ANY doubts about which Irishman would fill the vacant place in the line up for the Olympic road race at Atlanta on July 31st were well and truly put to rest yesterday when David McCann won the Manx International here on the Isle of Man in great style.

The 23 year old Belfastman, a member of the Phoenix club, was involved in the action at the front, throughout the three laps of the 37 3/4 mile TT circuit. He surged ahead out of a leading group of seven with four miles to go, and just held on to win from Australian Robbie McEwan, with Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan third.

Martin Earley, riding with the Raleigh team, was next best of the Irish, in eighth place, with Richie McCauley the only other member of the Irish squad to figure prominently during the vital stages. He was 10th.

Irish team director Alasdair MacLennan admitted afterwards that although he would not be officially announcing until Monday who would be going to the Olympics, McCann's great triumph, could not be ignored and "he has clinched his place".

Soon after crossing the line, McCann told me. I think I have made it easier for Alasdair now.

On January 14th, McCann set out to ride across America for training, and during the 4,500 miles to California he took part in some races and had three wins. He added that he lost a stone and a half on that trip.

Since coming home, McCann, has recorded a string of wins, but, MacLennan maintained that performances in domestic competition did not count, he wanted, results in international events.

McCann was beaten by a teammate, Tommy Evans in the FBD Milk Ras, but since then he has added to his successes with wins at Banbridge, Newry and again at Navan last Sunday. Last Tuesday week, McCann lowered the Irish 25 mile time trial record to 51 minutes and five seconds.

When McCann succeeded in opening a gap with the breakaway attempt that proved successful, he left the group he was with strung out behind as he raced around the Creg-ny-baa corner at close on 60 miles an hour.

He negotiated governor's bridge with an advantage of 75 yards, but it was dwindling all the way up along the finishing straight. But the chasers were hesitant to lead each other out in the sprint.

As McCann freewheeled over the last few yards with his arms raised in victory salute, McEwan land Vinokourov, with Chris Lillywhite and Mark McKay, were closing in fast just a second behind.

Other members of the Australian selection, Stephen Hodge and Tristam Preim, were next at four and nine seconds respectively.

Earley, who had lost contact with the leading at the top of Snaefell mountain for the last time, was at a minute and 14 seconds. McCauley was at 3:19.

Peter Daly was the next best Irish finisher: he was 14th, but 8:49 behind McCann. Aidan Duff, Mark Hutton and Tommy Evans were in a group of 14 at, contested 16th place, at 9:14. Duff was 21st, Hutton 22nd and Evans 27th.

Micheal Fitzgerald dropped on the climb on the first lap, and although Finn O'Sullivan battled his way back into contention heading towards, Ramsey for the second time, he had to stop for a natural break and could not regain the time lost. Leslie was another to retire, but he was up with the leading group for a while.

Only 56 set out, but it was a select line up and McCann was in the first breakaway move with four others soon after the start. They were quickly joined by two more and eventually 16 formed at the front with McCann there along with Hutton and McKay.

There was a big regrouping on the second lap and all the Irish were back in contention, with the exception of Fitzgerald. However, the decisive move came on the final circuit when a group of 13 went over three minutes clear and McCann was there again with Earley and McCauley.

McCann launched the first attack on the third ascent of the mountain and McCauley was one of those unable to hang on. McEwan led the chase followed by Lillywhite, Earley, Vinokourov, Hodge and Mark McKay. McCann was caught and then, as Earley was unable to stay with the leaders, he was replaced by Preim.

There were further unsuccessful attacks by Hodge, Vinokourov, McEwan and Lillywhite, but then McCann dropped back to the rear of the group and launched his big effort. As the others hesitated and looked at each other, McCann pounded away at the front and gained a vital lead. With such a strong chasing group, the slender lead did not seem sufficient, but he just made it to the line.

For the victory ceremony a blast of God Save the Queen rang out, but McCann was not a member of an Ireland team with the exception of Earley they rode for their clubs as individuals. If is only the third Irish win in the event, after Liam Horner in 1967 and David Hourigan four years a go.