Greipel clocks up 20th win of season as Martin pulls out

CYCLING:GERMAN SPRINTER Andre Greipel clocked up his 20th win of the year on yesterday's sixth stage of the Tour of Britain. The HTC Columbia rider won a big bunch sprint to the line in Great Yarmouth, denying Borut Bozic (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team). Philip Lavery was best of the Irish in a very solid 21st place.

Compatriot Dan Martin elected not to start the stage, after receiving a late opportunity to be assessed by a top specialist in London. He has been suffering from allergies for most of the season, and wants to rectify it.

“It’s time to sort it out, he said.” I don’t want to pull out of the race but the specialist is normally very difficult to get an appointment for. I’ve got a chance now. What’s good is that I have pushed myself very hard for the past two days and got a good work-out in the race.”

Yesterday’s stage was run off at a blisteringly quick pace. Cameron Meyer (Garmin Transtions) and Jaroslav Marycz (Saxo Bank) attacked early on and almost stayed clear; Meyer then surged again near the end and was only caught with a kilometre to go.

Michael Albasini (HTC Columbia) continues to lead overall. Lavery is the best placed Irishman in 25th, and is impressing greatly during what is a trial with the An Post Grant Thornton M Donnelly Seán Kelly team.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s top female riders will take on teams from Germany, the Netherlands and six British squads in the Sneem Hotel Rás na mBan, which starts today.

National road race and time-trial champion Olivia Dillon will lead the Irish charge in the event, which this year will feature a record entry. It begins today with a 60 kilometre road race starting and finishing in Sneem.

Tomorrow’s clashes will be in a 70 kilometre road race and two kilometre time trial, then things conclude on Sunday with a 90 kilometre finishing leg.

“I am looking forward to racing Rás na mBan,” says the Mayo woman, who is based in San Francisco. “This race has been growing in popularity and I was excited that the Women’s Commission of Cycling Ireland provided me with the opportunity to travel home and race for the Irish National team.”

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Friday-Sunday: Sneem Hotel Rás na mBan, Kerry first stage. Saturday-Sunday: IVCA Track championships, Sundrive Road (first race 10am). Saturday: Tandem Track championships, Sundrive Road (first race 11am); Swords Hill Climb, Cork Screw Hill (5pm); Munster Hill Climb championships; The Epic Blast XC race, Ballinasloe. Sunday: Connacht RR league (starts 10.30 am, Ballyhaunis); Ulster 10 championships, (starts 9am, Woodgreen); Leinster RR championships, Senior Midway Hotel, Portlaoise.