CYCLING:TWO DAYS after winning the prestigious Tre Valle Varesine race in Italy, Irish rider Daniel Martin completed his preparations for Sunday's Grand Prix Ouest France in Plouay, one of his main end of season goals.
Martin’s win came 10 days after his overall classification triumph in the Tour of Poland and highlighted his current strong form.
He was aggressive again in Wednesday’s Coppa Agostoni, attacking on the famed Madonna del Ghisallo climb which is a central feature of the Tour of Lombardy. Martin went clear with several others but they were eventually brought back. He played a team role for the rest of the race and eventually placed 24th, five minutes 25 seconds behind the winner Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre-Farnese Vini).
He then rode the Coppa Bernocchi yesterday, finishing 45th. He is very motivated to perform in Sunday’s event, where he was an excellent fifth last year.
Meanwhile, across the border in France, fellow Irishman Philip Deignan is finding the going tougher in the Tour du Limousin. He was 108th, 75th and 122nd on the opening three stages and begins today’s final leg 113th overall, 26 minutes and 16 seconds behind overall leader Gustav Larsson (Team Saxo Bank).
In other news, well over 1750 people will take place in the Sky-sponsored Etape Hibernia in Co Clare on Sunday. This number will include former world number one Seán Kelly, British Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, Irish comedian PJ Gallagher and Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan.
They will ride the 82-mile course, which will be held completely on closed roads, and which will follow on from successful Sky Rides overseas.
“We are delighted with the response we have received from members of the cycling community and wider public since launching the event at the beginning the year,” said Jo Dytch of the organisers IMG.
A limited number of places are still available tomorrow at the Glor Theatre in Ennis. For more details see www.etapehibernia.com or call +44 20 8233 5900.
FIXTURES – Saturday:Beechmount GP, Kilmessan. Starts 7pm; Roundwood GP, first races at 10am; Saturday – Sunday: West Cork Bike Fest, call Matt on 087-79906067 for details. Sunday: Collins Christle memorial, call Noel Clarke 087-2727801; Brian McNamara Memorial (Dara ONeill 087-9417 754); XC summer series, Kippure Estate; Falling Leaves Classic, Woodenbrige Hotel, near Arklow; Ulster road champs, start 11am Crumlin community centre; Munster championships; Etape Hibernia, starts 7am from Information Age Park, Gort Road, Ennis.
