Sports Digest/CYCLING: Six-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong said yesterday he would retire after this year's race in July.
The 33-year-old American, addressing a news conference, said: "I have thought a lot about it. I have gone back and forth. My time has come but I will definitely have the itch every now and again.
"My children are my biggest supporters but at the same time they are the ones who told me it's time to come home.
"After July 24th, (continuing) is not an option. It's a great field, a great race, I would like to win again. I would love to go out on top."
Meanwhile, Cycling Ireland selectors have secured the release of Mark Scanlon from his AG2R-Prévoyance team to lead the Irish national team in the FBD Insurance Rás which starts from Dublin in a little over four weeks.
Sligo's Scanlon won the world junior championship in 1998, was Irish senior champion in 2002 and 2003 and had a solid performance as a debutant in last year's Tour de France.
The experienced Kerry rider, Paul Griffin, is also included, while the other three riders on the team, Brian Keane, Paudi O'Brien and Conor Murphy, are part of Irish cycling's up-and-coming batch of riders. The manager is former Rás rider Cian Lynch.
SWIMMING: Barry Prime, recently appointed as Swim Ireland's national performance director, has decided not to take up the position. Prime accepted the post and the appointment was announced on April 8th.
Speaking from his home in Australia, Prime said: "It is with regret that I had to inform the Swim Ireland board of my decision not to take up the position of national performance director.
"The reason for my change of heart is to do with my decision to stay in Australia.
"I have been on the road travelling to international swimming competitions for the past 32 years and felt that it was time for me to find a community where I could call home and settle down. I have realised I do not wish to leave Australia and for that reason, and that reason alone, I will not take up the post.
"Swim Ireland and the Irish Sports Council have been excellent during all my negotiations with them."
Tony Farrell, Swim Ireland chairman, said: "I am taken aback by Barry's decision. Following an extensive process and discussions Barry was made an offer, which he accepted. However, we must accept his decision and resume our search for a world-class swimming professional who can lead high performance swimming in Ireland for the next few years."
RACING: There will be an 8am inspection at Gowran today to see if tomorrow's scheduled card can go ahead.
The course is currently unraceable and there are more showers forecast.
