Over the next few days, the biggest challenges of the year take place for young Irish cyclists, as they clash with a host of strong international competitors.
The first of these, the NCBI Stena Junior Tour sees approximately 70 riders compete in the tough six-day competition, vying to repeat the successes previously recorded by Tour de France stage-winners Martin Earley and David Millar in the event.
The British team return aiming to repeat their dominance of 12 months ago, but without 2000 champion Kieran Page.
Two French teams - Cote d'Azur and Velo la Pomme - are travelling, with Stephen Roche's son Nicolas leading the former, while two Dutch teams are also hunting for glory. The international line-up is completed by teams from Scotland, Liverpool and York.
In answer to this, a strong Irish team has been named. Paudi O'Brien, Tim Cassidy, Philip Duignan and John O'Shea don green jerseys for the race, which kicks off with a four-kilometre hill climb up Howth head on Tuesday evening. The junior tour climaxes with two tough road stages next weekend.
Meanwhile, tomorrow sees the start of the three-day Westwood Homes Youth Tour for underage riders.
Strong foreign teams from Denmark, Belgium, Holland, England and the Isle of Man have entered and a huge field is expected for the four-stage event in Killorglin, including Irish teams in each of the age groups.
Overseas, an Irish senior team will line out in the world-ranked Havant GP on Sunday. Paddy Moriarty, Shane Prendergast, Daniel Lynch and Eugene Moriarty will seek to emulate the strong performance of Tommy Evans in last week's Manx International. The Belfastman finished a fine third, then went on to place sixth in the Tour of the Cotswolds.
Elsewhere last weekend, Tarja Owens was best of the Irish women in the tough Tour de la Haute-Vienne in France. Despite discomfort caused by her crash in the women's Tour of Italy, she placed 29th in the race, with Debbie Booth 34th and Louise Moriarty 47th.
The event was a baptism of fire for manager Pauline McKay, who had to contend with the airline misplacing lost bikes and equipment, but nevertheless she described the race as a "great experience".
The National Criterium championship scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled. Places are still available for the Majorca Cycle challenge fund-raiser, which takes place from September 15th-22nd.
Proceeds are in aid of the Arc Cancer support centre; further information is available from Seβn O'Reilly at 086 8695308.
