O'Loughlin shaping well for road-title defence

CYCLING News round-up: National road race champion David O'Loughlin has shown good form in advance of his title defence later this month, riding well on the opening two days of the Tour de Beauce Bell in Canada this week.

The Navigators Insurance cyclist was one of the most aggressive on the opening stage of the race, eventually finishing 12th, then continued his attacking on day two.

He was part of a 30-man split during the 180-kilometre stage to Lac Etchemin and while he missed out on the final break, he will be happy with the good form he has shown.

O'Loughlin finished 20th on the stage and lay 16th overall heading into the third day of the 2.2-ranked tour.

The Mayoman is one of several top internationals due to return for the Irish road race championships in Dundrod on Sunday week. Also set to line out are former double winners Mark Scanlon and David McCann, with Ciarán Power (Navigators Insurance), Philip Deignan (Ag2R), Stephen Gallagher (Flanders) and Tim Cassidy (VC La Pomme) also making the trip home.

The women's and veterans' races will be held on Saturday, 25th, followed a day later by the elite/under-23 combined event. The closing date for entries has been deferred to enable more riders take part. Those interested should phone Dermot Hughes at 048 94433903 (028 94433903 from the North).

Meanwhile Sorrento CC rider Paul O'Donoghue will this Sunday attempt to break one of cycling's toughest distance records, that for the 390-mile stretch between Mizen Head and Loop Head.

O'Donoghue is hoping for favourable weather in his bid to improve on the mark of 19 hours and three minutes set in 1993 by the former international Joe Barr.

His attempt will begin at 2am on Sunday, and he aims to improve the record by some 40 minutes.

There are a range of events on offer to domestic riders over the next few days, among them Sunday's Paddy Flanagan Memorial criterium in Kildare, where a strong field, including Ciarán Power, is expected.

Weekend fixtures also include the second round of the Interprovincial track league in Sundrive Road, Dublin, on Saturday. For further details phone Will Byrne at 086 8047839 after 7pm.

Finally, the annual Stephen Roche criterium will be held in Dundrum, South Dublin, next Wednesday. A large prize fund is up for grabs for the race, which starts at 7.45pm.