Four Irish teams set for world contests

CYCLING:WHILE THERE are no Irish riders in action in today's junior women's road race at the World Championships, no less than four separate squads will compete over the weekend.

Tomorrow morning Seán Downey, Conor Dunne, Sam Bennett, Philip Lavery and Jack Wilson will contest the 171.1 kilometre under-23 road race.

Bennett showed promising form in last week’s Tour of Britain, finishing fifth, sixth and ninth on stages, but withdrew on day six due to knee pain. At the time he said it was an issue he’d encountered several times before and felt resting it would help it settle.

His coach, Martin O’Loughlin, said Bennett took yesterday off training to make sure the issue was cleared.

Also in action tomorrow are Siobhán Horgan and Olivia Dillon, who will both compete in the 128.8km women’s event.

On Sunday the final two contests will be held, starting with the junior event. Ryan Mullen was ninth in the time trial earlier this week and like the other two, will be up for the 128.8km race. They may draw inspiration from a superb performance on a similar Valkenburg course in 1998; Mark Scanlon took his world title here 14 years ago.

The action concludes on Sunday with the biggest event, the 261km elite men’s contest. Irish chances will be represented by Nicolas Roche, Dan Martin and Ronan McLaughlin, with the latter gaining selection after aggressive displays in the Tour of Britain.

The punchy course features short, sharp hills which have suited Roche and Martin in the past. Roche was fatigued during the Tour of Spain but has had two weeks to recover; as for Martin, he has prepared specifically for the event, and will hope everything clicks when it matters.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Leinster track championships, Sundrive Road. Sunday: Costa Autumn Classic for women, Moynalvey Co Meath. Starts 10.30am; Ulster 10-mile championships, Woodgreen course. First rider off at 9am.