CYCLING/News Round-up: Following a good professional debut in the Tour Down Under last month, Mark Scanlon is building towards a possible ride in the World Cup classics by clocking up more racing miles with his Ag2r team. The 22-year-old Sligoman is currently competing in the five-day Tour of the Mediterranean and yesterday finished as part of the main bunch at the end of the tough, 109km stage from Menton to Le Cannet.
The varying priorities of riders in the 2.3-ranked tour became obvious yesterday, with a large front group containing stage winner Emmanuel Magnien, race leader Bram de Grout and the pre-race favourites gaining almost 20 minutes on the 94-man main field by the end of the stage.
Scanlon, however, is looking further ahead, and with a long, tough debut season in store, will be content to let his form build gradually.
The Tour of the Mediterranean continues today with two stages, a 60km race from Seillans to La Motte and then a 110km afternoon leg to the top of the first category Mont Faron in Toulon.
Across the border in Italy, Scanlon's fellow professional Ciarán Power is putting the final touches to his pre-season preparation at the Navigators training camp in Tuscany.
Morale boosted by his strong results last year, the 2002 FBD Milk Rás champion has been working hard to ensure this season is a good one, and despite a recent touch of tendonitis he is confident that things are on track.
The Navigators training camp continues until the 17th, after which the team will make their 2003 competitive debut in the four-day Giro Della Liguoria.
Back home, another pre-season camp and coaching weekend is taking place in Leenane, Co Galway, over the next two days. Catering for all levels and categories, the programme incorporates an important training meet/get together for Cycling Ireland's female members. More information is available from John O'Halloran at 086 3930907 or from Cycling Ireland at 01 8551522.
Finally, Enable Ireland have available slots for riders interested in participating in its fundraising Cappadocia Cycle Challenge in Turkey this May. Details are available from them at 01 8727155.
Fixtures: Saturday/Sunday: Cycling Ireland women's training camp/Connacht coaching and training camp, Leenane, Co Galway. Sunday: Lurgan Apollo Cycle Club 64 mile reliability trial, starts 10.0 from Coalisland GAA club. All proceeds go to charity. Contact Eddie at: 077-48444483
