THERE was an Irish one two in the top event in Britain last weekend with Olympic hopefuls Martin, Earley and Philip Collins first and second in the Europa two day race in Hampshire.

Not only was it the first time the two Dubliners had raced together but when they signed on at Owslebury it was their first time to meet.

Earley, who will be representing Ireland in the Olympic mountain bike race, won the opening stage on Saturday, with Collins second. And Collins, who has qualified for the Olympic pursuit championship on the track in Atlanta, was fastest in the stage two time trial on Sunday morning so they carried off the bulk of the prize fund of £1,200.

During Saturday's 65 mile stage Earley earned a 10 second bonus by leading at a king of the hills checkpoint and he went on to win and take a five seconds lead over Collins with Earley's Raleigh team mate Barry Clarke third.

Although Collins did not have his special time trial bike he was fastest in Sunday morning's test over 3 1/2 miles. The AMEV man clocked eight minutes and 15 seconds to beat Britain's triple time trial champion Richard Prebble by five seconds with Earley fourth in 8:25 to retain the lead.

On the final 84 mile stage Danny Axford of the Energy team was first but Earley defended his position well and finished sixth to win overall by five seconds from Collins, who was ninth on the stage. Axford was third at 20 seconds with Clarke next another five seconds behind.

Earley switches to the mountain bike scene next weekend at Mansfield and then goes to Margam in Wales at Easter.

Collins is due to contest another road race in England next Sunday and then he intends coming home to take part in the three day event at Blarney over the Easter weekend.