After the full programme of Easter stage races it's back to more ordinary fare this weekend. The Beggan Trophy at Bohermeen and the Dungarvan Grand Prix are the main promotions on Sunday.
However, six of the top men represent Ireland in the principal event in Britain on Sunday, the Archer Grand Prix: Ciaran Power, Brian Kenneally, Micheal Fitzgerald, Stephen O'Sullivan, Eugene Moriarty and French-based Michael McNena. National champion Ray Clarke was not considered for selection, as he goes with Tommy Evans and the other members of the Clarke's squad to the Tour of Majorca. The Clarke's men dominated the Tour of the North this week, with two stage wins each for Evans, Clarke and Fitzgerald, who rode as a guest. Evans and Clarke were first and second overall.
An Irish team will be named next week for the Ruban Granitier in France at the end of the month, but because the Sports Council grants have been curtailed, the Irish Cycling Federation (ICF) had to reduce by half their budget of £45,000 for international engagements. This means the inclusion of teams representing Ireland in the FBD Milk Ras and the European and world championships are in doubt. The critical situation will be a main item for discussion at the ICF board meeting in Dublin tomorrow. The next stage race on the calendar is the Tour of Ulster on May 1st-3rd. Entries to Pat Clarke, 106 Sligo Road, Enniskillen.
Sunday is the first closing date for entries, at £30, for the Milk Ras, from May 15th to 23rd. After that the cost will be £40, up to the final cut-off date, April 21st, with Dermot Dignam. Mark Scanlon had his best outing with the Dutch Rabobank amateur team on Monday. After repeating his 19th placing of the previous week in a race on Saturday, he was in the line-up of 180 for 175 kilometres at Bommelerward on Monday.
Entering the closing stages, the 18-year-old Sligoman got up to three leaders with four others, but, just when they were getting ready for the final sprint, with two kilometres left, Scanlon got a puncture. Officials afterwards presented him with a special combative award as some consolation.
