Having lined out in recent weeks in such top-ranked races as Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Veneendaal-Veneendaal and the Paris-Camembert, former national champion Morgan Fox is gradually adapting to life as a professional cyclist. Racing with the Tonissteiner team, the s 25-year-old's current role is to act as a domestique (helper) for the more senior riders on the Belgian squad.

Fox was unlucky to break a chain in last Monday's Grand Prix of Frankfurt, and he will gain more experience this week in the Classica Alcobendas and the Vuelta Asturias. Fellow professional Ciaran Power is currently fine-tuning his preparation for the Tour of Italy, which starts in eight days' time. Mark Scanlon provided further proof that he is over his knee injury of last season with a strong showing in the pro-am Circuit des Mines, finishing fourth on the final two stages and ended the stage race in 31st overall. His racing programme continues with another Mavic Cup Classic this weekend.

David McCann also underlined his good form by finishing fourth behind world MTB cross-country champion Christophe Dupouey in the recent Circuit de Mont Pujols, and finishing second overall in the Elan Varois stage race. The 1996 Olympian will finalise his preparation for the FBD Milk Ras in the Tour of the Guild from May 3rd-7th, and the Vuelta de Bisbee from May 12th-14th.

While McCann and Tour of Ulster-winner Philip Cassidy are the Irish riders deemed most likely to succeed in the forthcoming Irish Tour, there is also a strong international contingent in this s year's race. The foreign entry has been increased in recent days with the inclusion of two American squads, Team s People's Cycling and California AVTS, with former yellow jersey Mick Walsh amongst their quintet.