McCann's hopes hit by illness

CYCLING: David McCann's concerns that he might be forced to withdraw from the Tour de Langkawi because of a chest infection appear to have abated after the Northern rider started to recover from the illness yesterday.

"I am still not feeling great but I was going better today," he said. "I was right up there in the top 20 coming towards the end but backed off when it got dangerous. But the legs were there anyway, so that is a good sign."

Lying in 26th place overall, two minutes and 58 seconds off the race lead of Japanese rider Koji Fucushima, McCann is Ireland's best bet for a high overall placing.

However, he is unsure about his chances of a good placing on today's gruelling mountain-top finish to the Genting Highlands.

"I think the stage will come too soon for me," he said. "I need a few more days to get over this chest infection. I will take the last of the antibiotics tonight but it is very close to the big stage.

"Okay, I may be healthy again but I won't be on proper form after being sick."

He finished 19th on the Genting stage 12 months ago and ended the Malaysian tour a fine 14th overall.

Yesterday's seventh leg of the race was won by Australian sprinter Graeme Brown, his third of this year's contest.

McCann and four of the other Irish riders finished in the same time as the Ceramica Panaria rider and the rest of the main bunch.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Roche followed his father's wheeltracks this week by making his debut as a professional. The 20-year-old got his career under way in the Etoile de Bessèges stage race in southern France, lining out with the Cofidis team.

Roche reached the line as part of a 45-man group racing for 64th place, finishing 94th on the opening stage into Marseille.

The Antibes-based rider will compete for two years with the French squad and has a clear notion of what his first season will entail.

"The first goal is to satisfy the expectations of the team. If they want me to finish in the top 10 one day and I am able to do that, I am more than happy. The most important thing is to settle in and to build things gradually," he said.

Mark Scanlon also began his season in the race, finishing as part of a large group racing for fourth place. The opening stage was won by Freddy Bichot of the FDJ team.

FIXTURE

Sunday: Asia Tsunami appeal charity cycle, starting from Clonsilla Inn, Clonsilla Road at noon. Choice of three distances, all proceeds to GOAL. For further details contact Gay Farnan on 087-2579406.