CYCLING: Irish riders will this weekend aim for strong rides in both the road and mountain-bike European championships in Italy and Switzerland, respectively. National road-race champion Mark Scanlon is spearheading a good Team Ireland selection for the under-23 race on Sunday, with Dermot Nally, Denis Lynch, Thomas Hogan, Brian Aherne and Gary McQuaid completing the squad.
While the national under-23 gold and silver medallists Nally and Lynch are capable of strong performances, Scanlon has the best chance of success. Physiological testing carried out in the NCTC last week showed the Sligoman is in exceptional shape, and while the road race course is hillier than he would have liked, he is keyed up for a good ride.
However his best chance of a medal probably lies in today's time trial. Twelve months ago Scanlon looked set for a top-three finish at the halfway point but dropped to 10th due to cramp.
Meanwhile, Cycling Ireland has sent its strongest possible selection to the European MTB championships in Zurich, with four national titleholders on the five-rider team.
Irish champion Robin Seymour and bronze medallist Simon Loughlin will contest the elite race while Tarja Owens will take on Europe's best in the women's event. Glen Kinning and Lewis Ferguson are similarly aiming for good performances in the under-23 and junior competitions.
Beth McCluskey, who sprained her wrist before last month's national championships, is unable to take part.
At home, there are two big stage races on offer with the underage Westwood Homes Youth Tour and the FPM three-day taking place. Senior One riders will line out in the seventh round of the Classic League on Sunday, in the Gene Moriarty Cup in Listowel. Details are available from Tadhg Moriarty at 087-2443360.
Late entries are still being taken for next week's M Donnelly Junior Tour of Ireland. Contact Alice Sheratt at 087-2929913.
FIXTURES: Today - Williamstown Festival race, Williamstown, 7 p.m.; FPM three-day stage 1, Newry (runs until Sunday), stage 1, 6.30. Saturday: Westwood Homes Youth Tour, Killorglin (runs until Monday), stage 1, 30; Mount Nugent GP, Mount Nugent, 7 p.m. Sunday: Gene Moriarty Cup, Listowel. Classic League event, 1.0. Monday: Loughglin Festival race, 12.30.
