Scanlon shows fighting spirit

Mark Scanlon recorded one of the most impressive performances since his 1998 junior world title when he finished 10th in the time trial at the under-23 European Championships in Brittany.

The 20-year-old Sligoman had been as high as third in the early stages, but the effects of cramp saw him slow towards the end of the 32 kilometre test and finish one minute and 28 seconds behind Manuel Quinziato of Italy.

Following the display, hopes were high that he would ride well in yesterday's road race but he finished just behind the main bunch of riders in 72nd place, with fellow Irish rider Dermot Nally three places better. Denis Lynch, who had finished 35th in the time trial, was 111th while Gary McQuaid crashed out.

There was better news from the World Veteran Championships in Austria, where Cormac McCann Snr was an excellent 10th. The Belfastman, father of Irish professional David, crossed the line in a small chasing group behind five leaders. And in England, Susan O'Mara finished fifth in the curiously-titled Moscow Gallop in Scotland.

Back home, France-based rider Thomas Hogan proved quickest of the front runners at the end of the National Under-23 Championships in Batterstown.

Hogan pipped first-year senior Conor Murphy to inherit the crown won last year by David O'Loughlin, with Seβn Dempsey securing bronze ahead of Daniel Lynch.

In the junior event, Fair City actor Niall O'Shea won his first road race in style when he took the national title with a powerful solo attack. The Cycleways rider, who started competing as a mountain-bike competitor, jumped clear inside the final 10 miles and opened up a comfortable lead. Silver went to Cian Power 20 seconds later, with Paudi O'Brien redisplaying his finishing speed in taking third a further 15 seconds behind.

Finally, Seβn Bracken showed his continuing dominant form when he won his first veteran's title. The Usher IRC rider beat Norman Cambell to take gold in the 52-mile race.