Irishwoman Tarja Owens is on her way back to the Michela Fanini team base in Italy after a worsening back injury forced her to abandon the women's Tour of Italy on Wednesday. The 24-year-old became the first Irish woman to start the prestigious two-week event on July 1st, but she went off the road on a descent during stage four and landed heavily on her lower back.

Reassuringly, the odds of other women competing abroad in the future have been increased by Pauline McKay's successful summer series, currently led by Rebecca O'Carroll from Bray Wheelers. Thirty riders lined out for this week's race and the numbers may grow further when the next round of races start later this year.

Selected Fixtures

SATURDAY: Thermo King CC Criterium, starts at 7.30 p.m., SUNDAY: Thermo King Classic 50 mile TT, starts Clifden at noon. Matt Corcoran Memorial, Naas. Starts 1 p.m. ICF NPS Cross Country (mountain bike), starts Glenealy at noon. .