The Junior Tour remains on the fixtures list from August 17th to 22nd, but unless Pat McQuaid's search for a replacement sponsor is successful the event will be lost.

The Junior Tour was introduced by Joe McCormack in 1978, when Martin Earley was the winner, and it has been held each year since. McQuaid said: "I inherited an eight-day race but I think that is too long for juniors, and although it is listed to start on Tuesday, August 17th, which would be a six-day event, if it goes ahead my intention is to have it over only five days starting on the Wednesday."

McQuaid added that it all depends on the level of sponsorship he can entice. "I have had talks with some prospective sponsors and hopefully something satisfactory can be arranged very soon."

It would be unfortunate if the event were lost, as it has been the launching pad for most of those who graduated to the senior international squad. Last year it was dominated by Mark Scanlon before he went on to take the world junior road race title.

Scanlon had a satisfactory debut with the Rabobank amateur squad in Belgium last Sunday. A teammate got into the decisive break and finished second with Scanlon working well in a supporting role. He finished in the main pack of 150. He said he was delighted to get into the action and his next outing is at Mol on Sunday.

At the ICF board meeting last Saturday an effort was made to help redress the imbalance between first and second category licences. Instead of needing 25 points to gain promotion, only 15 is now required (six points go to the winner of a race). So there should soon be more riders with first category licences.

Sunday's most attractive promotion is Emerald's race commemorating Jim McQuaid. It will be over the two-mile circuit in the Phoenix Park, the scene of many of McQuaid's triumphs, and two of his sons and two grandsons will be taking part. It is intended to have the racing for two hours, starting at 10.0 a.m., with the first category men conceding a lap to juniors and veterans.

The Sligo club have the First Active Grand Prix over seven laps of 10 miles, and Duhallow Wheelers have a full programme of races for all grades at Kanturk. Tomorrow the Tour of Ards is on at Newtownards, and the last of three events in the Leinster league is on the circuit behind Dublin Airport.

Entries for the Irish Road Club's annual Easter three-day event from Brittas to Gorey and back close with Sam D'Arcy next Friday.