CyclingWith morale boosted by their excellent showing in last weekend's Soham E1 race in Israel, Tarja Owens and Jenny McCauley go into tomorrow's final mountainbike race of the season aiming for top-five finishes and Olympic places.
The Irish duo placed second and fourth respectively last week and another strong showing would elevate their combined (national) total to 16th in the world, a level manager Geoff Seymour feels will be sufficient to secure a place in Athens 2004.
"The top 14 nations will qualify automatically but as some of these countries are unlikely to send their full complement of riders next year, there is an excellent chance Ireland will get a place," he said yesterday.
Owens secured her Olympic place in the same manner in 2000 and, provided they both ride well in the Mount Sdom E1 tomorrow, things are looking good for both women to gain that vital slot.
Robin Seymour finished a fine fifth last week in the elite men's race and is aiming for another high finish on the dry, dusty circuit. He is already certain to secure a place for Ireland in the men's Olympic contest.
Meanwhile, there was success for two of Ireland's road riders in their final race of the season last weekend, with Colette Swift placing fourth in the women's Tour of Okinawa and David McCann taking seventh in the men's event.
Back in Ireland, former world number one Sean Kelly and new hope Mark Scanlon will be amongst those participating in the Mayo Wheelers training weekend in Partry. All are welcome to take part, with a 55-mile spin tomorrow and a 50-mile ride on Sunday.
Navigators professional Ciarán Power and local international David O'Loughlin will also be riding.
In other news, Cycling Ireland yesterday announced that John Bann-Lavery has been appointed youth development officer for the Ulster region.
Taking over from Barry Monaghan, Bann-Lavery will aim to promote cycling in schools and colleges and feed young riders into local clubs.
The news comes on the heels of Cycling Ulster's a.g.m. earlier this week. Tommy Lamb was elected to fill the chairman's position, while Billy Ferguson will be responsible for development.
FIXTURES
Saturday 15th: All Ireland cyclo-cross league, round 4, Banbridge. Race starts at noon. Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th: Mayo Wheelers training weekend (open to all), both spins start at 10 a.m. Call Brendan at 087 6131891 for details.
