Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: March 2001 KIERAN McMAHON WINS SECOND LEG OF LEINSTER LEAGUE: (Shane Stokes Mar 31) Senior A rider Kieran McMahon (unattached) today won the second leg of the LCF league, outsprinting Usher IRC’s Karl Donnelly to prove best at the end of the 45 mile race. McMahon and Donnelly had broken clear in the closing stages of the handicap event after the bunch of veteran and junior cyclists, gifted a six minutes head start, were caught with just four miles remaining. The race over undulating terrain and on the heavy roads around Roundwood was characterized by constant attacking from the opening seven mile lap onwards, with several splits evident in the chasing senior B and senior A bunches. The two minutes separating these two groups was overcome half way through the race, leaving the junior/veteran riders alone up front. With league leader Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) doing much of the driving, it looked possible that this bunch could stay clear but a crash ended his challenge and destroyed the impetus of the group. The field merged with four miles remaining, and as the riders approached Roundwood for the last time McMahon and Donnelly jumped away and raced towards the finish. Here McMahon proved fastest, but any Usher IRC disappointment was tempered by Shane Baker’s third place at the head of the chasing group some ten seconds later. The Dubliner now leads the LCF league from team-mate Bracken, with the series concluding in one month’s time at Clonee. LCF League, R2, Roundwood: 1, Kieran McMahon (unattached) 45 miles in 1 hour 47 mins 2, Karl Donnelly (Usher IRC) 3, Shane Baker (Usher IRC) at 10 secs 4, Tim Cassidy (Usher IRC) 5, Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans) 6, Willie Byrne (GSM RT) all same time Junior: Cassidy; Veteran: Sean Lally (Swords) League positions: 1, Shane Baker (Usher IRC) 22 points 2, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) 18 points 3, Vincent Gleeson (West Clare) 17 points 4, Tim Cassidy (Usher IRC) 16 points 5, Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans) 15 points 6, Kieran McMahon (u/a) 14 points HIGH PROFILE RACES BECKON: (Mar 30) The racing season may have just got under way here, but Irish elite riders abroad are already in the thick of the action. On Wednesday Mark Scanlon sprinted home second in the highly-ranked amateur event, the Gp de la Foire Expo de Rennes, showing that he is well on track for a good year. The 20 year old finished just 35 seconds behind Nantes 44 Cyclisme team-mate Yuriy Krivsov at the end of the French race, beating nine riders in the sprint for second place. Next up is the 2 day Tour du Canton de St-Ciers which starts tomorrow. Professionals Ciarán Power and David McCann also have two days of action ahead; Power lines out in the Criterium International with his St. Quentin team, while David McCann has recovered from his bronchitis and will ride both the GP of Geneva and the Tour du Lac Léman. World ranking points are also in the offering for the four riders on the Irish team to dispute Sunday’s Archer Grand Prix in Buckinghamshire. The team comprises Tommy Evans, Morgan Fox, Stephen O’Sullivan and Tim Barry, the latter taking the place of an ill Brian Kenneally. With focus now turning towards places on the Irish team for the FBD Milk Rás, each will be keen to impress. Others, such as Aidan Duff, have been riding well of late and competition for the five slots is sure to be high. As announced earlier this week, UK and Dutch teams will not now be able to attend due to the foot and mouth crisis, although race organiser Dermot Dignam is hopeful that other teams will take their place. To women’s racing, and Susan O’Mara finished a fine 9th overall in the 4 day Tour of Malta. She is likely to be on the Irish team to contest the Tour of Daytona from July 31st – August 5th, with the world championships this autumn also a target for Irish women. Another part of the rejuvenation of women’s cycling occurs this summer with the holding of an 8 race league, overseen by a new racing development group. The quintet comprises national squad manager Pauline McKay, Anita Cassidy, Susan Lavery, Delores Usher and Therese Dowd. UCI LAUNCH REVOLUTIONARY NEW DRUG TEST: (Mar 30) The International Cycling Union (UCI) today announced the implementation of a new test to detect the use of the banned hormone erythropoeitin (EPO). The measure, due to be introduced immediately, is based on analysis of urine samples which will be taken from race winners and leading riders in stage races, randomly-selected individuals and those suspected of EPO use. Cycling’s governing body states that it will also continue to enforce its suspension of riders whose hematocrit (red blood cell level) is over 50%. The most famous of these two-week bans occurred in 1999 when Tour de France champion Marco Pantani was thrown off the Tour of Italy while assured of victory, due to a hematocrit level 2 points above the permitted threshold. However, under the new system these routine blood analyses will also be used to pinpoint blood profiles which suggest EPO use, such as increased quantities of developing red cells called reticulocytes. Levels of these young cells are elevated through the use of the banned hormone. According to UCI member Pat McQuaid, the new measures will be of considerable help in the fight against doping. ‘The measures are probably the toughest implemented by any sporting body and should be very effective in the fight against EPO. The tests were due to be brought in for the Tour of Flanders (the second World Cup race, on April 8th), but it is probable that the first samples will be taken this weekend.’ The two day Criterium International, in which Irish rider Ciarán Power lines out tomorrow, is one race which may be targeted. McQuaid is keen that the new measure is successful. The former Nissan Classic race director is behind a bid to bring the world championships to Killarney in 2004, but the EPO use uncovered during the 1998 Tour de France has made his task a difficult one. However, today’s announcement shows that in the two and a half years since, cycling has become arguably the most stringently-tested discipline in world sport. SCANLON 2nd in TOP-RANKED AMATEUR RACE: (Shane Stokes Mar 29) Irish rider Mark Scanlon today finished an excellent second in a top French amateur race, the Gp de la Foire Expo de Rennes event in France. Scanlon used his strong sprint to good effect when he led home a group of 9 riders who finished 35 seconds behind Nantes 44 Cyclisme team-mate Yuriy Krivsov of the Ukraine. The display in the 1.12.1 event marks the best ride yet this year by the 20 year old former world junior champion and bodes well for the remainder of the season. ‘It is an excellent result for Mark,’ enthused his agent Frank Quinn. ‘He sounded very positive, very motivated at the weekend and it was clear that he was gearing up to do a ride. But I think he is going to build yet further on this – he hasn’t been racing that long and should be really flying in a few weeks.’ The result is particularly encouraging when one considers that Scanlon was hampered by a later-than-usual start to racing, following the collapse of the Linda McCartney team at the end of January. Instead of making his professional debut, the 20 year old was left stranded at home in Sligo while his agent Frank Quinn searched for a new team. He secured a place with the French amateur Nantes 44 squad three weeks ago and will begin a trial with the division 1 Mercury team in September. SCANLON HAPPY WITH IMPROVING FORM: (Mar 27) After a solid ride in the Loire-Atlantique event, former world junior champion Mark Scanlon has shown he is continuing to settle in well with the Nantes 44 squad. The 20 year old rode strongly in the difficult French race, and while he faded slightly in the closing stages to finish 18th, 1 minute and 7 seconds behind winner Nicolas L’Hote of the VC Roubaix team, the ride nevertheless gave Scanlon a boost in confidence before tomorrow’s GP Rennes. ‘Mark is very happy with how he is going,’ reported his manager Frank Quinn today. ‘He says that he was riding strongly, perhaps too strongly as he thinks he may have done too much early on. He slipped back a bit in the final kilometers because of that, but was pleased with his race anyway’. Scanlon started the season at a disadvantage to most due to his late signing to the Nantes 44 side, after weeks of uncertainty caused by the collapse of the Linda McCartney professional team. ‘He seems to be settling in well over there and is getting better week after week,’ states Quinn. ‘ Elsewhere, northern rider Mark Kavanagh was an impressive 8th in the under 23 Montfort-sur-Risle event. The VC Cholet rider came home in a large bunch some 55 seconds behind Lituanian victor Andruis Zaleskis. Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff was 45th in the GP de Buxerolles, finishing in a large bunch which was 10 minutes 54 seconds behind winner Loic Herbreteau.
Race organizer Dermot Dignam made the difficult decision following a meeting on Friday with race sponsors the National Dairy Council and FBD Insurances, both of which are heavily involved in the Agricultural industry. Dignam does however expect that teams from other countries may fill some of the vacant slots, with squads from Germany and Belgium amongst those keen to be granted a late call-up. Several foreign trade teams are also expected to take part this year, and with world ranking points on offer the task facing Dignam has been made easier. ‘Excluding eleven team was a hard decision to make’, he says, ‘but the recommendations which have been put in place relating to foot-and-mouth mean that events should not bring in competitors from affected countries. I was in touch with the teams over the weekend, they seemed to understand the decision but were all disappointed to miss the race this year. One team manager went as far as to describe himself as ‘gutted’. Julian Winn will be particularly disappointed as he was coming back to try to win the race for a second year in a row. But I am hopeful that we can attract good teams from elsewhere, and that the riders affected will be able to return in 2002.’ GOOD PERFORMANCES BY IRISH ABROAD: (Mar 26) Irish professional Ciarán Power yesterday recorded another solid display when he placed 31st in the highly-ranked Grand Prix Cholet-Pays de Loire race yesterday. The St. Quentin rider finished in a large group just over three minutes in arrears of winner Florent Brand of the Festina team, and continues towards his goal of building towards races later in the year. ‘It was a good ride from Ciarán,’ says agent Frank Quinn. ‘The Cholet event is a big race, almost a semi-classic and Ciarán’s performance shows that he is coming into form’. Power is aiming for a strong ride in the Summer races as he chases a contract with a bigger pro team for 2002. The Olympian had joined the second-division St. Quentin team after the Linda McCartney outfit collapsed earlier this year. Elsewhere, Team Ireland cyclist Tommy Evans illustrated his continuing good form over the weekend when he placed a fine 5th in the ‘La Durtorccha’ race, the first round of the south-east division amateur championships in France. Former national champion Evans crossed the line 53 seconds behind Jérôme Fernandes of the CO Chamalières team. His next big assignment is next weekend’s Archer GP in England, which he disputes as part of the Irish national team. Stephen O’Sullivan, Brian Kenneally and former professional Morgan Fox will complete the line-up of the squad. O’DONOGHUE WINS SECOND DES HANLON MEMORIAL: (Mar 25) 2000 winner Eddie O’Donoghue made it two in a row today when he won the prestigious Des Hanlon memorial race in Carlow. The Cidona Carrick rider was in a break of 18 riders which went clear shortly after the start of the gruelling race, and after 75 miles over some of the toughest climbs in the region, was still there at the finish. The biggest threat to a repeat win came 36 miles into the race when three riders went clear on the tough, three mile ascent of Killeshan. Paddy Moriarty, Richie Cahill and Tim Barry built up a strong lead, but these were reeled in by a four-man group containing O’Donoghue with just one mile to go. Despite efforts from Shane Baker and former professional rider Morgan Fox to break clear, O’Donoghue finished strongly to win a tight sprint ahead of the latter, with O’Donoghue’s team-mate Martin O’Loughlin third. ‘It was great to win again’, said O’Donoghue, ‘but this time was better, I think. Last year, I won alone after Phil Cassidy punctured on the run-in to the finish, but today I was strongest of the group of 7 riders. I felt good, but couldn’t have done it without (team-mate) Martin O’Loughlin, who led out the sprint for me.’ For French-based Fox, there was disappointment. ‘I really wanted to win again after taking the Leinster League race yesterday, but Eddie was a bit too fast at the finish’. Fox will take the next step in his efforts to regain a pro contract when he races in next weekend’s world-ranked Archer GP in England.
Most active of these was the duo of Sean Bracken (Usher) and Jim Cassidy (Garda Motorway) who forged clear after just two miles. But despite their best efforts, Usher IRC’s Shane Baker and Dublin Wheelers rider Andrew Donellan reeled in the veteran pair with 12 miles to go and pressed on towards the finish with just Bracken in tow. Nearing the finish victory looked possible but, with just five miles remaining their hopes were in turn dashed when Team Ireland rider Fox and West Clare’s Vincent Gleeson bridged across from the chasing bunch and, after a quick breather, attacked and drew clear. In the final 200 metres of the race, 1997 national champion Fox proved faster than Gleeson to take his first win of 2001, with Baker coming home fifteen seconds later in third. Fourth-placed Sean Bracken now leads the league by virtue of a rule awarding double points to non-first category riders who finish in the top ten. LCF League Round 1, Batterstown: 1, Morgan Fox (ASPTT Montpellier) 2, Vincent Gleeson (West Clare) same time 3, Shane Baker (Usher IRC) at 15 secs; 4, Sean Bracken (Usher IRC) at 20 secs; 5, Andrew Donnellan (Dublin Wheelers) same time; 6, Brian Lennon (St. Tiernan’s) at 1 minute; 7, David Lane (UCD) at 1 min 5 secs; 8, Paul Mulligan (Omagh) same time Overall: 1, Bracken 16 points 2, Fox, 12 pts 3, Gleeson, 11 pts 4, Baker, 10 pts 5, Donnellan, 8 pts 6, Lennon, 7 pts 7, Lane, 6 pts 8, Mulligan, 5 pts. <See Pictures Here> ZABEL TAKES FOURTH MILAN-SAN REMO TITLE: ( Mar 24) German rider Eric Zabel avoided a large final-kilometre crash to take his fourth win in five years in the Milan San Remo classic this afternoon. In a dramatic sprint for the line, the 2000 world cup winner once again displayed the finishing speed which has earned him a record five Tour de France green jersey titles when he outpaced archrival Italian Mario Cipollini of Italy to win. Current world champion Romans Vainsteins of Latvia completed the podium in the 287 kilometre classic, which is the first round of the 2001 cycling World Cup. For the fifth year in succession ‘La Primavera’ ended in a bunch sprint, despite the best efforts of a four man group who broke clear with over 170 kilometres left to race and built up a maximum lead of ten minutes. This quartet of Sergey Matveyev (Panaria), Martin Rittsel (CSC), David Lasa (iBanesto.com) and Milan Kadlec (Mobilvetta) were eventually caught before the penultimate climb of the Cipressa, where world no. 1 Francesco Casagrande made an impressive, but ineffective, bid for victory. Efforts by riders of the calibre of Paulo Lanfranchi, Paulo Bettini and Michele Bartoli (all Mapei), Paris-Nice star Peter Van Petegem (Mercury) and Davide Rebellin (Liquigas) on the famous ascent of the Poggio also proved fruitless, as did a characteristic last-gasp lone thrust by Erik Dekker (Rabobank) in the final two kilometres. With Telekom riders working unselfishly to lead out Zabel, the biggest threat to him was the large pile up in the final kilometre which saw over 20 cyclists hit the deck. But the German kept out of trouble and launched a powerful sprint which took him across the line ahead of a disappointed Cipollini, who lists the race as one of his biggest goals, and world champion Vainsteins. Saeco rider Fabio Sacchi was fourth.
McCann first noticed the bronchitis in last weekend’s Jadranska magistrala three day in Croatia, from which he retired on the final stage. The Olympian has been feeling under the weather ever since a tooth abscess in mid-February and is hopeful that the break from competition will enable him to recover. He is due to ride a series of world-ranked pro races in April. “I felt awful on the second stage in Croatia and I packed after 15 minutes on the third day,” McCann explains. “My health has not been great at all since the abscess I got in Spain, and the course of antibiotics I had to take.” McCann turned professional with the CCC Mat team earlier this year, after a strong 2000 season which saw him win a stage plus the points jersey in the FBD Milk Ras, take his first road race championship and then place an excellent 43rd amongst pro riders in the Olympics. He was ranked as the leading amateur rider in France last year. OCHOA OUT OF DEEP COMA:(Mar 21) Just over one month after the training accident which killed his twin brother Ricardo and left Tour de France stage winner Javier Ochoa in a deep coma, the Spanish rider has finally shown an improvement in his level of consciousness. According to Spanish television reports, Ochoa has opened his eyes and has been able to move his arms, although the 26 year old will remain in the intensive care unit of the Carlos Haya hospital in Malaga for the foreseeable future. The two Kelme professionals were struck by a car while training on February 15th. Ricardo Ochoa was killed instantly, while Javier suffered from life-threatening injuries which included a cerebral haemorrhage and multiple fractures. He remained in a deep coma ever since and was close to death when he contracted pneumonia late last month. Meanwhile, in Germany a 21 year old aspiring professional has been killed in a similar collision with a car while training. Team Bavarian Lions rider Manuel Waldvogel died after a collision in Bavaria on Sunday. He was regarded as one of the region’s most promising riders. POWER LIKELY TO RIDE PARIS-ROUBAIX: (Mar 20) Irish professional cyclist Ciaran Power looks set to line out in perhaps the most prestigious one day race in cycling, after his St. Quentin-Oktos team have been awarded a place in this year’s Paris Roubaix classic. The second division French side have been handed a wild-card entry in the so-called ‘Hell of the North’ after three of the teams initially listed, iBanesto.com, Once and Mercantone Uno, have indicated that they do not wish to participate in this year’s race, on April 15th. All three teams focus on stage-races, while the mainly flat and dangerous cobblestoned classic favours one-day specialists. Ireland’s Sean Kelly won the race twice, in 1984 and 1986. Although Power is but a second year professional with limited experience, he is regarded as one of the strongest riders on the St. Quentin-Oktos team. ‘I think it is a fantastic opportunity for Ciaran,’ said his agent Frank Quinn today. ‘Riding a World Cup race against most of the top riders in the world will be great experience. It will be a bit of a test for him, though, as he hasn’t ridden over cobblestoned sections of such length before. But for a young rider, it is a terrific opportunity.’ DUFF
4th IN FRENCH RACE: (Mar 20) Irish cyclist Aidan Duff The ride is an encouraging one for Duff, who was tipped as a likely future professional four years ago by Stephen Roche, but was frustrated by injury and illness. Last year marked a return to form: Duff rode well in French races with his Nantes 44 club, looked a possible winner of the FBD Milk Rás before a bike problem and knee injury combined to end his challenge, then won stage 8 of the world-ranked Sun Tour at the end of the season. Duff signed for the French Super Sport 23 La Creuse team this year and will spend the season chasing that elusive pro contract under the guidance of former world pro road champion Luc Leblanc. Meanwhile, former world junior champion Mark Scanlon placed 22nd in the 1.6-ranked Bordeaux-Saintes race, 6 minutes and 5 seconds behind winner Bertrand Guerry of the Cycle Poitevin team. Ulster rider John Bann Lavery was 24th in the Nantes-Segre race, also in France. McCANN 64th ON STAGE OF JADRANSKA MAGISTRALA, CROATIA: (Mar 18) Irish national champion David McCann yesterday (Saturday) placed 64th on the savagely tough second stage of the Jadranska magistrala three day race in Croatia. The stage, which ended at the top of the first category climb to Ucka, saw the field fragmented by the scinitilating pace set by winner Michael Rasmussen of Australia who finished 17 seconds ahead of next rider Andrej Hauptman of Slovenia. Belfastman McCann came home 18 minutes and 27 seconds behind Rasmussen, and is now ten seconds further behind and 64th overall in the general classification. The world-ranked race concludes tomorrow with a 148 kilometre race to Porec. McCANN FINISHES IN BUNCH ON FIRST STAGE OF CROATIAN RACE: (Mar 17) Irish professional cyclist David McCann finished in the main bunch on yesterday’s (Friday) first stage of the three day Jadranska magistrala tour in Croatia. At the end of the 172 kilometre leg which started and finished in Porec, the Irish national champion crossed the line in the same time as winner Zoran Klemencic, who takes the first leader’s jersey of the race. The world-ranked event continues tomorrow with a 158 kilometre stage to Mt. Ucka and finishes in Porec on Sunday. MANNING 86th ON LAST STAGE OF REDLANDS CLASSIC: (Mar 19) Irishwoman Lorraine Manning finished 86th on the final day of the Redlands Classic in California, completing the tough climbing stage 30 minutes behind dominant leader Genevieve Jeanson of Canada. Jeanson had attacked straight after the start of the 100 kilometre stage and time-trialled to an impressive solo victory, over seven minutes clear of the next rider Susy Pryde of New Zealand. 19 year old Jeanson finished 9 minutes 23 seconds ahead of American Kimberly Bruckner, with Dubliner Manning completing the six day race 87th overall. It marks a courageous ride by the young Irish girl, with the difficult world-ranked event her first race of this year and probably the toughest she has ever contested. MANNING 90th ON PENULTIMATE STAGE: (Mar 18) Irishwoman Lorraine Manning has finished 90th in the penultimate stage of the Redlands classic, a 60 minute criterium (street race) in Redlands, California. Manning came home 4 minutes 45 seconds behind Katrina Berger of the 800.com team, and is now 90th overall, 1 hour 4 minutes and 16 seconds behind the race leader, 19 year old Canadian Genevieve Jeanson. The world ranked event ends tomorrow with a difficult 83 kilometre road race, which will test the climbing abilities of those left in the Redlands Classic. MANNING 89th ON STAGE 4: (Mar 17)Irish cyclist Lorraine Manning finished 89th on the 4th stage of the Redlands classic in California, as race leader Genevieve Jeanson took off on the final steep climb up to the finish to romp to her 3rd stage win. Manning finished over 41 minutes behind on what was the toughest stage in the world-ranked race. The Irishwoman is now 90th overall, 1 hour behind the 19 year old Canadian sensation Jeanson who has the race all but sewn up with two stages remaining. MANNING 95th ON THIRD STAGE: (Mar 16) Irish cyclist Lorraine Manning today finished 95th on the third stage of the Redlands Classic, a 19.9 kilometre individual time trial in the Highland area of California. The race against the clock was won by overall leader Genevieve Jeanson of the Rona Cycling Team, who was clearly head and shoulders above the international field. Manning finished almost 8 minutes behind and is now 95th in the overall standings, 19 minutes and 22 seconds in arrears. MANNING 98th ON SECOND STAGE: (Mar 15) Irish cyclist Lorraine Manning finished 98th on a tough second stage of the world-ranked Redlands Classic in America, a 126 kilometre road race taking in three undulating laps of a circuit in the Highland area of Redlands, California. Manning crossed the line 8 minutes 40 seconds behind stage winner Nicole Freedman of the Credit Suisse First Boston team, and is now 98th in the general classification. Stage one winner Genevieve Jeanson of the Rona Cycling Team continues to lead overall. The finish was marred by a crash between Saturn riders Ina Teutenberg and Lynn Bessette, which cost Teutenberg her chance of winning the stage and broke Bessette’s collarbone. She is expected to be out of action for several weeks. MANNING 102nd ON FIRST STAGE: (Mar 14) Irish cyclist Lorraine Manning has placed 102nd on the opening stage of the world-ranked Redlands Classic in America, a 5 kilometre uphill prologue time trial. In her first race of the season, the Dubliner came home 2 minutes 52 seconds behind stage winner Genevieve Jeanson of the Rona Cycling Team, who proved fastest of a strong international field. O'MARA TO DEBUT WITH ENGLISH TEAM: (Mar 15) Former national road race champion Susan O’Mara will debut with the top English side Team Letchworth Extran in next week’s Tour of Malta. The three-day international race marks the season’s debut for the Dubliner, who will race in the UK and further afield this year as part of the women’s squad. ‘I am delighted to be joining the team,’ she says, ‘Letchworth Extran is one of the premier squads in England and I am really looking forward to racing with them. I think that competing at that level will bring me on quite a bit.’ O’Mara’s boost comes at a time when a concerted effort has been promised to promote the development of Irish riders and women’s cycling in Ireland. With the sport a predominantly male domain, this area has been overlooked in the past but new national squad manager Pauline McKay is promising to make amends. ‘It is important for us to promote women’s cycling in Ireland’, she said today. To this end, McKay is organizing a meeting next week to formulate strategy for the year ahead. Measures likely to be taken are greater participation by Irish women in races abroad and a drive to recruit more females to the sport. TQ PAPER 2 DAY CALLED OFF: (Mar 14) Women’s cycling suffered a blow today when it was announced that the TQ paper 2 day international scheduled for the 7 – 8th of April has had to be postponed due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the food-and-mouth crisis. The annual event is the highlight of the women’s calendar in Ireland, attracting foreign cyclists from the UK and the Netherlands but with time ticking down the organizers were forced to scrap the April start. It is hoped to hold the event later this year, most likely in September. According to race organizer Susan O’Mara, the decision was taken so far in advance of the race due to the high number of foreign entrants. ‘There is a chance that racing might recommence here in the next week or two’, she said, ‘but we can’t wait that long. Eighty percent of the field comes from abroad and it would not be fair for them to pay for flights and accommodation, but then find out that the race is not going to be on. There is also the obvious risk of bringing the disease into Ireland – much of the race goes through farmland areas and that chance is not worth taking.’ ‘Hopefully we will get a strong field for later this year and run it then instead’, she concluded. PANTANI QUIZZED OVER ALLEGED DOPING USE: (Mar 14) Controversial cyclist Marco Pantani was once again in the spotlight yesterday when he was quizzed by investigators in Florence as part of an doping inquiry concerning possible EPO use prior to the Olympics. The 1998 Tour de France winner, who in December was found guilty of seperate doping charges, is currently under scrutiny due to reports that a blood sample taken before the Olympics may have exceeded the 50% hematocrit (red blood cell) threshold permitted by the UCI. Such a reading is suggestive, although not proof, of EPO use and if true, should have resulted in a two week suspension for the Italian. Indeed such a finding led to his ejection two days from the end of the 1999 Tour of Italy while almost assured of victory. Pantani is one of 60 athletes who in the past were treated by Professor Francesco Conconi, who is suspected to be at the centre of a widespread doping ring. Investigators also recently confiscated the medical records of two more riders on the Italian Olympic team, namely Francesco Casagrande and Paolo Bettini. Bettini was interviewed by investigators on Monday. ARMSTRONG, PANTANI DECLARE TRUCE: (Mar 13) Eight months after a bitter rivalry between Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani began on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, the two Tour de France champions have finally declared a truce. According to Armstrong’s website, www.lancearmstrong.com, both riders met up during the recent Tour of Murcia where, the American says, ‘we sat down face to face and ironed out our differences.’ The war of words between the 1998 Tour winner (Pantani) and Armstrong, who has won the race twice since, broke out after the latter gifted Pantani a stage win at Ventoux in a manner which the Italian climbing specialist felt was belittling. Following that point, the race appeared to transform into a bitter duel between the two – the final true mountain stage to Morzine being a case in point. Here Pantani threw caution to the wind, the rulebook to one side and attacked just 58 kilometres into one of the toughest stages of the race in what was little more than a suicidal fit of temper. Armstrong, however, went close to losing the race that day as a result, blowing up on the ascent of the Joux Plane and crossing the line exhausted and over a minute and a half behind chief rival Jan Ullrich. Pantani pulled out of the race before the start of the following stage. Since then, both Pantani and Armstrong have vowed to take revenge but, according to Armstrong, the animosity has now been replaced by a healthy rivalry. ‘There is a lot of mutual respect and admiration there and so it (the truce) was a good thing", he says, before adding that Pantani ‘is a good guy and was very much the gentleman in the meeting.’ Indeed, Pantani went as far as to donate a Tour of Italy pink leader’s jersey to Armstrong’s Ride for the Roses silent auction, which aims to raise money for cancer research and treatment. The gesture clearly impressed Armstrong. ‘He's a pretty classy person", concedes the cancer survivor. VIRENQUE TO MISS TOUR DE FRANCE: (Mar 12) Quintuple Tour de France King of the Mountains winner Richard Virenque today saw his hopes of taking a sixth title this year evaporate. The Frenchman will miss the 2001 race after his appeal against a 9 months drug ban was rejected by the Court for Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. Virenque was one of the Festina riders implicated by the revelations of systematic doping on the team, exposed in 1998 when soigneur Willy Voet was caught trying to smuggle drugs across the Franco-Belgian border. Despite the testimonies of many within the team, Virenque steadfastly maintained his innocence right up to an unexpected volte-face during last December’s Festina trial in Lille. He was subsequently banned for 9 months and fined over £2,000. However, although he will miss his beloved race this year Virenque’s appeal succeeded in gaining a reduction in his suspension. The Moroccan-born climbing specialist will now recommence racing on August 14, most likely with the French Jean Delatour team. He will thus be able to participate in both the Tour of Spain and world championships this year. Today’s announcement will frustrate many within the sport who are attempting to eliminate the widespread doping revealed during the ill-fated 1998 Tour. Virenque’s constant denials of guilt plus his attempts to mislead the Lille court as to his true earnings led many to feel that his 9 month ban and small fine were not sufficient punishment. Today’s reduction will further augment that frustration. POWER 4th IN GP DE LILLERS: (Mar 11) Ciaran Power today recorded his first placing with the St. Quentin professional team when he finished an excellent 4th in the world-ranked GP de Lillers in Northern France. Power was part of a strong 15 rider group which went clear shortly after the start of the rain-swept race, and from this group Power and 4 others went on to dispute the final result. With ten kilometres to go, eventual winner Jean Michel Tessier (Cofidis) and Sven Teutenberg (Festina) forged ahead, and at the line Power proved second-fastest of the a trio of chasing riders to take fourth. Of the six man Ireland team, Morgan Fox and Mark Scanlon were strongest, riding in a chasing group behind the main breakaway for most of the race. However, in the closing stages former Tonissteiner professional Fox was forced to retire due to mechanical problems. Scanlon also stopped in the closing stages of what was his first race this year. 'It was pretty encouraging for Morgan and Mark', says Ciaran McKenna of the ICF. 'Both were up there all day, riding well. Morgan feels that without the bike problems he would have done quite well, while Mark is just settling into the season after a late start.' Scanlon had been sidelined ever since the collapse of the Linda McCartney team at the end of January. He starts with his new Nantes 44 squad this week. SCANLON TO JOIN NANTES 44 TEAM: (Mar 9) Six weeks after the collapse of the Linda McCartney team left him without a pro contract, it has been confirmed that former world junior champion Mark Scanlon will race for the French Nantes 44 squad this year. The talented 20 year old has opted to join the amateur team due to its links with the first division Mercury outfit, who have been keen to sign him since he won his world title in 1998. Scanlon will race with Nantes 44 for most of the season before starting a pro trial with the burgeoning American team this Autumn. ‘The link with Mercury was a big factor in our decision’, explained Scanlon’s agent Frank Quinn today. ‘We were searching for a new team ever since the Linda McCartney set-up collapsed and after much consideration, Nantes 44 seems to be the best option. There were a few professional teams who had shown some interest, but time was dragging on and there was no sign that they would definitely sign Mark. It’s March now and he really can’t wait any longer.’ The hunt for a professional deal had been complicated by the fact that many top squads had already completed their line-up by the time the McCartney side dissolved in late January, following financial difficulties. Once a paid deal became unlikely, Scanlon and Quinn considered amateur placements with the Team Ireland set up and the CC Etupes squad, with whom he raced last year. But in the end, a fresh start and the lure of a possible contract with Mercury proved the deciding factor. Scanlon thus opted for the Nantes 44 side, with whom Dubliner Aidan Duff competed in 2000. The Sligoman will begin his 2001 season with the Irish squad in the GP Lillers this Sunday, after which he will remain in France and make his debut with the Nantes 44 team. Scanlon is also likely to race with the Irish squad this year when his schedule permits, with the under 23 world championships in Portugal this October likely to be a major target. Surprisingly, the prodigious cyclist was overlooked when funding was announced yesterday for this year’s International Carding Scheme. The anomaly, which is the result of an inflexible criteria for qualification, is likely to be corrected through the awarding of financial assistance via Team Ireland coffers. VIRENQUE APPEALS BAN: (Mar 8) Disgraced French cyclist Richard Virenque has appealed his 9 month suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, seeking to have his sentence reduced. Virenque had been sidelined in December when he finally confessed to EPO use, one and a half years after the Tour de France was hit by the Festina scandal. However, the quintuple King of the Mountains winner argues that the suspension is too severe, and is seeking to have the ban reduced in order to enable him to compete this year. The outcome is expected to be announced in the next couple of days. BEAUMONT FOUNDATION CUBAN CHALLENGE: (Mar 7) Following their successful Dublin Bay funcycle last year, which raised over £100,000 for Beaumont Hospital, the Beaumont foundation are holding a ten day cycle challenge in Cuba this November. The trip features 400 kilometres of cycling across the famous Carribean Island and visits places such as Havana, Cienfuegos, Matanzas and the holiday complex of Varadero. Fifteen places are left on the trip, which takes place from 22nd November until 1st December. Participants are required to raise £3,000. Further details and application forms can be obtained by contacting event administrator Paula Chapman at (01) 8092161 or paula.chapman@beaumont.ie. Alternatively, go to the Foundation’s website at www.cuwhen.com for full details. CYCLISTS GET £37,200; POWER AND SCANLON LOSE OUT: (Mar 7) The Irish Sports Council today announced details of its carding scheme grants for 2001, under which 9 cyclists here will receive a total of £37,200. Principal recipients were the Olympians David McCann, Robin Seymour and Tarja Owens, who each receive £9,000 after finishing in the top 60 in their events in Sydney. Downhill mountain bike rider John Lawlor and Irish under 23 road race champion David O’Loughlin both get £3,000, while Tim Cassidy receives £1,200. Daniel Lynch, Jonathan Kelly and Brian Ahern each qualify for a grant of £1,000. However, the absence of two of Ireland’s strongest riders, Ciarán Power and Mark Scanlon is surprising, and illustrates the shortcomings of the current criteria for funding. Power graduated to the paid ranks last season and became the first Irish rider in 7 years to finish one of cycling’s major Tours, placing 5th and 6th on stages of the Tour of Italy along the way. 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon is widely regarded as Ireland’s most promising rider in years and despite breaking his elbow last season recorded a dozen victories, including two stages in the international Tour of Hokkaido. Both riders were left high and dry early this year after the collapse of the Linda McCartney professional team. However, while neither qualify for funding under the carding scheme, it is thought that they will instead be able to obtain much-needed financial support through the Team Ireland project this season. ‘We are in ongoing discussions with the Sports Council with regard to broadening the criteria for future funding’, says Ciarán McKenna of the ICF. ‘It (the ISC) has only been there a couple of years and it will take a bit of time to get things right. But in the meantime the two riders should be able to get money though Team Ireland’. ICF CANCELS WEEKEND FIXTURES: (Mar 7) The Irish Cycling Federation today confirmed that this weekend’s competitive fixtures have been suspended due to ongoing concerns about the foot-and-mouth crisis. Races were due to be held in Kilcullen, Cork and Drogheda on this, the second weekend of the cycling season but these have now been cancelled. A fixture scheduled for Newry is also off. According to Ciaran McKenna of the ICF, the situation is being reviewed on an ongoing basis but as yet, he has no indications as to how soon racing will recommence. As a result, all events - including inter-club events - are cancelled. ‘It is really difficult to say when the suspension of sporting activities is going to be lifted’, says Martin Heffernan of the Department of Agriculture. ‘As you know, we have no cases here at the moment but as a precaution we are asking all sporting bodies not to hold events for the time being. It is likely that they will be off for a couple of weeks more, although we should have a better idea next week.’ UCI TO FILE FRAUD CHARGES AGAINST LINDA MC CARTNEY TEAM: (Mar 7) Six weeks after their collapse due to financial difficulties, the Linda McCartney team have been accused of fraud by cycling’s world governing body, the UCI. The allegation has arisen after the UCI attempted to use the bank guarantee, lodged in 2000 as part of the team’s registration, to try to recoup some of the wages owed to riders. However, it has emerged that the bank
documents presented by team management were forgeries
and no money was lodged. The UCI plan to file fraud
charges in Britain or Switzerland against former team
boss Julian Clark, who has been blamed for much of the
team’s misfortune. Clark is presently answering fraud
charges pertaining to a previous business. ‘I have lodged claims to get money back from the UCI’, says their manager Frank Quinn, ‘but this obviously is going to make things difficult. Ciaran is owed wages from the end of last year, and I was also hoping to get a month’s payments for each of them for this season.’ SCANLON NAMED ON IRISH TEAM: (Mar 6) 1998 junior world champion Mark Scanlon will make his 2001 debut this Sunday when he lines out with the Irish team in the GP de Lillers in France. The prodigiously talented 20 year old is a late addition to the six man squad, which comprises former professional Morgan Fox, Brian Kenneally, Tommy Evans, Michael McNena and Stephen O’Sullivan. The highly-ranked French race marks the first official assignment for riders on the new Team Ireland initiative, which provides backing and support for the cream of Irish cycling to be based abroad in French clubs. However, it is thought unlikely that Scanlon will become an official part of the set-up, as he is aiming to land either a professional contract or a deal with a top amateur squad for this season. His manager Frank Quinn expects that a decision will be made this week. The Sligoman was due to make his pro debut with the Linda McCartney team this year, but the squad collapsed in late January due to financial difficulties. ‘We are still looking at our options’, says Quinn, who has spent the past 6 weeks trying to find another contract for Scanlon. ‘But we will have to make a decision soon as the season has got underway. I have a couple more calls to make, but we would expect to make a firm decision in the next couple of days.’ FRENCH MEDICAL TESTS SUGGEST RIDERS ‘CLEANER’: (Mar 5) There was good news for French cycling today, with the announcement that the latest medical studies carried out by the French Cycling Federation (FFC) suggest that riders may be turning away from the use of doping products such as EPO. In a study of 701 professional and elite cyclists, the majority of riders displayed hematocrit (red blood cell percentage) and iron levels which were considerably healthier than in the first such study in 1999. The tests were brought in after the Festina scandal of 1998, and are regarded as a good indicator of possible doping use by cyclists. Just 1.6 percent of Elite 1 riders exhibited red blood cell levels above 50%, corresponding closely to the incidence normally displayed by non-athletes. According to FFC doctor Armand Mégret, "French riders today present a biology that makes it possible to conclude that the large majority of then are in good health. Anomolies are rare." However, ten percent of riders presented with an asthmatic condition. The FFC intend conducting a thorough study of this subject, plus carrying out monitoring of bone density levels amongst female competitors. High-level endurance exercise is a known risk factor for osteoporosis amongst women. SEYMOUR STARTS WELL: (Mar 3) Irish mountain bike champion Robin Seymour yesterday finished an encouraging 14th of 80 riders in his first race of the year, in Sestre Livante, Italy. Expecting a modest line-up in this first round of the Italian national points series, the Olympian instead found himself competing against many top-ranked world riders. Olympic and world champion Miguel Martinez of France proved fastest, with Italians Marco Bui and Hubert Pallhuber next, but despite his lack of recent racing Seymour rode well to finish in the top fifteen. He intends focusing on world cup and American competition this season. ALL EVENTS CANCELLED - ICF Cancels events due to FOOT & MOUTH: (Mar 1) The Irish Cycling Federation have become the latest sporting body to cancel its immediate sporting fixtures due to the Foot and Mouth crisis. The racing season was due to begin this weekend with competitors travelling from all over the country to venues in Annaclone, Navan and Cork, but these events will not now take place because of the risks of spreading the virus. According to Ciaran McKenna of the ICF, races are suspended for the next fortnight at least, with further cancellations certain if the crisis lingers. The ICF have also asked competitors not to travel abroad to events elsewhere. ‘It would make no sense for people to be prevented from racing here but to be able to go abroad and carry on’, he says. However, while preparation races are likely to be disrupted, for the moment at least there appears to be no immediate danger to the country’s premier event, the FBD Milk Ras. Race organiser Dermot Dignam stated today that he is confident that the 8 day stage race would continue as planned in its May 20th-27th timeslot. ‘The crisis is certainly worrying, but hopefully it will be brought under control quickly and the event can go ahead’, said Dignam. ‘I am adapting that approach for the moment at least – we have the best teams ever lined up this year and it would be a great pity if the race had to be stopped.’ EVANS 18th ON OPENING STAGE OF GIRO DELLA RIVIERA: (Mar 2) Former national champion Tommy Evans placed 18th today on the opening stage of the Giro Della Riviera Ligure Di Ponente in Italy. The Team Ireland cyclist, who is competing in the world ranked event with his VC La Pomme team, crossed the line in a large group which finished in the same time as winner Alberto Loddo of the Vellutex squad. The 3 day race continues tomorrow with a 144 kilometre stage to the Cipressa. |
FOX
TAKES LCF LEAGUE WIN:
(Mar 24) Former professional Morgan Fox today took his
first victory of the season when he won the opening
round of the Leinster Cycling Federation league in
Batterstown. Fox, who is home on a break from racing in
France, was part of a large group of first and
second-category riders who started the 50 mile handicap
race 6 minutes behind a bunch of veterans, women and
juniors.
McCANN
SIDELINED BY BRONCHITIS:
(Mar 23) Irish neo-professional David McCann has been
forced to take a break from racing with the Polish CCC
Mat team due to bronchitis. The national road race
champion was due to race in Switzerland this weekend,
but has instead returned home to Belfast to rest and to
get over the complaint.
highlighted his good early-season form when he was a
strong 4th in the Trophee Des Monts Du Luberon over the
weekend. The Dundrum cyclist was just one place away
from a podium slot at the end of the French race,
crossing the line in a three man group 3 minutes and 10
seconds behind CR4C Roanne team-mates Marc Thevenin and
Benoit Luminet. Former Irish road race champion Tommy
Evans was 13th, a further 3 minutes and 15 seconds back.