Peelo poised to take title

The Mid-Eastern Region's league comes to a close tomorrow morning on the circuit behind Dublin Airport. David Peelo is poised to win overall and gain some compensation for finishing second to Raymond Clarke in the classic league. This is the last of these regional promotions as next year the FIC switches from committees in six regions to once in each province.

On Sunday the mountain bike championship will be held at Ridge of Capard, Rosenallis, with Robin Seymour bidding to take the title again.

While Dermot Dignam is already planning the route for next year's FBD Milk Ras, in his other capacity, as chairman of the FIC development committee, he has been giving a lot of consideration to a revival of grass track racing.

Dignam has discussed the idea with the other members of his committee - Kevin Dolan, John News, Shawn Ogle, Karen Madden, Frank Gibson and Tony Campbell.

Dignam said: "Initially I have in mind to introduce newcomers to grass track racing but if any of the experienced roadmen show sufficient interest competition could be arranged for them too. I have also talked about it with Shay O'Hanlon and Mick Cahill and we agreed it would be worth trying, the standard of bike handling would certainly be improved." Next year the format with six regional committees will be changed to one for each province and Dignam added: "They will each be obliged to appoint a development officer and if I am re-elected to the board I will be discussing the promotion of grass track racing with them. Although the old style sports meetings have faded out there are still fetes and fairs at football grounds where attractive cycle races could be staged successfully."

A sport massage course will be conducted by Paddy Doran and David Garland at Raheny in Dublin from November to March. It is designed for people to assist endurance athletes - runners, rowers and triathletes as well as cyclists - to help their recovery from competition and training.

Jose Maria Jimenez headed a Spanish one-two-three in the 19th stage of the Tour of Spain as Alex Zulle of Switzerland maintained his grip on the leaders' yellow jersey after.