Late last season, Ciaran Power considered his then fruitless search for a professional contract and, in a few words, articulated his frustration. "I have got some good results this season," he said, "but it is so hard waiting for that phone call to come. I'd really love to get the chance to turn pro - I don't know how good I'd be, but I think I could survive as a professional cyclist."

Six months later, the 23-year-old has just recorded the best performance of his three-month-old professional career, riding out of his skin for Linda McCartney team-mates Pascal Richard and Max Sciandri during the prestigious Tirreno Adriatico race, and drawing praise from team manager Sean Yates.

An 11th place on the final stage and finishing 72nd overall against the world's top riders suggest that, given time, Power can do more than just survive as a professional cyclist.

Indeed Power's progress comes at a time when several Irish cyclists are experiencing an upswing in their fortunes. Two years ago Aidan Duff recorded a number of high placings on the Continent, including eighth in the under-23 Paris-Roubaix, and was tipped by Stephen Roche as one who could secure a professional contract. Frustrated then by illness and a drop in motivation, Duff recently came second in the Tour d'Ermeraude and, just last weekend, outsprinted eight others to win the 130 kilometre Lacs d'Armorique race.

The 1996 Olympian David McCann is another enjoying a return to form; McCann recorded six top 10 placings in last week's Tour of Egypt.

Further optimism comes from the improving form of new professional Morgan Fox, who finished 22nd in Sunday's Omploop Waasland, and Mark Scanlon's successful return from injury.

The 1998 junior world champion was the winner of the recent Tour de Quatre Cantalons and placed 25th in last weekend's Bordeaux-Saints classic after unselfishly riding for his CC Etupes team-mates throughout.