CYCLING: The Ag2r Prévoyance team of Irish duo Mark Scanlon and Philip Deignan are looking likely to nab the final ProTour licence up for grabs for 2006, with the French squad the only team in the running for the vacant slot.
Having applied earlier this year, Ag2r were due to file some documentation yesterday and will submit the remainder by November 20th. It had been expected the Spanish Comunidad Valenciana team and the proposed new Sony Ericsson set-up would also apply. However, the former announced last week they were standing down from their bid, while the second team collapsed when it emerged the electronics and telecommunications giant had not actually agreed to any sponsorship deal.
Giancarlo Ferretti, who this year directed the Fassa Bortolo squad, had been assured of their support by an individual falsely claiming to represent the company. The collapse of the proposed team left many riders without contracts for 2006. One of these was Gilberto Simoni, a double Tour of Italy winner. Belgian Unibet.com said this week they were aiming to sign Simoni and stated if they were successful, they would fight for a place in the ProTour. However, they failed to lodge an application by the May 31st deadline, making it likely Ag2r will be the only team in contention for the slot.
Ag2r must still go through an assessment by the UCI's licencing committee to secure the post. The three-man committee will make their final decision by December 12th.
Meanwhile, Jenny McCauley finished off the season with a good performance in the final round of the Marathon World Cup in Roc d'Azur last Friday. The Bikin' Cyprus rider placed 10th, finishing sixth overall in the standings. McCauley's husband Richie finished 21st in the men's competition.
Finally, Philip Deignan was named as Cycling Ireland rider of the year at the champions' night awards last Saturday. Paddy Doran was awarded coach of the year, while the volunteer award went to husband and wife duo Tommy and Marion Lamb of Cycling Ulster. Fermoy CC were club of the year. The national underage championships was the event of the year.
