CYCLING:Multiple Irish record holder and former national champion David McCann got Ireland's world road cycling championship campaign under way yesterday when he lined out in the 44.9 kilometre elite men's individual time trial.

Last year's world champion Fabian Cancellara successfully defended his title in the race against the clock, finishing a full 52 seconds ahead of the silver medallist Laszlo Bodrogi (Hungary). Dutchman Stef Clement was six seconds further back in third.

McCann had hoped to approach his best-ever finish of 15th but ended the day three minutes 49.5 seconds back in 32nd. Better conditions could have improved things for him somewhat as he and the other early riders had to do their time trial in very wet, slippery conditions that required greater caution.

Cancellara was very satisfied with his second successive gold: "I said before this that I was not in the same condition as last year but when I look back at my race, I did everything that was possible to get a good time."

Today is a rest day at the world championships but racing restarts tomorrow with two road races. Daniel Martin, Mark Cassidy and Isaac Speirs will compete in the 171.9 kilometre under-23 road race, while Siobhan Dervan will ride the 133.7 kilometre elite women's event.

Martin has been riding very strongly in mountain events this year and will hope to show well on the tough course. Cassidy has also taken some good results in 2007, including 14th in the European championships, while the young rider Speirs has shown promise but is likely to assist the other two and to gain experience for the future.

Philip Deignan concludes the Irish campaign on Sunday when he competes in the 14 lap, 267.4 elite men's road race.