Cycling Column:The 2006 season may have been a quiet one for the former world junior champion Mark Scanlon, but the 26-year-old Sligoman is motivated and training hard prior to his move to the US in January.

Scanlon wanted a change of scene after four years' racing professionally in Europe and has signed a contract with an American squad, the identity of which is still to be confirmed.

"The team don't want me to give any details before the launch," he said yesterday. "But I think it will work out well. I am going to be based in Los Angeles and the racing programme will be lighter than in Europe, meaning that I will be able to prepare much better. I did 120 days' racing a year during my first two seasons as a pro; next year should be 60 to 70 days' racing, so I will have a lot more time to train and prepare properly."

By all accounts, Scanlon's morale is high.

"I have four weeks' of training done now and have covered 2,400 miles, about 600 more than I did in the same time last year. It is just a matter of keeping that going until I get away again in January. I'm feeling motivated - the change of scene is one factor, and so, too, the fact that I know I can win races next year."

He rode well in the recent track trials organised by Cycling Ireland in Belgium.

"It was my first time on a wooden track so it was pretty interesting. Having the right technique is important and it takes a while to learn that, but I would definitely like to do more of it."

Cycling Ireland's hope is that with several of the country's top road riders now showing an interest in track, some could chase qualification and race in the velodrome at the next Olympics. British riders have done so to good effect in recent years.

FIXTURES: Friday: Women's cycling Christmas party, Cafe Bar Deli, 7.30pm. Contact Kate, 087-9555603. Saturday: Women's Christmas spin, meet 10am, Phoenix Monument, Phoenix Park. All welcome. Sunday: Leinster cyclo-cross championships, Tymon Park. Underage race noon, main race 1pm.