Irish Navigators set off on Australian expedition

CYCLING: National road race champion David O'Loughlin and Navigators Insurance team-mate Ciarán Power flew to Australia yesterday to prepare for the Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under.

The Irish professionals will get their 2005 season underway when they line out on January 18th in Adelaide for the six-day, 2.HC-ranked event, the first race in what will be a long campaign for the US-based squad.

O'Loughlin's debut with the squad marks a return to the professional ranks. Following a year and a half back on the amateur circuit, the Mayo rider is excited about what lies ahead.

"Compared to the Ofoto team I raced with before (in 2002 and 2003), Navigators Insurance is a huge step up in terms of the programme and the level of organisation. I am looking forward to the year ahead and hope to make the most of the opportunity," he said.

O'Loughlin secured his place with the team after a strong 2004 season, which saw him win his first Irish road race championship title, the Shay Elliott Memorial, the Lincoln Grand Prix and stage 6 of the FBD Milk Rás. However, perhaps the most encouraging ride of the season was his strong showing in the world road race championships in Verona last October. The 26-year-old was 50th across the line, a promising result on a day when 112 of the 200 starters failed to finish.

Now, his plan is to use races like the Tour Down Under to prepare for the season ahead.

"I am in good shape at the moment, but will probably end up riding for my team-mates Nathan O'Neill and Hilton Clarke in Australia. I will take any opportunity which arises to get a good stage result, but my main aim is to build form for the rest of the year."

Meanwhile, Cycling Ireland yesterday named the seven riders who will take part in this month's Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia.

Two return from last year's squad, FBD Milk Rás winner David McCann and Paul Griffin, while Paul Healion's strong showing in the recent Herald Sun Tour has earned him his place.

Stephen Gallagher will prepare for his second season with the Flanders Afincom team by riding the race. The squad is completed by three promising young riders - Páidí O'Brien, Seán Lacey and Irish cyclo-cross champion Roger Aiken. The 2.HC-ranked event runs from January 28th until February 6th.

FIXTURES: Leinster Cyclo-Cross League round 4, Corkagh Park, near Naas Road. All proceeds to be donated to the Asian Tsunami fund. Underage race at 11.0, senior event at 12.30. More information from Mick Lawless at 087 2503114 (m) or 01-4590723 (h).