Quinn picked for Germany

PATRICK QUINN, a 22 year old Galwegian who has been racing in France for three seasons, is a surprise inclusion for the Hessen…

PATRICK QUINN, a 22 year old Galwegian who has been racing in France for three seasons, is a surprise inclusion for the Hessen Rundfahrt Tour in Germany from September 16th-22nd.

The national team director, Alasdair MacLennan, included Quinn yesterday when he announced teams to represent Ireland in the important, end of season engagements.

MacLennan has been getting good reports of Quinn's progress, and the former member of Corrib Wheelers, who is regarded as a good climber, has some top placings to his credit. He picked up several awards as leading under 23 finisher.

Quinn goes with the national champion Peter Daly, David McCann, Micheal Fitzgerald, Mark Hutton and Ciaran Power.

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Daly and McCann have also been chosen for the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan from September 30th to October 6th. Also included for that assignment are Tommy Evans, Richie McCauley and Ian Chivers, who has been named as captain.

Aidan Duff was not considered for the Hessen event, as he rides the Tour de l'Avenir with his French team, Vendee U, from September 3rd-14th.

A maximum of three can go to the World under 23 road race championship at Lugano on October 12th, and although none of the five chosen for Japan are eligible for that category, Fitzgerald Hutton and Power, who have all won races in the last two weeks can enhance their prospects in Germany, along with Quinn.

Philip Collins and Declan Lonergan contest the 4,000 metres pursuit and points race at the World track championships next week in Manchester, from Wednesday to tomorrow week, and Collins does not have to contend with Graeme Obree on Wednesday morning. The Scot has decided not to defend his title after his disappointing Olympic effort and he has failed to regain his form since.

The 25 mile time trial championship at Wexford tomorrow morning (10.0) is expected to feature a showdown between Collins and McCann, with Evans also included. Collins is the holder and he held the record for the distance at 51 minutes and 24 seconds, until McCann clocked 51:05 on June 13th.

McCann, winner of the Isle of Man International in June, had his first outing since finishing 72nd in the Olympic road race at Atlanta when he contested a 10 mile time trial on Wednesday evening at Banbridge. Although he was second to Evans he was satisfied with his performance and said yesterday he intends taking part tomorrow. The course is on the Enniscorthy Road at Whitford.

The Ards club's two day race gets under way this evening at Carrowdore, with two stages tomorrow, and there will be a hectic spate of activity at Tuam tomorrow and Sunday with the under age championships, for boys and girls from 11 to under 16, down for decision. The hillclimb championship is also listed for Stepaside on Sunday.