CYCLING: Mark Scanlon placed a fine 10th in yesterday's third stage of the Tour Down Under, continuing an encouragingly strong pro debut for the Sligoman with the first division AG2r squad.

Just 22, Scanlon has taken on the established professionals this week, driving a threatening breakaway group on the first stage, finishing in a breakaway group with the main contenders on Wednesday's stage and then sprinting home 10th yesterday at the end of the 164-kilometre leg to Hahndorf.

First across the line was Tour de France Green Jersey winner Robbie McEwen of the Lotto-Domo team, who outsprinted fellow Australian Graeme Brown (Panaria Fiordo) by one centimetre. Italian rider Fabio Sacchi (Saeco) continues to lead overall, albeit with a reduced lead of 10 seconds after McEwen's win landed him a time bonus.

Scanlon is 33 seconds back in 24th overall and with his squad continuing to lead the teams classification, the former world junior champion will be delighted with his debut. Speculation is already beginning to mount that AG2r may consider granting him a start in the Tour de France this year, although Scanlon himself feels next season marks a more likely timeframe for this to happen.

The Tour Down Under continues today with a 144-kilometre stage from Unley to Goolwa, and ends on Sunday.

Two other Irish riders have been in action recently in Australia, benefiting from their summer racing season while competition is at a lull here. Eugene Moriarty lined out in the Australian Road Race Championships last week and rode strongly until he retired with cramp at the two-thirds mark. Louise Moriarty (no relation) took part in the recent Victorian Track Carnivals, held on an outdoor velodrome, and took a win and four other top-three placings. However, a knee injury incurred in the series sidelined her from the road race championships she was scheduled to ride in. Her knee responded well to treatment and she anticipates an early return to racing.

Following Cycling Ireland's appointment of world hour record holder and former Olympic champion Chris Boardman as national track coach, the Manchester rider is travelling to Ireland for an open meeting tomorrow with riders and officials. Starting at 6 p.m. in the Spawell Leisure Centre, Templeogue, the former world pursuit and time-trial champion will outline the senior track programme for 2003 and field questions. All are welcome.