Drug tests from Irish events prove negative

Turbulent times may continue on the international front, but the Irish scene has been given a clean bill of health after the announcement of results from the first major battery of anti-doping tests this year.

The Irish Cycling Federation has stated that the 24 tests taken during last month's FBD Milk Ras, plus four samples from the Tour of Ulster and five out-of-competition tests, have all returned negative results. Testing will continue for the remainder of the season, including the National Road Race championships which take place in Lisburn on Sunday week.

Promoted by his Irish club Phoenix CC, the 96-mile senior event sees defending champion David McCann start as one of the favourites. Determined to retain the title he won 12 months ago in Cork, McCann lists his main rivals as David O'Loughlin, Tommy Evans and Mark Scanlon. The latter two have been training hard in the south of France with Michael McNena and Stephen O'Sullivan. The Irish-based hopefuls have events in Banbridge, Cookstown, Tuam and Currow to choose from.

The senior championship course takes in 13 laps of a rolling 7.4-mile circuit at the Dundrod. The women's event will cover five laps of the same course - French-based Geraldine Gill is favourite to retain the title. After a strong turnout this week for the first race in the new women's league, it is hoped that their championships will have a good level of entries. More details are available from the phoenixcc.net website.

Also fast approaching is the Classic Walls-sponsored All-Ireland underage championship, to be held in Emyvale, Co Monaghan on July 14th. Entry forms are due in by June 29th, with further information available at 086-3298860. Entry forms are also available for the Mayo Wheeler's Ras Connachta on July 6th-8th. Contact Brian O'Loughlin at 092 46650.

Following the recent Government grant awarded to the ICF, efforts to resurrect track racing in Crumlin continue. There will be an introductory meet on Wednesday July 4th at the Eamonn Ceannt track (7 p.m.). Both track and road bikes are allowed. Meanwhile, the late Paddy Flanagan will be remembered next Wednesday with a criterium in Kildare town. Sean Kelly and Mark Scanlon are expected to be in attendance at the circuit race (which starts at 7.30 .p.m.).

Following the successful Wicklow 200 last weekend, the leisure theme continues on Sunday with the Cycleways Irish Ferries charity cycle, leaving Clonsilla at 10 a.m. Contact Philip Cassidy for details at 01-8734748. The next day a charity rally in aid of Simpson's Hospital leaves Dundrum Shopping Centre at 7 p.m., heading to Enniskerry and back.

Fixtures Saturday 23rd: Noel Taggert Memorial, Banbridge. Starts noon.

Sunday 24th: Drumm Memorial Currow Co Kerry. Sign on Currow Community Centre. Senior and junior races start at 2 p.m. Underage start at 12.30 p.m. Premier Landscape Connacht CF Championship road race, Tuam. senior, junior, underage, 1 p.m. Tour of the Sperrins, Cookstown. Main race starts 1 p.m., underage sign on at 10.30 a.m. IVCA 42-mile DMS, Milltown, Newbridge. Starts 10 a.m.

Monday 25th: Simpson's Hospital Charity cycle rally, starts Dundrum Shopping Centre at 7 p.m.