CYCLING: Although the details are yet to be finalised, it appears two of Ireland's top professionals may be set for a change of teams for 2007. Former world junior champion Mark Scanlon has taken the decision to leave Europe and race further afield, in a bid to renew his motivation for the sport.
In 2004 the now 25-year-old Sligoman became the first Irish rider in 11 years to compete in the Tour de France, but since then a combination of injury, illness and fluctuating morale has affected his ability to reach the same form.
"I can't yet say who the team is or where they are based until things are confirmed," he said yesterday, "but I hope it will all be finalised in the next few days. I want a fresh start and so a move to a totally different scene seems like a good idea."
Scanlon was known to have been disappointed with AG2R's decision to put him into this year's Giro d'Italia at very short notice. Despite not being on the reserves list, he was called up when compatriot Philip Deignan fell ill, and struggled in the race. "One of the problems in Europe is that you can be over-raced and have very little say into your programme," he said. "That should be different next season."
Meanwhile, Mayo's David O'Loughlin is also considering his future. He has been offered an extension to his current contract with the Navigators team but there is also the possibility he will be based in Europe next year. One team has made an offer while another, a ProTour level squad, may also be interested. "I have to make a decision soon but am waiting to see if the deal with the ProTour team comes about," he said.
O'Loughlin and Navigators team-mate Ciarán Power are currently in Wales, and will today go for the Irish 4km pursuit record on the Newport velodrome track.
The current record is Phil Collins' long-standing mark of 4'35. Power rode the track for the first time this week but will hope that his road speed translates into a fast pursuit time. He will stay with Navigators next year, and plans to ride the Herald Sun Tour next month.
FIXTURES
Sunday: Irish NPS Downhill round seven, Clasnacrona, Killarney; Ulster Cyclocross League round one, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, 12.0. Tuesday: Cycling Leinster agm, Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, 8pm.
