CYCLING: The former world junior champion Mark Scanlon has been tipped for a strong professional career by his new team manager, Vincent Lavenu, who signed the young Sligoman to the AG2r team last month. Scanlon landed a place on the first division team after an impressive pro trial in September, and will ride with the Tour de France regulars for the next two years.
"I was very happy with Mark's performance during his trial," says Lavenu. "A young rider normally finds it tough to adapt to professional races but he became competitive very quickly. I think that he is going to make a very, very good professional."
Scanlon will meet the team at their week-long training camp in Temple-Sur-Lot on December 9th, and will make his full debut early next year. Although a start in the Tour de France is unlikely due to his age, the 22-year-old has been told he will probably take part in some of the sport's big classics next season.
Paul Griffin was best of the Irish team in Sunday's 200 km Tour of Okinawa in Japan, placing 15th. The event was won by Australia's Paul Redenbach, with Griffin finishing in a chasing group five minutes, 44 seconds back. Tim Cassidy and Eugene Moriarty finished in the main bunch some eight minutes later.
The penultimate round of the Irish cyclo-cross league was due to take place tomorrow at Stormont, but because of a waterlogged course the race has been cancelled. Last Sunday Robin Seymour conceded his lead due to a no-show - he was training in Spain - but as the scoring allows for one absence, the national champion remains favourite to take the series overall. Northern rider Aidan McDonald won last week and currently tops the overall standings.
Mark Scanlon and US-based professional David O'Loughlin are expected to take part in the Connacht Cycling winter training camp in Leenane, which starts tomorrow. Sunday sees the first a.g.m. of Cycling Ireland's track commission.
FIXTURES: Saturday/Sunday: Connacht Cycling winter training camp, K2 Hostel, Leenane. Open to all over 14 years of age. Starts Saturday at 10 pm. Contact John O'Halloran at 095-44602/086-3930507.
Saturday: National cyclo-cross league round 5, Stormont. Cancelled.
Sunday: Cycling Ireland track commission a.g.m. Discussion starts 11 a.m., main meeting at 3 p.m.
