Power and McCann in good form

CYCLING: With just over one week to go until the national road race championships in Stamullen, Waterford professional cyclist Ciarán Power is continuing to perform impressively in world-ranked events. The 2002 FBD Milk Rás winner finished a close third in the 36-rider sprint which decided the third stage of the GP Cycliste de Beauce in Canada and moved up to fifth overall. He is now 26 seconds behind Czech leader Lubor Tesar with five stages remaining.

Power's showing and the improving form of current Irish champion David McCann suggest that a fascinating battle is in store next weekend. McCann has had an injury-hampered early season but nevertheless finished 22nd in last week's Tour of Austria. He is clearly coming into good condition and will be highly motivated to take a third consecutive gold medal.

While their participation is not certain in the preceding time-trial championships, most of the other favourites will have a chance to gauge their strength before Sunday's road race. The 43-kilometre race against the clock is taking place in Navan next Friday, starting at 6.30 p.m., and should be a good pointer to those in form.

The recent change of date from its proposed slot in August has led to criticism from some riders who were aiming to peak for the original time-slot. Cycling Ireland president P J Nolan acknowledges that the short notification is not ideal, but says that there was a danger that the TT championships would not have been run otherwise.

Nolan states that until recently, no club had come forward to run the event. "Usher IRC then volunteered to do it; we (Cycling Ireland) have decided to go with the UCI recommendation that the TT championships should be held around the same time as the road race championships. Hopefully most riders will not be put out by the change - the most important thing is that the event goes ahead this year."

Before then the provincial championships will be decided, with the four events taking place at venues around the country tomorrow. The Orwell Wheelers' Stephen Roche GP will take place next Wednesday in the Meadowmount estate at 7.30 p.m.

FIXTURES

Saturday: Provincial road race championships. Contact Cycling Ireland at 01 8551523 for details.

Sunday: Tour of Sperrins, Cookstown Co. Tyrone. Starts 1.0 p.m., underage races at 10.30 a.m. Drum Memorial Cup, Currow. Starts 12 noon. IVCA 25 mile TT champs, Enfield. Starts 9.0 a.m. Cycleways/Irish Ferries charity cycle, Westmanstown Sports centre (near Clonsilla). Starts 11.0 a.m, more details from Philip at 086 8157761.