Dermot Dignam has decided not to go ahead with the Clann Brugha five-day race scheduled for September 4th to 8th. He said yesterday he had been negotiating with sponsors, but nothing was finalised and, as he may have to go into hospital to have his back problem rectified, he has shelved the promotion until next year.

Dignam, organiser of the FBD Milk Ras for the last 18 years, applied for the date for the new event "because the riders need a commitment to keep going to the end of the season. I felt such an event is needed at that time."

He added: "A couple of sponsors were interested, but a definite decision as delayed. However there is a good chance of a bigger sponsor coming in for next year. I will apply to have the race on the calendar for around the same time again next year and if all goes well it will be on then."