Irish team's good run continues

CYCLING: THE IRISH-SPONSORED professional team An Post Grant Thornton Seán Kelly continued its good run in France yesterday, with the squad taking its second consecutive podium finish on stage two of the Etoile de Bessèges.

Belgian sprinter Niko Eeckhout placed third in the big bunch gallop into St Ambroix, crossing the line just behind Borut Bozic (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) and Arnaud Molmy (Roubaix Lille Metropole).

Irish road race champion Nicolas Roche (Ag2r La Mondiale) rolled in 34th, while compatriots Connor McConvey and Paídi O’Brien also finished in the main bunch.

Team manager Kurt Bogaerts was pleased with the result, coming as it does after Eeckhout’s second place on Wednesday. He is hoping that the riders can secure a stage win before the race ends on Sunday.

“The team did their job perfectly again and all we need now is a little bit of luck,” he stated after the 141 kilometre race to St Ambroix. “Tomorrow’s stage is very similar to today’s with two climbs and another local stage finish around the town, so I’m hoping for more of the same.”

Bozic’s second consecutive stage win reinforces his position at the top of the leaderboard. He is 10 seconds clear of Molmy and Eeckhout, who are second and third overall, and 20 seconds ahead of most of the other riders in the race.

The An Post Grant Thornton Seán Kelly team are psyched by what has been a strong start to 2010 and the riders are likely to ride aggressively. Roche’s aim in the race is to sharpen his legs before next week’s Tour of the Mediterranean.

In other news, the outcome of this year’s national cyclo-cross championships are wide open, following the news the event’s previous winners will not be taking part. Defending champion Robin Seymour has decided to pass up the chance of netting what would be a stunning 17 titles, while 2005 and 2008 victor Roger Aiken will also be absent from Sunday’s contest in St Anne’s Park, Raheny. He rode the world championships last weekend, placing 53rd, but has pre-booked training commitments abroad.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday — Sunday: Cycling Ireland development camp, Westport.

Saturday: Track training, Sundrive road, 10.30.

Sunday: Irish cyclo cross championships, St Anne's Park, Raheny, 11.30.