Power starting early

CYCLING/Weekly column: Ciarán Power aims to start the 2004 season in the best possible condition and get some good early results.

The 27-year-old professional will compete in a spring programme of European events with his New York-based Navigators team, with Olympic selection and the accumulation of world-ranking points two big goals.

Navigators compete mainly on the American circuit, but their spring programme sees their riders line out in Europe against some of the sport's biggest names.

Power rode well there last spring, despite his preparations being hampered by an off-season injury.

"I have been doing a load of miles lately and feel I am in good shape," he says. "The plan is to be going as well as possible straight away and get some good results.

"Beside the Olympics, I have two big targets for 2004. The first three months of the year has one big goal - I want to get enough world-ranking points to qualify for the World Championships. I also want to go to the Olympics and keep the good form going until the World Championships and then the Sun Tour."

In addition to a possible World Championships place, a strong showing might open up doors to a European team. "It would be very good if Ciarán could get a ride with a division one team," says his agent Frank Quinn.

"That could open up the possibility of a ride in the Tour de France. His greatest strength is his terrific power of recovery, and that would be very good on a long-stage race."

Power says he is happy riding for Navigators, but would consider a good offer from Europe.

The Waterford cyclist is one of six cyclists travelling to Seville today for an 11-day training camp for prospective Olympic athletes, which also includes rowers and sailers. The riders are Power, David McCann, Denis Lynch, David O'Loughlin, Brian Kenneally and Philip Deignan

FIXTURES: Sunday: Connacht MTB League, Slish Wood, Sligo. Underage races start at 1 p.m., other categories at 1.30. More information from Paul Tansey at 086 3889563.