McCann, Gill set sights high

Following their successful title defences last Sunday, both David McCann and Geraldine Gill have set their sights on progressing further on the Continent. While McCann was clearly delighted to win on his home circuit, he says that he is unlikely to base his racing programme around the national championships again as other targets will have to take precedence in future years. The CCC Mat professional lists the Tour of Poland in September as one of his major goals for this season.

Women's champion Geraldine Gill was similarly delighted at taking her third straight title, and is targeting a ride in either the Women's Tour of Italy or Tour de France in 2002. "I had some injuries and illness earlier this season and that put me off. But next year I want to try to get into one of the major Tours," she said, no doubt encouraged by Tarja Owen's current participation in the women's Tour of Italy.

Elsewhere, good news on the mountain bike front. Ireland's top downhill riders performed well last weekend at the European championships in Livigno in Italy. Junior rider Colin Ross was an excellent eighth 8th in his event, while John Lawlor was best of the seniors in a fine 30th place. Andrew Young was 34th and Marty McGuigan 59th. All will take part in the downhill festival race in Bray tomorrow.

Cross-country rider Glenn Kinning was a fine fourth 4th in the junior category in the third round of the British National Points series in Trentham Gardens last weekend. Thomas Juul-Jensen dominated the juvenile race, while Simon Loughlin was best of the senior men in 30th. Don Travers and Colm Mullen were close behind in 32nd and 35th place respectively. Meanwhile, Irish champion Robin Seymour competes this weekend in the fourth round of the World Cup at Grouse Mountain in Canada.

Over 30 riders turned out this week for the start of the new track series at the Eamonn Ceant stadium in Kimmage; the programme will continue throughout the summer.

Finally, some forthcoming events. The Rβs Connachta three-day race starts this evening in Cong, with entries accepted on the line. Usher IRC's Dickie Comerford Memorial race starts Tuesday evening, while next Sunday the Thermo King 50 mile one-way time trial takes place in Galway.