CYCLING: Irish riders Mark Scanlon and Philip Deignan have a somewhat simpler task in preparing for the 2006 season after the decision earlier this week by the UCI licensing commission to grant a ProTour licence to their AG2R Prévoyance team.
Last season, the pair often faced the uncertain situation of not knowing which races AG2R would be riding.
The squad had originally been turned down for a ProTour licence at the end of 2004, which led to the situation that the French team had to rely on wild-card entries to get into major races such as the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix and the Dauphiné Libéré.
In some cases the team only had their participation confirmed in the final run-up to the events, which made it difficult for the riders to plan ahead and structure their training accordingly. Missing out on other ProTour races meant that they also found it tough to maintain a high level of condition.
"Getting the licence is great news," said the former world junior champion Mark Scanlon earlier this week.
"The team are going to get plenty of big racing next year, there will be no more relying on small events like this season. That will make a big difference.
"Waiting around to do the top races was a pain in the neck.
"Personally, I am very happy, as it is essential for me to have a big volume of racing if I am to do well. Losing weight and getting into decent condition does not just happen through diet and training, I need good racing as well."
Although a running conflict between the UCI and the organisers of the three big tours means that some question marks remain about the list of events in the 2006 ProTour, AG2R's successful licence application gives the team a much clearer idea of their racing programme.
Scanlon, Deignan and the rest of the riders will meet for their first training camp in Temple sur Lot on Tuesday. There they will log some long training miles, while meetings with team management will help to clarify the goals and objectives for the next season.
Scanlon is aiming to be in good form from May onwards, with a ride in next year's Tour de France a likely target.
Deignan, who is three years his junior, could build experience by participating in either the Tour of Italy or the Tour of Spain.
The 22-year-old is also likely to focus on the week-long stage races, which play to his strong climbing talents.
Meanwhile, Ireland's other ProTour rider, Nicolas Roche, underwent an operation on Monday to remove four wisdom teeth. The 21-year-old, who was under a general anaesthetic during the procedure, hopes to be back in full training as soon as possible.
Roche recently met up with the rest of his Cofidis team-mates at the French squad's first get-together in Amiens. The next training camp will be held in the south of France outside Montpellier in a fortnight.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: Ulster cyclo-cross championship, Castle Park, Bangor. First races at noon.
Sunday: Leinster Cyclo Cross Championships, Kilcullen Sports Complex. Racing starts at noon. More details from Liam Walker at 087 6441565. MTB League races, Lougitanne, Muckross. Racing starts at noon, more information from Denis O'Shea at 064 34294.
