Nally still best of the Irish

Cycling: Dermot Nally finished 47 seconds behind stage winner Simon Gerrans (Jayco) on yesterday's ninth stage of the 2.3-ranked Malaysia Tour in Australia. The Spanish-based Irishman placed 49th on the 151.8 kilometre leg, with his team-mates Paul Healion and Philip Finegan finishing further back in 58th and 66th.

Australian rider David McKenzie's third place on the stage saw him overhaul the overnight leader Karl Menzies, moving 11 seconds clear of his team-mate in the general classification. Dermot Nally is best placed of the Irish in 40th place overall.

Meanwhile, the a.g.m. of Cycling Ireland's women's commission last Saturday brought about a number of changes. Mick and Dolores Usher, who have greatly helped the development of this wing of the sport, have stood down from their roles because of other commitments.

Valerie Considine will remain on as chairwoman while Orla Hendron has undertaken to run the Boot Inn and National League events in 2005. The latter races will replace those on the classic league and will be run off on a handicap basis, thus helping to promote greater participation by developing riders.

According to Considine, next year will see a change in approach.

"The goal is to hold on to the numbers we already have while also trying to get new riders of all ages involved in cycling."

Meanwhile, Cycling Ireland's Track Commission have named a four-man team to compete at the Revolution 5 meet tomorrow. Peter Dunne (Navan Avonmore), Ray Clarke (Worldwide Cycles), Michael Concannon (Killorglin CC) and Maurice O' Brien (Kanturk CC) will line out in the prestigious contest at Manchester Velodrome. Olympic gold medallists Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy have been confirmed for the meet. Dunne and Clarke will compete in the elite sprint series while Concannon and O'Brien will race in the elite events.

The Apollo club will hold a coaching weekend in the Craigavon Watersports Centre tomorrow and Sunday. Those interested contact Andy Layhe on 048-38348001 for details.