McCann signs for new Polish team

Irish road-racing champion David McCann has signed a contract with the new Polish team Ceresit-Henkel, allaying fears that he might have been left without a professional deal for 2002.

McCann turned professional with the CCC Mat squad at the beginning of this year but despite a number of good performances, including a stage win in the FBD Milk Rβs, the successful defence of his national title and a storming victory in the Tour of Hokkaido, his contract was not renewed by the team at the end of the season.

However, his good showing this year has succeeded in attracting the attention of the Ceresit-Henkel squad. Ceresit were previously a co-sponsor of CCC Mat in 2000, but have now decided to set up their own second division squad within the peloton.

"It is great to get a deal for next season, I didn't have a lot of options as it is very late in the year to be looking," McCann said. "I don't really know a whole lot yet - I am not sure who the other riders will be on the team, but hope that we will get into some of the big international races next year."

These targeted events may include Ireland's two new world-ranking events, the 1.5 one-day Shay Elliot memorial race in April and August's 2.3 North/South Tour of Ireland, providing the team is granted a place.

Reassuringly, Ciaran Power is also set to continue as a professional in 2002. Power made an impressive debut in 2000 but this year his chances were ruined by a combination of injury and bad luck. He is highly motivated to perform well once more next season. Meanwhile, continental-based Dermot Nally is tipped to fill a slot within the professional Selle Italia team, starting in June. He will ride with the amateur Maltinti Lampadari outfit until then.

Unusually for the off-season, this weekend sees four events on offer to those who haven't managed to shake off the racing bug. On Saturday the Michael Mooney memorial time-trial takes place in Collooney, Sligo, at 2.30 while another race against the clock takes place on Sunday when Bray Wheelers host their annual Gentleman's Grand Prix. This two-up, guess-your-time event starts at the Wheelers clubhouse at 11 a.m.

For those who wish to test their legs in a road race, two are taking place on Sunday. The Dublin Wheelers' John Sweeney Memorial starts in Clonee at 10.30 a.m., although entries are by invitation only. Down South, the famous Carrick Wheelers' Christmas Ham per race will once again feature Sean Kelly as one of the competitors, with RTE's Treacy Piggott also set to take part.

Fears of traffic congestion have led to a change in venue for the race, with the village of Mothel hosting the start and finish. The 30 -mile event comprises five laps of a six-mile circuit, with the first group being granted a nine- minute head start. For more de tails contact Vincent Kelly at 086 2575805.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Michael Mooney memorial time trial, Collooney, Sligo. Starts at 2.30, contact 087-6792414 for further details. Sunday: Dublin Wheelers' John Sweeney memorial Christmas race. Starts at the Old Navan Road in Clonee at 10.30. Invitation only. Carrick Wheelers Christmas Hamper race at Mothel, (3 miles from Carrick-on-Suir off the Dungarvan Road). 12.0 start. 30-mile race. Categories S1,S2,J,V,L. Bray Wheelers' Gentleman's Grand Prix (two-up TT). Starts at their clubhouse, Upper Dargle Road in Bray at 11.0. Contact Tommy Campbell for more details on 01-6242875 or 087-2590534.

Australian Graham Sharman has been banned for two years by his association after testing positive for excessive levels of testosterone in his blood after an out-of-competition test in June.