Following indications that both of their teams would compete in the Tour of Flanders, Ciaran Power and Morgan Fox were disappointed with the recent announcement of the line-up for the prestigious Classic. Neither the Linda McCartney squad, nor Fox's Tonissteiner outfit were granted a berth, and so lose out on what would have been valuable experience and television exposure.
Instead, Power will compete in today's Route Adilie event in France and then next Wednesday competes in the Gent Wevelgem semi-classic. Fox makes his competitive return, following a calf strain, in the Dutch Ronde van Drenthe on Saturday and then the Circuit de la Sarthe in France from April 4th-7th. The 1998 Junior world champion Mark Scanlon aims to continue his successful French campaign in the three-day Tour de Berrichon starting today.
On the heels of encouraging campaigns in the Tour of Rhodes and the Tour of Egypt the next focus for the national team is the Archer Grand Prix on Sunday week. Eugene Moriarty and Tommy Evans are confirmed to don green jerseys once again, but team commitments have ruled out Mark Scanlon and Fergus McAuley. Richie Beatty has now selected Michael McNena, who is currently performing well in the Tour of Chile, but one slot still remains up for grabs.
Beatty's headache does, however, generate a possible opening for domestic riders. While the National team director says he is considering other international-based riders to fill the vacancy, he has suggested that a particularly meritorious performance in Sunday's Orwell Wheelers Noel Hammond Memorial may be taken into account when it comes to finalising the team. That incentive, in a race which comprises six laps of a tough 12-mile circuit, indicates that a hotly-disputed race is in store.
Finally, entry forms for the Irish Road Club's Gorey three-day race may not be due back until Fridy April 7th , but race organiser Sam D'Arcy advised a quick reply is necessary from those wishing to secure accommodation.
Fixtures: Saturday: Tour of Ards, Newtownards (S1, S2, junior, veterans, women) 12.0; Saturday/Sunday: Donal McKenna Two-day, Stage One (sign on, Killorglin Sport and Leisure Club, 2.0) race starts 4.0.
