CYCLING: This weekend sees Ireland's off-road riders clash in both cross-country and downhill disciplines with the holding of the National Mountainbike Championships at Castlewellan, Co Down.
Robin Seymour will attempt to further extend his highly impressive record of nine consecutive cross-country titles having won by over seven minutes last year, while Tarja Owens is aiming to add to her eight victories in the women's contest.
The downhill race, due to be held in nearby Rostrevor, will most likely result in a head-to-head between John Lawlor and Glynn O'Brien, who rode very strongly to finish 20th and 22nd respectively in last weekend's World Cup race at Grouse Mountain in Vancouver.
Also up for grabs this weekend are medals in the national time trial championship, which is taking place tomorrow in Enniscorthy.
Run off over a 25-mile distance, the race against the clock will see Ireland's top testers cross swords in the attempt to take gold.
Riders should note that "teardrop" style helmets are no longer permitted to be used because of their relative lack of protection, meaning that standard hard-shell lids must be worn.
Meanwhile, this year's M Donnelly Junior Tour will be officially launched this morning in Glasnevin.
Taking place from August 5th to 10th, the international under-18 Tour has attracted a strong line-up, with teams from France, the Netherlands, USA, South Africa, England and Wales already confirmed.
Following last year's success, the 2003 race will once again be held in the environs of Co Waterford. The M Donnelly Junior Tour will begin with a one-mile time trial on August 5th and continues with a 62-mile stage out around Dungarvan and then a 63-mile leg to Enniscorthy.
The fourth stage will most likely be the hardest, with the riders due to fight it out over four laps of a hilly circuit at Carrick-on-Suir. Stage five covers 66 miles and starts and finishes in Clonmel, with the climb of the Vee likely to split the field. The final day of racing will take the riders on a two-lap, 40-mile road race which finishes on the Quays in Waterford city.
Monday is the closing date for entries and forms and other details are available from race organiser Alice Sheratt at 087-2929913.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Ballivor Grand Prix, Ballivor, starts 7.30 p.m. Irish national time trial championships, Enniscorthy, 4 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: National mountainbike cross-country championships, Castlewellan, Co Down, starts noon. MTB Downhill championships, Rostrevor, Co Down, noon.
Sunday: IVCA 25-mile time trial, Enfield. Starts 9.30 p.m.
