O'Loughlin delays decision on team selection

Sailing: Irish international David O'Loughlin has decided to wait until the New Year before making a decision on which team he will ride for in 2004.

The Mayo cyclist had been one of several Irish riders due to go to the English Life Repair squad, which was to compete internationally as a Division Three pro team next season, but the project recently collapsed due to a lack of backing.

O'Loughlin started work on setting up his own team and while finding sponsorship proved more difficult than anticipated, he has secured a level of personal backing which will help him train and race full-time next season.

O'Loughlin has several options regarding teams here and abroad, but has decided to hold off on a decision until Cycling Ireland release details of their Olympic selection criteria and international racing programme on January 4th.

The 25-year-old is one of eight riders currently on the shortlist for Athens 2004, of which just two will compete in the road race. He has said that securing Olympic qualification is his primary goal for the season.

O'Loughlin is one of several top names confirmed for the Rás an Turcaí, which has taken the place of the old Carrick Wheelers Christmas Hamper Race as the biggest mid-winter contest in the country.

Taking place in Carraroe, Co Galway, on Sunday, December 28th, this year's race will also feature professional riders Mark Scanlon and Ciarán Power, first and second last year.

The race will take place over six laps of a 10-mile circuit, with the first two laps being run off at a controlled race to enable people of varying abilities to ride alongside Ireland's professionals.

There will be good prizes up for grabs in all six categories, and a good turnout is expected. Further details are available from Mairtin Óg at 087 2572597.

In other news, former Irish international Liam Collins took three bronze medals in the Russian Master's track championships, which were held in Moscow last week.

Competing in the 27-39 age category, he rode strongly to place third in the 3 km pursuit, the 1 km time-trial and the 10 km scratch race.

Finally, it has been announced that Eamon Duffy is to take on the role of Special Events Manager for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and Cycling Ireland, under a combined initiative.

Following on the success of this year's Tour du Tour in France, the two organisations will jointly promote charity leisure events in the future.