CYCLING:ROBIN SEYMOUR is expected to copperfasten his place in this summer's Olympic Games on Sunday when he takes part in the last of three selection events held to determine which Irish rider will be sent to Beijing.
Sunday's third round of the K-Capital Cup MTB cros-country series will take place in Djouce Woods in Wicklow, and will have a strong domestic line-up plus 13 overseas riders. These include British champion Oli Beckingsale, who beat Seymour to win the first round in Kilruddery, as well as riders from England, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
After finishing second and first in the other races, Seymour has a clear lead over Niall Davis. It would take a win by the latter plus a DNF from Seymour in order for the younger rider to get the nod for the 2008 Games. The third rider in the running, Conor McConvey, took a fine third place in the second round held in Moneyscalp Wood but missed out on the first due to a broken shoulder. The resulting loss of points makes it impossible for him to now aim for Beijing.
Ireland have already secured two slots for the road race. Selection for these will be confirmed at a later date in the season. David O'Loughlin's excellent sixth place in the individual pursuit at last week's world track championships in Manchester may secure a fourth place for Ireland, although it is understood he is still awaiting confirmation from the UCI.
The Irish Timeshas learned that he could apply for a wildcard place if he does not get through via his world ranking.
The Stevens Racing Team has been confirmed as returning to the FBD Insurance Rás. The German squad thus joins previously-announced teams Iran Team Azad and Bulgaria's Team Nessebar in the world-ranked race, which begins in Navan on May 18th and finishes in Skerries eight stages later.
René Birkenfeld (24) and Johannes Sickmüller (26) return after previous participations in the event. Both are former German national cyclo-cross champions and will be joined by Sascha Wagner, Yannik Teidt and the promising Ole Quast (18).
Several other international teams are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
FIXTURES
Saturday:Harry Reynolds Memorial, starts Man O'War pub at 4.30 pm; youth cycling league, Connacht. Starts Ballinrobe racecourse at 10.30 am; Surgenor Cup, Randalstown. Starts 11 am. Sunday: Ben McKenna Memorial, sign on at Ring Common Sports Centre, Balbriggan. First race at 11 am; Aghagallon Cup, Bartin's Bay. First races at noon; Silver Pail GP, Fermoy. Starts 2 pm; WTCC Time Trial series, event 1. Starts Rathnew at 10 am; Mayo League, starts Srah Community Centre at 11 am.
