Power lines-up with the elite

CYCLING: The US based professional Ciarán Power tackles his last big assignment of the 2002 season when he lines out alongside Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in the San Francisco Grand Prix on Sunday.

Currently a fine 14th overall in the US Pro Cycling Tour series, the Navigators professional is aiming for a strong ride in the gruelling 109 mile circuit race, which takes in several ascents of the legbreakingly-steep Fillmore Street climb.

Following the 1.3 ranked event Power will return to Ireland for the birth of his first child, which is expected in early October. There was hope that a recent rule change effected by UCI executive member Pat McQuaid, which now enables riders in the top 500 to qualify for the Elite world championships, would see Power line out in Zolder on October 11th but the impending birth and the shorter nature of his recent races has prompted the Waterford rider to decline the opportunity. However this entry can be transferred, and consequently Cycling Ireland is planning to select a rider to take his place.

Mark Scanlon's chances of a strong ride in the under-23 event at the Zolder world championships are improving week by week. The 21-year-old has made an excellent impression during his current pro trial, riding well alongside the world's top riders, and the AG2r team has tweaked his schedule to enable him to arrive in Belgium in the best possible shape.

Scanlon is next due to compete in the famed Paris-Brussels race tomorrow and then the Grand Prix des Fourmies on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dermot Nally will be starting his trial with the professional Selle Italia team next Saturday. Nally is back in Spain at the moment and is scheduled to have talks with the Jazztel team next week about a possible contract.

On the domestic front, this Sunday sees the running of the UCI-ranked E2 Pog Challenge event in Ballinastoe Wood, near Roundwood.

Modelled on Italian Gran Fondo events, the course has been designed by national elite XC champion Robin Seymour and will see riders compete over a 12 kilometer lap, a new departure for Irish racing.

A number of foreign riders are travelling because of the world-ranking points on offer, while the home contingent will also be attracted to the event due to its dual standing as the Leinster championship and as the final race in the National XC League.

E2 Pog Challenge: Contact Geoff Seymour for details at 01- 2863890.

Entry forms for the TQ-Paper Women's International Two-Day are now available, and should be returned before September 21st. Contact Susan O'Mara at 087 2360121 for details.

The Irish team for the under-23 GP Tell event in Switzerland on September 18th-22nd is: Denis Lynch, Stephen Gallagher, Gary McQuaid, Brian Ahern, Conor Murphy and Tim Cassidy.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Denis Whelan Memorial, Batterstown. Starts 11 am. Sunday: Pog Challenge, Ballinastoe Woods, Roundwood. Under-12 event begins at 12 noon, all other categories start at 1.0 pm.