Power navigating contract renewal

CYCLING: Irish professional Ciarán Power is finalising details before re-signing with the New York-based Navigators team this week. Encouraged by his season this year and the chance of better leadership opportunities in 2003, the FBD Milk Rás winner has opted to continue competing on the US circuit. The team is likely to repeat its programme of competition in selected European events next year.

"We expect to have the contract signed in the next few days," says his agent Frank Quinn. "Ciarán had a good year with the team and will consequently have better terms for 2003. He should also have more of a chance to lead the team in races."

Also renewing his US pro contract is David O'Loughlin, who competed this year with Ofoto-Lombardi Sports. The Mayo rider is set to have a reduced schedule, though; he has decided to do a four-year course in sport and exercise science in the University of Limerick, starting this autumn.

Mark Scanlon made a seamless transition to the pro peloton when he finished with the main bunch in the 1.3-ranked Boucles de l'Aulne French cup race this week, and placed 15th in the 1.5-Tour de Finistère one day later. His trial with the professional AG2r team continues this weekend when he competes in Italy in the 1.1-Coppa Placci tomorrow and the 1.2-Giro de Romagna on Sunday.

Scanlon (21), has been told to hold back in these tougher events and save his efforts for next week's races.

Cycling Ireland have reported that they are very satisfied with the reaction thus far to the Hibernian National Bike Week.

"The turnout for last weekend's pedal picnics and the launch of the Raleigh National Safety and Skills programme on Wednesday was very good, and we are very happy with the coverage we have got around the country," said CEO Eamon Duffy.

The activities continue today with National Bike to Work Day and then tomorrow and Sunday with the Coast to Coast Challenge from Dublin to Galway and back. More pedal picnics are also scheduled for Sunday, in a number of locations around the country.

Contact Cycling Ireland for details at 01 8551523 or go to www.cyclingireland.ie.

FIXTURES: Saturday 7th: Collins/Christle Memorial, Kilmessan. Starts 6 p.m. Coast to Coast challenge, Dublin - Galway. Final round of NI cross-country league, Castlewellan Forest Park.

Sunday 8th: Beechmout Cup, Kilmessan. Starts 1 p.m. IVCA 50 mile CP, Ashbourne. Starts 10 a.m. Coast to Coast challenge, Galway-Dublin. National Bike Week Pedal Picnics in Donegal, Galway, Mallow, Kilkenny, Sligo, Monaghan and Dundalk.