CYCLING /Weekly column: Irish professional David McCann went close to defending the title he won last year in the world-ranked Manx International yesterday, attacking in the closing stages of the race but ultimately being foiled by a crash.
The northern rider held on to finish third behind Britain's Mark Lovatt and Frenchman John Gadnet, but was left rueing what was an unlucky fall.
McCann rode strongly throughout the race and, aided by his Ireland team mates David O'Loughlin and Brian Kenneally, reached the final climb in good shape. Gadnet attacked on the climb and opened up a considerable lead, but McCann and Lovatt succeeded in closing the gap with about three kilometres remaining. McCann seized the moment to make his move, only to be thrown to the ground when his gears slipped.
The Endurasport professional remounted and reduced his deficit to seven seconds, but was unable to get back on terms before the line. "David may well have won," said team manager Ian Chivers. "He was very unlucky for that to happen when he attacked."
Meanwhile, with just a week and a half to go, Ireland team manager Tom Keenan has announced the national squad for the M Donnelly Junior Tour of Ireland. The junior-rankings leader Theo Hardwick (Killoglin Credit Union CC) is aiming to improve on his fine third place finish of last season, and will be joined by Northern rider Dave Kane, Frazer Duncan, Killorglin's Barry Woods and Mark Cassidy of the Cycleways Lee Strand team.
With just four places available on the team, the in-form junior Colm Crawley will be competing instead for Stamullen M Donnelly squad, with Mark Nestor. Both riders have won races in the Isle of Man this week, Crawley taking the Douglas circuit race and Nestor landing the Douglas Kermesse. The team will be completed by Stephen McKenna and Jamie Barlow, with Gerard Cromwell acting as manager.
The tour will take place in and around Waterford from August 5th until 10th. A large number of foreign riders have been confirmed to travel, with teams from France, the Netherlands, South Africa, the US and Britain taking part.
FIXTURES: Today-Sunday: Ards Three-Day, Portaferry. Stage One starts 7 p.m. tonight. Sunday: Klondyke Cup, Robinstown. Underage races start at 11 a.m., other events at 1 p.m. IVCA 50-mile age-related championships, Summerhill, 10 a.m.
