Cycling/News: Strong performances by the men's team in the road race got Ireland's B World Championships off to an excellent start yesterday, with David McCann taking bronze in a difficult, 151km road race in Aigle, Switzerland.

McCann was involved in a long breakaway with several other riders and reached the finish two seconds behind the race leader, Murilo Fischer of Brazil.

Crucially, the team performance also earned Ireland two places in the Olympic Games road race next year.

Brian Kenneally's 14th place and David O'Loughlin's 25th ensured Ireland finished 13th in the nation's rankings and thus inside the vital cut-off point to secure the two positions.

Unfortunately there was no such good news for the women's team, who were outclassed by a dominant Chinese presence at the games.

Their riders monopolised the first four placings, with Lei Meifang taking gold, and although Collette Swift and Beth McCluskey rode well during the race they were back in 18th and 24th place respectively.

The team were 12th in the nation's standings, with the first nine to qualify.

The B World championships continue today with the start of the track programme.

The sprint, pursuit and kilometre events will take place today, with some finals running until tomorrow.

Despite a lack of experience, Ireland's nine riders are hoping to benefit from a highly-intensive training block and perform strongly.

Elsewhere, Paul Griffin made up for the disappointment of not being selected for the B world's team when he won the Rás Connachta in Mayo.

The Earl of Desmond rider had led the race on several occasions in years past but was unable to deliver on the final result; however a strong ride over the weekend saw him win the opening stage and finish four seconds clear of Cidona Carrick's Tim Barry in the overall standings.

Elsewhere, St Tiernan's rider Andre Engermann proved best in the Waller Cup in Bohermeen, finishing five seconds ahead of Navan Avonmore's Robert Whelan.