Manning to defend Ras title in strong line-up

CYCLING/Weekly Column: Following the announcement earlier this week that 2001-winner Paul Manning is returning to defend his title in the FBD Milk Rás, race organiser Dermot Dignam has released more details about this year's 50th edition of the event.

In a nod to the rich heritage of the round-Ireland tour, the race will return, after a long absence, to the traditional finish in the Phoenix Park, thus echoing the spectator-thronged finales enjoyed by riders such as Sé O'Hanlon decades ago.

The concluding criterium takes place on a 2.7-km circuit, based around the Main Road, Ordinance Survey Road and Furze Road, and will start at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 26th.

With Manning's GB team just one of many foreign squads aiming to win the 2.5-ranking event, the Irish national team - and other home riders - will have a tough time chasing yellow.

The Team Ireland line-up for the Rás, plus the riders for the Shay Elliot Memorial and the Circuit des Mines races are expected to be announced next week.

One rider likely to feature is Mark Scanlon. The former world junior champion has been performing well all season and last Sunday placed third in the sprint which decided the 1.6 Trofeo Attilio Strazzi race in Italy.

Also competing abroad last weekend were a six-woman national squad, who travelled to Herts to take part in the first round of the UK women's team series. Debbie Booth and Gillian McDarby were best of the sextet, finishing in the same time as winner Vanessa Frith of the Yorkshire team.

The remaining events in the team series are a core part of the international programme drawn up by the recently-established Women's Cycling Commission. The recruitment of riders and the development of competitors are two of the aims of the commission, which will be funded by Cycling Ireland.

Finally, the Stamullen team had their official 2002 launch during the week, unveiling both a new sponsor and a redesigned team kit.

Local businessman Martin Donnelly has undertaken to support the Meath team for three years and riders such as Leinster champion Tom Hughes and Craig Sweetman, plus brothers Bill and Robert Moore, are hoping to chase greater success in Irish races this year.

The team's input is not just limited to participation; beside running events this weekend, Stamullen M Donnelly will also be hosting the national road race championships at the end of June.

Women's Cycling Commission: chairman: Richie Keddy; secretary/treasurer: Valerie Considine; competition/coaching: Gillian McDarby; youth development: Olivia Coady; pro/communications: Elsa Connaughton

FIXTURES: Saturday - Brendan Carroll Memorial, Stamullen, starts 4.30 p.m. Sunday - Joey Whyte/Pat Howard Memorial, Stamullen, starts 1 p.m.; Bill Hyland Memorial, Clonmel, starts noon; Billy Stewart handicap, Lurgan, starts 1 p.m. Tuesday - Dickie Comerford Memorial, Phoenix Park (postponed).