IN A hopeful attempt to repeat last year's triumph by David McCann there is an Irish squad of seven in the Manx International over three laps of the 37.75 mile TT circuit on the Isle of Man today.
Ras winner Andy Roche leads the Irish challenge, the Manxman will be accompanied by Tommy Evans, Michael Fitzgerald, Karl Donnelly, Raymond Clarke, Brendan Doherty and Michael. Smith.
Ciaran Power, Paddy Moriarty and Michael O'Reilly, who replaces the injured David O'Loughlin, contest the Viking Trophy under 23 race over two laps and the junior team of Mark Scanlon, Barry Twohig, Derek Finnegan, Emmett Hogan and James McMaster go in the onelap Mannin Veg.
The McKinley three day race for second category, juniors, veterans and women is on at Newty over the weekend, but Sunday's Malt Corcoran memorial at Naas is of more importance, it is the fifth of 10 events in the Callcard classic league.
David Peelo has a narrow lead in the league, he has 26 points with Evans, Power and Clarke all on 24. In the junior league, Scanlon is ahead with 30 points, followed by Emmett Hogan on 27, Thomas Hogan 24 and Stephen Gallagher 21.
The Mid Eastern region 10 mile time trial for all grades, will be decided tomorrow morning over a new course measured out by Richie Beatty behind the airport. This is the last year for these regional events as the system changes to provinces next season.
The Dublin Wheelers annual five day promotion gets under way on Monday evening, 7.30, with a time trial at Howth. It should provide good, fast preparation for the road race championship at Carrick on Suir on Sunday week when Peter Daly will be home again to defend his title.
Meanwhile, Paul Helion of Amev and Geraldine Gill from Navan are joining clubs in France - Helion goes to Brest, while Gill will be based near Rennes. Barry Whelan is also making arrangements to go to join the growing band of Irish racing in France.
