Evans prevails

Team Ireland rider Tommy Evans yesterday continued his strong run this year when he won the two-day Criterium Varois national race in France. Evans finished third in the opening prologue on Saturday and then got clear with teammate Michael McNena and two others on the following road stage, where they were placed second and fourth respectively.

Evans went into yesterday's final stage two seconds off the lead but took over at the top when the yellow jersey crashed. He then consolidated his position by breaking clear in a small group and finishing a fine third on the stage. McNena took 23rd overall.

Meanwhile, Phil Cassidy showed his improving form when he outsprinted national criterium champion Paul Healion to take his third Noel Hammond Memorial victory yesterday. The two forged clear of a small breakaway group on the penultimate lap of the 74 mile race, then Cassidy utilised all his experience to try to outfox Healion on the run in to the finish. Feigning tiredness, he enticed the Usher IRC rider to launch several unsuccessful attacks, then led out of the final corner to maximise his chances of victory.

A sprint finish also decided the Tour of Galway, where 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon out-kicked Mayo rider David O'Loughlin.