CYCLING: Rider Philip Deignan (Ag2R Prévoyance) will continue his comeback from injury when he starts the three-day Tour du Nord-Isère today in France. Deignan was sidelined for two months with a knee problem, but returned to action one week ago in the Circuit des Ardennes. Although lacking racing sharpness, he achieved his aim of finishing the four-stage contest.
Deignan's team-mate Mark Scanlon showed he is on his way back from his injury problems when he won the final stage of the Ardennes race on Sunday. Scanlon rode his first Tour de France last year and is doubtless aiming for a repeat, although his Ag2R team must rely on a wild card entry.
The French squad have been below-strength this year, due in part to the departure of team stars Jaan Kirsipuu and Laurent Brochard at the end of last season. Scanlon and his team-mates will hope to take more victories and so guarantee their place at the Tour start on July 2nd.
In other news, Cycling Ireland confirmed this week CEO Stuart Hallam has departed from the position after the conclusion of his two-year contract. Hallam's time at the helm of CI was one of mixed success, with some advances being made such as an increase in membership and the recent launch of the Seán Kelly Cycling Academy in Belgium. However the federation's budget deficit is an ongoing concern.
The board of CI has decided not to appoint a new CEO, recently advertising for a general manager instead.
Today is the closing date for regular entries for this year's Shay Elliott Memorial race, which takes place on Sunday week. Organisers will continue to accept entries until this Monday (more details available from race organiser Urban Monks at 01-2856382).
Finally, former Irish international Liam Horner will be remembered on Sunday with the running of a 50-mile memorial cycle, starting at the Grasshopper Inn in Clonee at 10am.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Brendan Carroll Memorial, Stamullen, 3pm. East Tyrone Spring Classic, Cookstown. First races at 10.30am. Crowley Cup, Killarney, 3pm. Sunday: Kingdom Bar RR, Killorglin. Contact 087 2833814 for details. Stamullen GP, Stamullen. Starts 1pm. John Moore Memorial, Carryduff. Starts 1pm. Tour of Tipperary, Clonmel. Starts 10am. Liam Horner Memorial Spin, Clonee. Starts 10am. St Finbarr's Leisure Tour. Contact 086 0874836 for details.
