Beatty sets out his stall

Following Richie Beatty's appointment as part-time national team director, he was quick off the mark on Monday by announcing the five-strong Irish team for the FBD Milk Ras and he also revealed that another six-man Ireland selection would be going to the new Tour of Britain, which overlaps the Ras.

Beatty named Ciaran Power, Brian Kenneally, Conor Henry, Tommy Evans and Karl Donnelly for the Ras, which is from May 16th to 24th, and although an Irish team was not expected to go to the British event, which is also over nine days starting on May 23rd, he decided that Ireland would be represented. He has made his selection, but said he would not release the names until next week as he needs to check on the well-being of two men in particular.

David McCann and Micheal Fitzgerald have been released from the Festina-Pontivy squad and McCann is to have a strained knee examined before he races again.

Beatty has asked Power, Kenneally and Donnelly to go to the Banbridge club's Beggs memorial race tomorrow with Henry and Evans and for all five to follow up in Sunday's Noel Hammond memorial event at Ballyboughal. "They need good, hard racing and these back-to-back events will help," Beatty. He will be at both venues watching performances. as is my first big assignment, but my main aim is to do the best I can for the under-23 riders and also try and give a boost to the dwindling junior grade."

Following the rearrangement of the international calendar, many of the regular, old events for Irish teams are no longer available and Beatty is to try and get an Irish under-23 selection into a race in Spain as preparation for the European under-23 championship in Sweden in August. The world championships are at Valkenburg in Holland in October.

Womens' racing is also under Beatty's control and he announced a team for the Tour of Majorca from April 30th to May 3rd. Claire Moore was not available for selection, but those going are Geraldine Gill, Susan O'Mara, Jane McGooey, Michelle Crinnion, Lorraine Manning and Marian Holland. John Keegan is manager.