CyclingSix-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has stated it will be May before he makes a decision about whether to attempt to extend his record of victories in the world's biggest stage race. The 33-year-old Texan has completed his first pre-season training camp with the new Discovery Channel team and, for now, says he will focus his attention on the spring classics in 2005.
Armstrong is keen to win some of cycling's other major events before his probable retirement in 2006 or 2007. Classics such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Liège-Bastogne-Liège are likely targets next spring, although many within the sport - including key rivals such as Jan Ullrich - are sceptical of any suggestion Armstrong will not be at the Tour start in Noirmoutier on July 2nd.
In other news, promising Irish rider Mark Cassidy is set to graduate to the professional ranks following news he has secured a contract with the new Driving Force Logistics team. The Meath cyclist will join 11 others on the British-based squad, which will target major events on the UK and the UCI continental calendars plus the Espoir (under-23) world cup in 2005. Participation in the Tour of Britain is also a goal for the five-nation squad.
"I am delighted to get a place on the team . . . and it should help me develop further as a rider," he said this week The second-year senior is the son of double FBD Milk Rás winner Philip Cassidy.
Finally, Cycling Ireland will hold a national training camp for juniors and women in Cong, Co Mayo this weekend. Taking place in the Quiet Man Hostel, the two-day programme will include pre-season spins, coaching talks and training program advice. Information is available from Cycling Ireland at 01 8551522.
Fixtures: Sunday: Connacht MTB/cyclo-cross league, round three, sign on from 1 p.m. at Moorehall Woods near Carnacon. Contact Darren at 087 2307821 for more details. Leinster League round three (NPS), Rathsallagh. Starts at noon.
