Cycling: The road season finally draws to a close for five of the Team Ireland squad this weekend in the Tour of Okinawa in Japan.
Colette Swift tomorrow becomes the first Irishwoman to take part in the women's race, while on Sunday Eugene Moriarty, David McCann, Paul Griffin and Rory Wyley will line out in the 1.5-ranked men's contest, a tough, 200-kilometre event.
Meanwhile three of Ireland's mountain bike riders will chase more world ranking points in their penultimate race, the Soham E1 event in Israel on Saturday. Robin Seymour lines out in the men's contest while Jenny McCauley and Tarja Owens both need a good ride in the women's race if they are to stand a chance of securing an Olympic place between them.
A rare gathering of many of the winners of the FBD Milk Rás and its previous incarnation, the Rás Tailteann, took place during the week at the official publication of an impressive book on the Irish tour. The Rás - The Story of Ireland's Unique Bike Race, by Tom Daly, is a study of the event which was born out of the political clash between two rival cycling bodies during the early 1950s, and which has gone on to play a massive part in the history and evolution of the sport here.
Past greats such as four-time champion Sé O'Hanlon and the inaugural winner, Colm Christle, were present at the launch, while priceless memorabilia was also on display.
This included an array of faded yellow jerseys and carefully restored bicycles, including that used by a young Stephen Roche during his dominant 1979 ride.
The annual general meeting of Cycling Ireland's women's commission will take place tomorrow at the Spawell Leisure Complex, Templelogue. Starting at 10 a.m., the meeting will cover a range of topics including a review of the 2003 season and a discussion of the plans for 2004.
The same venue will stage the track commission meeting one day later, starting at 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, Roger Aiken goes into tomorrow's third round of the All-Ireland cyclo-cross league with a clear lead, following his fine wins in races one and two.
The handicapped race is being held in Kilcullen, with further information available from Liam Walker at 045 481755.
On Sunday, the third round of the Connacht MTB league will be held near Westport. Contact Martin at 087 2226260 for more details.
FIXTURES
Saturday: All-Ireland Cyclo-cross league, Round Three, starts 1 p.m. Cycling Ireland women's commission a.g.m., Spawell Leisure Complex, Templeogue, starts 10 a.m.
Sunday: Connacht MTB league, Round Three, Westport, starts 1 p.m. CI track commission a.g.m., Spawell Leisure Complex, starts 3 p.m.
