Seymour aims for a magnificent seventh

This weekend, an already impressive record should be extended when Elite Mountain bike rider Robin Seymour attempts to win his seventh successive national cross-country title.

Seymour, who is targeting a top-20 finish in his debut Olympics in just over one month's time, starts Sunday's race in Union Wood, Sligo as the clear favourite to take the men's event. His Helly Hansen team-mate and girlfriend Tarja Owens lines out in the women's event, seeking her sixth consecutive gold medal. As sporting relationships go, that makes some pairing.

Both riders will be part of the unconfirmed team for the European MTB championships in two weeks time, where Seymour is hoping for a top-20 place.

At the European Under-23 Road Championships in Poland yesterday, David O'Loughlin was 37th in the 30 km time trial. Paul Healion failed to complete the course. Both riders, together with David McQuaid and Stephen Gallagher, line out in the road race tomorrow. Loraine Manning will go in the women's race.

Meanwhile, following David McCann's fine third place in last weekend's Tour of the Cotswolds, another Irish team lines out in Sunday's Havant Grand Prix in Portsmouth. It was envisaged that McCann would be part of the squad, but instead the quartet comprises Brian Kenneally, Stephen O'Sullivan, Eugene Moriarty and Paddy Moriarty.

Elsewhere, Ciaran Power begins his build-up for the Olympic Games in the Tour of Denmark. The 24-year-old is currently 104th overall in his first professional appointment since early June.

At home, today sees the start of the FPM Newry/Mourne three-day event for second category seniors, juniors, veterans and ladies. Tomorrow, one of the most ambitious races for underage riders kicks off when the Westwood Homes three-day youth tour gets underway, boasting a field of 140 cyclists.

On Sunday, the Gene Moriarty Memorial Cup in Listowel and the Klondyke Cup near Navan offer good racing for seniors, juniors, veterans and women. Bank holiday Monday features the Loughglynn Festival race in Mayo.

And, despite a lack of funding from the Irish Sports Council, one of the strongest fields in years will assemble on Tuesday for the start of the Junior Tour. With 54 foreign riders entered, this year's competition should prove as keenly contested as ever.