior and veteran riders, handed a five minutes head start over the second category seniors, who in turn were five minutes up on the first cats. Bracken's group rode well from the start and held onto enough of their advantage to stave off the chasing groups, who merged during the race but were still unable to get on terms with those in front. With three miles to go Enright clipped off the front and rode strongly to win, while his Usher IRC team mate James Lattimore jumped clear in the final mile to secure second place. Veteran Tosh Lavery led home the remainder of their group, with league winner Bracken next across the line. RACE 3, CLONEE: 1, Stephen Enright (Usher IRC) 45 miles in 1 hour 48 mins 40 secs 2, James Lattimore (Usher IRC) at 10 secs 3, Tosh Lavery (Garda Motorway) at 15 secs 4, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) 5, Seamus Kennedy (Navan Avonmore) 6, Terry Ferris (Dublin Wheelers) all same time FINAL OVERALL: 1, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) 34 points 2, Stephen Enright (Usher IRC) 24 points 3, James Lattimore (Usher IRC) 22 points 4, Shane Baker (Usher IRC) 20 points 5, Tosh Lavery (Garda Motorway) 20 points 6, Vincent Gleeson (West Clare) 19 points 7, Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans) 17 points 8, Kieran McMahon (unattached) 16 points. First unplaced junior: Tim Cassidy (Usher IRC); Woman: Lorraine Manning (Usher IRC); Veteran (Terry Ferris) Dublin Wheelers. <LCF League Overall> <Cian Lynch's Race Report> <Dave Walsh's Race Report> DUFF RIDING RUBAN GRANITIER BRETON: (Apr 26) Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff, who last week was awarded a place on the Irish team for the forthcoming FBD Milk Rás, is fine-tuning his preparation with participation in the tough Ruban Granitier Breton event, which began yesterday. The French-based rider was 73rd in the opening leg, finishing 59 seconds behind winner Daniel Van Elven of the Axa team. He then placed 71st in the second stage, 47 seconds down on Guillaume Judas of the Jean Floc'h squad, and is currently 1 minute and 46 seconds behind overall leader Van Elven. The 8-stage French race continues today with a stage from Ploeuc-sur-Lie to Trignac. The 24 year old 23 La Creuse rider will join Tommy Evans, Morgan Fox, 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon and professional David McCann in the Irish team for the FBD Milk Rás, which takes place from May 20-27th. IRISH TEAM'S RAS PREPARATION DISRUPTED: (Apr 26) Despite the announcement last week of an impressive line up for the Irish team in the forthcoming FBD Milk Rás, the prospects for some of the team have been hampered with the news that the Tour of Algeria has been cancelled. A total of eight Irish riders, including three from the Rás team, were due to take part in the 12 day event which was to start next Tuesday, but the race has been scrapped due to a lack of sponsorship. Tommy Evans, Morgan Fox and Mark Scanlon will now prepare for the May 20th start to the Irish Tour by riding a series of smaller races abroad. The news is of particular disappointment to Evans, who had targeted the Algerian stage race as his main goal for this stage of the season. He had hoped to secure a clutch of valuable world-ranking points at the event. Also affected are Michael McNena, Brian Kenneally, Tim Barry, Paddy Moriarty and Stephen O'Sullivan, who were to complete the 2 squad, 8 rider line-up from Ireland. Most of these will now have to compete their FBD Milk Rás preparation with home events, and also lose the chance to secure UCI points. 'It is disappointing all right' states national senior road manager Declan Byrne. 'I tried to get some of the riders into the Tour of Slovenia instead, but haven't heard back from the organisers. But at this late stage, it was likely that we would have to foot the bill of the trip ourselves, and that would have been prohibitive. The Rás team riders will do a few shorter stage races instead and hopefully they will benefit from those.' Fortunately, the other two riders for the Irish Rás team will continue as normal. David McCann is due to ride a series of races in Switzerland with his CCC Mat team, while Aidan Duff is currently participating in the Ruban Granitier Breton event in France. DUFF RIDING RUBAN GRANITIER BRETON: (Apr 26) Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff, who last week was awarded a place on the Irish team for the forthcoming FBD Milk Rás, is fine-tuning his preparation with participation in the tough Ruban Granitier Breton event, which began yesterday. The French-based rider was 73rd in the opening leg, finishing 59 seconds behind winner Daniel Van Elven of the Axa team. He then placed 71st in the second stage, 47 seconds down on Guillaume Judas of the Jean Floc'h squad, and is currently 1 minute and 46 seconds behind overall leader Van Elven. The 8-stage French race continues today with a stage from Ploeuc-sur-Lie to Trignac. The 24 year old 23 La Creuse rider will join Tommy Evans, Morgan Fox, 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon and professional David McCann in the Irish team for the FBD Milk Rás, which takes place from May 20-27th. With a total of six ascents of the grueling Snowtown hill to be covered, it was little surprise that the climb proved decisive throughout the race. On the second 12 mile lap, a group of five riders forged clear, led by Olympic mountain bike rider Robin Seymour (Wicklow Off-Road club). These escapees were joined just under one lap later by a trio of chasers, including Scanlon, who worked well together to establish and maintain a lead of over a minute. Also present were Irish under 23 champion David O'Louglin (CC Nogent Sur Oises), Keith Gallagher (Orchard), Denis Lynch (Kanturk), Vincent Gleeson (West Clare), Andrew O'Carroll (UCD) and Prendergast. However, with the bunch always posing a threat, Scanlon, O'Loughlin and Prendergast pressed ahead on the fifth ascent of Snowtown, with O'Loughlin being jettisoned one lap later. Scanlon then dispatched Prendergast with five miles to go, and showed his strength by eking out a lead of over one minute in the short run-in to the finish. <See PICTURES and MPEG VIDEOS HERE> <Read Cian Lynch's Race Report Here> RESULTS
- Joey White memorial (S1): 1) Mark Scanlon (Nantes
44) 71 miles in 2 hrs 37 mins 25 secs; 2) S. Prendergast
(Naas) at 1 min 20 secs; 3, P. Cassidy (Cycleways) at 1
min 25 secs; 4, P. Griffin (unattached); 5, P. Healion
(Usher IRC); 6, D. Easton (Maryland wheelers); 7, A.
Hedderman (Cycleways); 8, K. McMahon (unattached) BEST YOUNG RIDER CLASSIFICATION INTRODUCED TO FBD MILK RAS: (Apr 20) The organizers of the FBD Milk Rás today announced that this year's event will include a Best Young Rider category. The classification for the best-placed under 23 cyclist will see the introduction of a white jersey to the race, adding to the yellow of race leader, green of points leader and red for the rider heading the king of the mountains competition. According to a press release issued by the race organisers, 'the new classification will be closely identified with the Irish Sports Council, which grant-aids the race. Chief Executive John Treacy said he is pleased that the Sports Council is associated with recognition of developing talent.' Indeed one of the favourites for the new classification will be Ireland's most promising young rider, 20-year old former world junior champion Mark Scanlon, who is making his Rás debut this year. The new measure brings the 8 day event in line with most other major international stage races. The FBD Milk Rás was upgraded to a world-ranked event for the first time this year, and starts in one month's time on May 20th in Navan. McCANN AND SCANLON NAMED ON STRONG IRISH TEAM FOR FBD MILK RAS: (Apr 19) With one month to go to the FBD Milk Rás, professional rider David McCann has been confirmed as heading a strong Irish team for the 8-day event. McCann, who turned pro this season with the CCC Mat team, becomes the first Irish professional to ride the race in its 49-year history. The Irish road race champion will be considered one of the chief favourites after his strong showing in last weekend's Rund Um Koln race in Germany, and his aggressive racing in last year's edition of the FBD Milk Rás. The five man Irish team also sees the Rás debut of 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon, who at 20 years of age will be one of the youngest in the 200 rider field. The impressive quintet is completed by former Tonissteiner professional Morgan Fox, plus the in-form French based riders Aidan Duff and 1996 winner Tommy Evans. The FBD Milk Rás was granted world-ranking points for the first time this year, and runs from May 20-27th. 'It is definitely the strongest Irish team in years,' states national road manager Declan Byrne, who picked the quintet. 'Each of the five are very, very strong riders and every one of them is capable of making a mark on the race. David McCann showed last year that he definitely has the potential to win it - he probably would have done so had he not missed a vital move on the stage from Oughterard to Listowel. Tommy Evans is in very good form this year and has won the Ras before, Duff is also going very well and will come to the race targeting world-ranking points. Morgan Fox hasn't hit his best form yet this year but he has a lot of experience as a former professional. If he comes around, he can be right up there.' Byrne shyes away from comparisons between Scanlon and riders such as Stephen Roche and Eamon Byrne who won the race at a similar age. 'The race is going to be very hard this year with all the foreign riders coming over because of the world-ranking points,' he says. 'I definitely think that Mark can win a stage or two, but it is probably asking too much for him to be up there going for yellow. He is very young and it remains to be seen how he will handle a stage race like the Rás. But stage wins are certainly very possible.' The FBD Milk Rás is expected to have 200 riders this year, the biggest field in its history and arguably the highest in standard. 'There will be a lot of good riders here because of those UCI points' says Byrne, 'and that is going to make the race very hard. I have no doubt that some people might criticize the team as being all chiefs and no Indians, but with the quality of the field we simply have to have the best riders possible.' The quintet will prepare for the May 20th start with a programme of foreign races. Some of the five are likely to ride with the Irish team in the forthcoming Lincoln Grand Prix in England and the Tour of Algeria.
McCann's performance in this prestigious 1.3 ranked event is his most impressive since his ride in the Olympic games last September when he was 43rd, and shows that he is on the way back after recent ill-health hampered his professional debut. The Belfastman will draw considerable encouragement from yesterday's result, when he finished alongside many top riders including Olympic champion and 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich. 'Today was the first decent ride I've had this year,' he stated after the race. 'I had a tooth abcess in February and then got bronchitis but now I feel like I am back to full health. I felt a big change in training sensations this last week and had some valuable encouragement from PJ Nolan (the Irish Cycling Federation president) which helped a lot. I am coming around now, and should keep improving from this point onwards.' McCann had previously expressed some concern that his run of ill health had seen him lose his place on the 'A' team of his CCC Mat squad. However, he was best of the Polish team in yesterday's race and on form like that, looks set to convince them of his worth. EVANS TAKES INTERMEDIATE POINTS WIN IN TOUR OF THE ARDENNES: (Apr 17) Tommy Evans of the Ireland team yesterday clinched victory in the intermediate sprints competition in the Tour of the Ardennes. The former national champion had taken the lead in the competition on Saturday after being in a stage-long breakaway, and was highly placed in the sprints since to retain the jersey. He had also placed a fine fifth on Sunday's afternoon stage. Evan's ride is all the more commendable in light of the fact that the difficult world-ranked race saw only 69 out of 135 starters finish. Four of the Irish team survived the cold and wet conditions and a heavy hail storm to complete the course - Evans, Morgan Fox, Michael McNena and Paddy Moriarty. Brian Kenneally pulled out on Sunday while Stephen O'Sullivan stopped during yesterday's stage, suffering with a cold. 'The Irish riders rode well,' stated Evans. 'I got 2nd in the first sprint and then an unimportant group got away to claim the last three sprints. That meant that I finished with 37 points - the second placed rider had 24.' WOMEN'S CYCLING WORKSHOP THIS SATURDAY: (Apr 17) National women's manager Pauline McKay continues her efforts to further the development of women's cycling when she holds a cycling workshop this Saturday (April 21st) in the Dunboyne Community Centre. The activities start at 10.30 with a bicycle spin and continues with talks on diet and nutrition, training, bicycle maintenance and also a discussion on bike position. The workshop caters for women of all ages and standards, and is recommended for anyone looking to increase their involvement in and appreciation of cycling. 'We are trying to encourage and assist any women who are interested in the sport,' says McKay. 'The day should be of great benefit to those who turn up and it will enable us to gather together those interested in cycling and hopefully to boost the number of women cycling.' McKay intends putting together teams to race abroad this year, and will also be running a women's league during the summer. Details about these ventures will be provided on Saturday. However, leisure cycling is also a big focus and the workshop will be equally beneficial to those who do not intend to race. 'Everyone is welcome on Saturday,' says McKay. 'If people out there know of women who are interested in getting involved in cycling, please ask them to come along.' She can be contacted at 8379358 or 087 2651718, or by email at pmckay@gofree.indigo.ie. TOUR OF THE ARDENNES, RAS MUMHAN, GOREY 3 DAY: (Apr 16) Tommy Evans of the Ireland team today clinched victory in the intermediate sprints competition in the Tour of the Ardennes. The former national champion had taken the lead in the competition on Saturday after being in a stage-long breakaway, and was highly placed in the sprints since to retain the jersey. He had also placed a fine fifth on yesterday's afternoon stage. Back home, former world junior champion Mark Scanlon showed his class with a dominant display on today's final stage of the Ras Mumhan in Kerry. The 20 year old was in the thick of the action from the start and broke clear with Philip Cassidy on the final of four 15 mile laps in Killorglin. Although Cassidy briefly became race leader on the road, the double FBD Milk Ras winner was dropped by Scanlon who crossed the line 1 minute and 41 seconds clear. Cassidy's Cycleways team-mate Eugene Moriarty finished 5th on the stage to hold onto his slender 14 seconds advantage over Tim Barry of the Leeside Douglas squad. Ras Mumhan stage 4: 1, Mark Scanlon (Nantes 44) 60 miles in 2 hours 20 minutes 44 secs 2, Philip Cassidy (Cycleways) at 1 min 41 secs 3, Adrian Hedderman (Cycleways) at 1 min 50 secs 4, Tim Barry (Leeside Douglas) at 1 min 5 secs 5, Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways) same time 6, Eddie O'Donoghue (Cidona Carrick) at 2 mins 58 secs Final overall: 1, Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways) 10 hours 40 mins 38 secs 2, Tim Barry (Leeside Douglas) at 14 secs 3, Philip Cassidy (Cycleways) at 1 min 14 secs 4, Kieran McMahon (GSM Racing) at 2 mins 25 secs 5, Willie Byrne (GSM Racing) at 2 mins 25 secs 6, Paul Griffin (GSM Racing) at 2 mins 38 secs 7, Martin O'Loughlin (Cidona Carrick) at 2 mins 40 secs 8, Vincent Gleeson (West Clare) at 2 mins 43 secs Finally, Philip Deignan of the Four Masters team proved fastest on the final stage of the Dublin Skip Gorey 3 day race today. Deignan and four other riders broke clear with less than five miles remaining, and although Kanturk's Paidi O'Brien seemed to have the stage won with a strong sprint, his premature celebrations allowed Deignan to edge past. Duhallow wheelers' Philip Ahern finished safely in the main bunch to retain his fragile 2 second lead over Sean Bracken of the Usher IRC club. Gorey 3 day stage 4: 1, Philip Deignan (Four Masters) 54 miles in 2 hours 25 mins 10 secs 2, Paidi O'Brien (Kanturk Credit Union) 3, Colm Mullen (Cycleways) 4, Michael Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union) 5, Martin Caddow (Orwell wheelers) all same time 6, Gavin Stapleton (Usher IRC) at 4 secs Final overall: 1, Philip Ahern (Duhallow Wheelers) 7 hours 45 mins 42 secs 2, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) at 2 secs 3, Declan Hanrahan (Premier) at 15 secs 4, Ciaran Kelly (Dublin Wheelers) at 27 secs 5, Jonathan Gormley (McKenna Fireplaces) at 28 secs 6, Tim Cassidy (Leinster) at 1 min 45 secs
Elsewhere, with just one stage remaining in the Dublin Skip 3 day race at Gorey Philip Ahern holds a fragile two second lead over veteran rider Sean Bracken. Ahern had finished second behind Paudi O'Brien in yesterday's opening 65 mile race, but was outside the top fifteen in this morning's 4 mile time trial, won by Thomas Lavery of the Leinster team. However, both Ahern and Bracken finished clear of Lavery in the 60 mile afternoon stage, won by Jonathan Gormley, and hold the first two places in the general classification. The race concludes tomorrow with a 60 mile leg from Gorey to Brittas. RAS MUMHAN, RESULTS STAGE 3:
1 Martin O'Loughlin (Cidona
Carrick) 93 miles in 4 hours 3 mins 27 secs; 2, Paul
Griffin(GSM Racing); 3, Richie Cahill (St Finbars
Triton); 4, Philip Cassidy (Cycleways) all same time; 5,
Mark Scanlon (Nantes 44) at 1 min 14 secs; 6, Vincent
Gleeson (West Clare CC) at 1 min 20 secs GOREY 3
DAY: Results - Stage two: 1, Thomas Lavery (Leinster) 4
miles in 8 mins 24.61 secs; 2, Philip Deignan (Four
Masters) at .23 secs; 3, Michael Concannon (Killorglin
Credit Union) at 3 secs; 4, Alan Lane (UCD) same time;
5, Aidan Hammond (Orwell) at 16 secs; 6, Tim Cassidy
(Leinster) at 17 secs EVANS IMPRESSES IN TOUR OF ARDENNES: (Apr 15) With just one stage remaining in the world-ranked Tour of the Ardennes race, Tommy Evans is faring best of the Irish team. The former national champion finished a fine 5th on today's 106 kilometre stage and, with two second-places in intermediate sprints, retains the lead in the sprints competition which he seized yesterday. Evans's Ireland team-mate Paddy Moriarty broke clear in the closing kilometers of today's stage and looked set to secure second place, but in the fast downhill sweep to the line he was recaptured with just 2 kilometres remaining. However Evans sprinted well to take 5th place. 'It was a good ride today by the team', said national road manager Declan Byrne. 'Although none of them did much in the morning time trial, they all rode well for Tommy this afternoon and Paddy was unlucky not to get second on the stage. He took off in pursuit of the lone leader just before a climb with seven kilometres to go, got 15 seconds but was swallowed up very close to the finish.' Ireland rider Brian Kenneally retired after losing contact with the bunch on a first category climb which came early on today's stage. He is expected to come home to Ireland for a break and to prepare for the Tour of Algeria and the FBD Milk Rás. Dublin
Skip Gorey 3 Day Latest Pictures:
Stage 1,
Stages 2&3,
Stage 4 MORIARTY DEPOSES CASSIDY IN RAS MUMHAN: (Apr 14) After winning the prologue time trial yesterday, 1999 FBD Milk Rás winner Philip Cassidy today lost the lead on the second stage of the Ras Mumhan race in Kerry. Cassidy and second-placed former world junior champion Mark Scanlon missed a decisive breakaway which went clear early on the mountainous 99 mile stage, and despite their best efforts they were unable to close the gap. Scanlon blew up in the closing stages to lose 8 minutes and all hope of winning the race, while Cassidy came home as part of the main group just under three minutes behind stage winner Eddie O'Donoghue of the Cidona Carrick squad. Cassidy's Cycleways team-mate Eugene Moriarty placed third on the stage and now leads the race overall with two stages remaining, with Usher IRC's Shane Baker four seconds behind. Meanwhile, Kanturk rider Paudi O'Brien proved fastest at the end of today's 65 mile opening stage of the Dublin Skip Gorey Three day. With strong head- and cross-winds to contend with, the 146 rider bunch fragmented on the open roads towards Gorey, where O'Brien outsprinted fellow Corkman Philip Aherne. O'Brien leads the race going into tomorrow's two stages, a 4 mile time trial tomorrow morning and a 60 mile circuit race later on which is often decisive in determining the final winner of the race. Results - Stage 2: 1, Eddie O'Donoghue (Cidona Carrick) 99 miles in 4 hours 7 minutes 57 seconds 2, Kieron McMahon (GSM racing team) 3, Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways) 4, Willie Byrne (GSM racing team) 5, Michael Mulcahy (Dan Morrissey) 6,Tim Barry (Leeside Douglas cycles) all same time Overall: 1, Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways) 4 hours 13 mins 30 secs 2, Shane Baker (Usher IRC) at 4 secs 3, Eddie O'Donoghue (Cidona Carrick) at 5 secs 4, Tim Barry (Leeside Douglas Cycles) at 14 secs 5, Kieran McMahon (GSM Racing Team) at 25 secs 6, Tom Hughes (Stamullen) at 26 secs. Dublin Skip Gorey 3 Day, stage one: 1, Paudi O'Brien (Kanturk Credit Union) 65 miles in 2 hours 33 mins 31 secs 2, Philip Aherne (Duhallow Wheelers) 3, David McDonald (Orwell Wheelers) 4, Thomas Lavery (Leinster) 5, Brian O'Connor (Duhallow Wheelers) 6, Tim Cassidy (Leinster) all same time: Overall: As stage placings EVANS TAKES INTERMEDIATE SPRINTS JERSEY IN TOUR OF ARDENNES: (Apr 14) Irish rider Tommy Evans today rode strongly to take the intermediate points jersey in a storming second-day ride in the Tour of the Ardennes. Evans went away in a group of 15 riders shortly after the start of today's 193 kilometre stage and took a decisive lead in the competition, winning three intermediate sprints and placing second in two others. Although the former national champion then blew up with 7 kilometres remaining in the stage, he remains best-placed overall of the six man Irish team. Michael McNena and Morgan Fox finished with the main group and are best of the rest, with Brian Kenneally, Stephen O'Sullivan and Paddy Moriarty coming in as part of another group minutes later. The world-ranked race continues tomorrow with a 9 kilometre individual time trial from Thilay to Hautes Rivières and an afternoon 106 kilometre leg from Sedan to Donchery. CASSIDY WINS OPENING STAGE OF RAS MUMHAN: (Apr 13) Double FBD Milk Rás winner Phil Cassidy won today's opening stage of the Ras Mumhan race in Kerry, edging former world junior champion Mark Scanlon into second place in the 2.6 mile prologue time trial. Scanlon, who has come home from France due to dissatisfaction with his Nantes 44 team, finished 6 seconds behind Cassidy with Richie Cahill from the Cork Triton team third, one second slower.
The race continues tomorrow with a 99 mile stage, and
finishes on Monday. After winning last weekend's
Ben McKenna memorial, today's result confirms that 1999
winner Cassidy is now coming into good condition which
just over a month to go to the FBD Milk Rás. The Navan
rider had aimed for a slower start to the season than in
2000, when his dominant pre-Rás display ultimately
hampered his chances of retaining the title. RIDERS CLEARED BY INAUGURAL EPO TEST: (Apr 13) It has been announced that no riders tested positive during the first round of tests for the banned hormone EPO which was carried out at last Sunday's Tour of Flanders. Eight riders in total provided urine samples for analysis including the Mercantone Uno rider Fabiano Fontanelli, who had been excluded from the starting line-up and handed a 15 day suspension when blood tests showed his hematocrit (red blood cell level) was over the 50% limit. This is normally regarded as being suggestive of possible EPO use. Today's results mean that Fontanelli will not now be sacked by his team, although it still has to be determined why his hemotocrit level was so high in the first place. Both altitude training and EPO use are known to bring about such a change in blood composition. The urine analysis introduced by the UCI at last week's second round of the cycling World Cup will detect the use of synthetic EPO in the days immediately preceding the test. Race winner Gianluca Bortolami and current world champion Romans Vainsteins were also amongst the eight who provided urine samples. Testing is expected to continue at the Paris-Roubaix race on Sunday, which is the third round of the UCI World Cup. FOREIGN TEAMS GET GO AHEAD FOR FBD MILK RAS: (Apr 13) After a previous ruling banning teams from foot-and-mouth affected countries from participating in this year's FBD Milk Rás, race organiser Dermot Dignam has announced that British teams will now be allowed enter this year's race. Riders, including the defending champion Julian Winn, may compete subject to stringent precautionary measures which include disinfection of bicycles, footwear and team vehicles. Confirming that 2000 champion Winn will lead the Welsh team, Dignam stressed that "a stringent regime of precautionary measures will need to be accepted by each individual team member before leaving the UK, with further measures on entry to Ireland and throughout the stay in Ireland". He also stated that "a limited number of other British teams may also be allowed to participate, again subject to the strict protocol". It is understood that with limited places now available, preference will be given to those who have regularly participated in the round-Ireland race. Today's announcement follows discussions this week with the Department of Agriculture's Expert group, which also allayed fears that the FBD Milk Rás would not go ahead in its normal May timeslot. This year's race, which carries world ranking points for the first time, will run from May 20th - 27th and is expected to feature the largest-ever field of 200 riders. The Irish team will be announced next Wednesday by the national senior road manager Declan Byrne. DUFF 6th IN WORLD RANKED FRENCH RACE: (Apr 9) Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff recorded the latest in a run of good performances this year when he finished 6th in the world-ranked Boucles de L’Artois race in France yesterday. The 25 year old led home a small group which finished 40 seconds behind winner Christophe Laurent, of Duff’s Super Sport 23 La Creuse team. Duff, who was tipped for the top three years ago by Stephen Roche but then hampered by injury and illness, has built on last season’s return to form with a run of fine results this season. He recently placed 17th overall in the keenly-contested Tour Du Canton De Staint-Ciers, finishing 11th and 18 on stages and ending the event just 57 seconds behind overall winner Stéphane Froucher of the CG Orleans team. Elsewhere in France, fellow Irish rider Tommy Evans followed up his excellent third place in the recent Archer GP by placing 11th in the La Trophee De La Ville de Cusset, part of the south-east Division 3 championship series. Evans is racing in France as part of the team Ireland initiative this year and has been their most consistent rider to date. He previously finished fifth in the La Durtorccha event, which was the first round of the series. Two other Team Ireland riders were in action yesterday in the GP Des Coteaux D’Aix event. STEPHEN GALLAGHER was 26th, 13 minutes and 32 seconds behind winner José Medina of the AVC Aix team, while Morgan Fox did not finish. Irish mountain bike cross country champion Robin Seymour finished 45th in the first round of the Tissot-UCI World Cup series in Napa Valley, California. The 30-year-old conceded just 9 minutes and 8 seconds to Spanish winner Jose Antonio Hermida of the Bianchi Motorex team. Seymour's fellow Irishman Philip McNamara was 95th of 121 entrants. Meanwhile, professional road-rider Ciaran Power finished 44th in the world-ranked GP of Rennes. The St Quentin-Oktos cyclist crossed the line as part of the main bunch which came home 18 seconds behind race winner Davide Casarotto of the Alessio team.
Baker had been part of a ten-man breakaway group which broke clear on the second of five laps, but despite the efforts of riders such as Aidan Crowley (Cycleways), Denis Easton (Maryland Wheelers), Brian Lennon of St. Tiernan’s and Baker, their lead was negated by a five man chasing group containing Cassidy. This quintet finally joined up with the leaders just before the start of the third 12.5 mile circuit, with Cassidy and Baker jumping clear shortly afterwards. The duo worked well together and eked out a maximum lead of one minute, but with two groups behind merging to make a large chasing bunch of over 20 riders, the advantage started to diminish. However, the effort proved too little, too late to recapture the two leaders, who left it until the final 400 metres to decide the honours. Cassidy led out the sprint on the slightly-uphill drag to the line, but although Baker was tactically in a better position, the Cycleways rider proved too strong and eked out a two second advantage in the final two hundred metres. ‘I am delighted to win,’ stated Cassidy
afterwards. ‘I had planned a slower start to the
season (than last year) and didn’t expect to win a
race until Easter at the earliest, but things worked out
well today. Shane (Baker) was stronger when we first got
away, he had me under a bit of pressure, but as time
went on I started to feel better. Part of it was that
his legs started to cramp up a bit with the cold rain,
while I was fine as I was wearing a bit more. We decided
to leave it to the sprint, I led around the last corner
and just went flat out from there to the line.’ <Gerard
Cromwell talks to Cass Here> TOUR DE FRANCE INTRODUCES NEW ANTI-DOPING MEASURES: (Apr 5) Tour de France organisers today announced a ten-step programme of initiatives designed to reduce the use of performance-enhancing drugs in cycling’s premier event. Race organiser Jean Marie Leblanc and Patrice Clerc, the president of the Amaury Sport Organisation, presented the list of measures which they hope will lead to the cleanest Tour yet. Chief of these measures will be the urine-based test for EPO which was launched by the UCI one week ago which, when combined with random blood screening, is believed will all but eradicate the use of the banned hormone. A programme of medical screening will be carried out prior to the start of the three-week event on 7 July, with any riders suspected of doping use to be barred from the race. Ten riders per day will also be subjected to urine analysis, including the stage winner and the top three riders overall in the race standings. Other measures include a requirement for teams and riders to sign an agreement undertaking to compete without doping, plus the necessity for riders to receive signed permission before using medical products containing restricted substances. There will also be a pre-race ‘session of awareness’ to educate riders about the risks of drug use. The Société du Tour de France has also entered into a three-year research partnership with several French laboratories to undertake a study into the physical and mental consequences of both high-intensity sport, and doping. The measures are the latest of a series introduced by the Tour authorities who are endeavouring to banish the systematic drug abuse uncovered during the ill-fated 1998 edition of the race. SEYMOUR HAPPY WITH RIDE IN AMERICAN RACE: (Apr 2) Despite his lack of race fitness, Olympic mountain-bike competitor Robin Seymour performed above his expectations to finish 11th in the Sizzler Classic in California. As a warm-up competition for the forthcoming first round of the World Cup in Napa Valley, many top grade riders were in attendance and Seymour rode well to concede just 7 minutes to world number 8 Bas Van Dooren of the Netherlands. Canadian rider Andreas Hestler was second. Seven times national champion Seymour will compete in the Napa World Cup race on Sunday, and intends spending most of the 2001 season racing in America. The Wicklowman had previously competed for the English Helly Hansen team but decided, after top-35 finishes in the world championships and Olympic games last year, to immerse himself in tougher competition this season. ‘I intend racing for another couple of years and really want to give it a decent shot,’ he says. ‘I still feel that I am improving but in order to get the most out of myself, I had to decide to get out of England and go to where the competition is a bit tougher. I raced in America last year and really enjoyed it, so the goal is to stay over there, ride well and earn a place with a good team.’ DUFF IMPRESSES IN FRANCE: (Apr 2) Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff has continued his good start-of-season by placing 17th overall in a keenly contested two-day event in France. The 25 year old was 11th on the 141 kilometre opening race of the Tour Du Canton De Saint-Ciers, finishing in the same time as winner Stéphane Froucher of the CG Orelans team. Duff then placed 18th on the following day’s 157 kilometre second stage, 44 seconds in arrears of Pole Marek Lesniewski of the CM Aubervilliers squad. Time bonuses meant that Duff finished the event 57 seconds behind overall winner Froucher. Former world junior champion Mark Scanlon will also be satisfied with his performance in the race. The 20 year old Sligoman came out of the event credited with a fifth-place finish in the best climber contest. With placings of 32nd and 31st on stages, Scanlon ended the race 29th overall, 4 minutes and 28 seconds behind Foucher and was seventh in the best young rider classification. Duff’s ride is further proof of the good form exhibited this year by the French based rider, who was tipped for a professional contract three years ago by Stephen Roche but was then hampered by injury and illness. Back to form in 2000, Duff joined the Super Sport 23 La Creuse team at the end of the season and has performed at a high level since. He will be one of the riders vying for a place on the five-man Irish team for the forthcoming FBD Milk Rás, a race he will be determined to do well in after having to pull out last year, injured.
Evans and former professional Morgan Fox went into the race as the team’s protected riders and consequently national road manager Declan Byrne instructed Stephen O’Sullivan and Tim Barry to cover any early moves. Barry, who was a late call-up to the squad after Brian Kenneally fell ill, raced clear in a small group after just five miles and the Corkman was soon joined by Stephen O’Sullivan. This group remained out front for 60 miles before being caught by a 25 man chasing bunch, which, crucially, figured neither Evans nor Fox within its ranks. However, while Fox was experiencing an off day due to breathing problems, Evans grew stronger as the race progressed and was the driving force of a five man group which left the bunch and chased furiously for 40 miles. Up front Landbouwkreidet-Colnago professional Gordon McCauley forged ahead alone, building up a maximum lead of almost two minutes, while Evans’ group carved their way through the splintered remnants of the early breakaways. They finally caught Barry’s group with just two kilometers to go, and while the brave Corkman finally faded after a most commendable debut performance in a green jersey, Evans produced a strong sprint to finish second in the group and third overall, 15 seconds behind a dominant McCauley. Byrne was delighted with the performance. ‘Tommy’s ride was phenomenal...I said before I went away that I wanted to place one of the guys in the top three, and we did just that. The idea was to send Tim and Stephen up the road early on, as it was a 170 kilometer race and it was likely that there would be an early move. I nearly had a heart attack when the second move went as both Tommy and Fox missed it, but Tommy came round in the second half of the race and was very strong. He was absolutely flying at the end, and after catching Tim’s group, reeled in three guys further out front just before the sprint started.’ The result is a good one for the Team Ireland set-up, which was established earlier this year with the aim of basing elite riders in France and chasing world-ranking points. Yesterday’s performance earned Evans, and Ireland, 8 UCI points and combined with his other strong displays this year, suggests that the 28 year old is set for a memorable season. Archer International Result: 1. Gordon McCauley Landbouwkreidet-Colnago 4h-16-18 2. Antony Malarczyk Atom Elite @ 15 sec. 3. Tommy Evans Ireland s.t 4. Colin Roshier Team Quest s.t 5. Mark Lovatt Ribble/Provision s.t 6. Kevin Dawson Pete Reade RT s.t 18. Tim Barry Ireland @ 42 sec. 60. Stephen O’Sullivan Ireland @ 9 min 42 sec. KENNEALLY TAKES GP DE LA SEYNE: (Apr 1) Team Ireland rider Brian Kenneally showed that he is on the way back after his recent bout of flu when he won the GP de la Seyne circuit race near Marseilles. Kenneally broke clear halfway through the 110 kilometre race with two others – Richard Lona of ASPTT Montpellier and Francois David of VC La Pomme, dropping the latter a short while later. The national road race silver medallist then jumped clear of Lona in the closing stages to triumph by ten seconds. ‘It is great to get a win under my belt, especially after being sick. I was cracking a bit last week, but now am feeling much better. This result has got me back on track,’ he said. GP de la Seyne, Marseilles 1, Brian Kenneally (Team Ireland – VS Hyeres); 2, R. Lona (ASPTT Montpellier) at 10 secs; 3, F. David (VC La Pomme) at 20 secs O’LOUGHLIN WINS CYCLEWAYS CUP: (Apr 1) Cidona Carrick rider Martin O’Loughlin today continued the trend set by team-mate Eddie O’Donoghue in last weekend’s Des Hanlon memorial when he emerged best at the end of a tough Cycleways cup race in Navan. A huge field of 220 riders started the senior event of 68 miles, but the fast pace set from the gun whittled this down considerably. On the first of four laps, five riders broke clear and built an early lead – O’Donghue, Shane Baker (Usher IRC), Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans), Dan Morrissey’s Mick Mulcahy and Adrian Hedderman of the Cycleways club. This quintet worked well together, but were nevertheless rejoined by a large group containing the other pre-race favourites just over the half way mark. The regroupment stifled the high pace previously set, allowing Baker, O’Loughlin and Finn O’Sullivan of Newbridge CC to race clear and establish what proved a decisive advantage before the final ascent of the Hill of Tara. Here, O’Sullivan slipped back into the chasing pack while his two breakaway companions consolidated their lead over an increasingly fragmented chase group. Then, in the final 400 metres of the race, Baker launched an early sprint up the steep drag to the flag, only for O’Loughlin to draw level then power away to win by an impressive margin. |
SCANLON
WINS IN STAMULLEN:
(Apr 22) Seven days after he took his first home win of
the year on the final stage of the Rás Mumhan in Kerry,
former world junior champion Mark Scanlon (Nantes 44)
once again topped the podium in the Joey White memorial
race in Stamullen today. The 20 year old finished alone,
one minute and 20 seconds clear of former breakaway
companion Shane Prendergast (Naas) and a further 5
seconds ahead of a charging main bunch, led home by Phil
Cassidy of Cycleways.
McCANN PRODUCES BEST RIDE
AS A PROFESSIONAL: (Apr 17) Irish cyclist David McCann yesterday
(Monday) recorded his best performance yet as a professional when he finished
28th in the world ranked Tour of Cologne in Germany. The Irish road race
champion sprinted home as part of a large group racing for 6th place, a mere 28
seconds behind race winner Gian-Matteo Fagnini of the Telecom squad.
EVANS
THIRD IN WORLD-RANKED ARCHER GP: (Apr 1) The new Team Ireland
initiative achieved its best result yet yesterday when Tommy Evans produced a
storming ride to finish third in the world-ranked Archer Grand Prix in
Buckinghamshire. The former national champion lined out with a four man Irish
team at the start of the tough 105 mile race, motivated by the ambition of
securing UCI world ranking points and the inspiration of last year’s second
place by David McCann.