Return of Estonian team gives Rás another boost

Cycling Column:The third in what promises to be a strong line-up of overseas teams has been announced for this year's FBD Insurance Rás.

Two years after Sigvard Kukk took three top-10 placings en route to 11th overall, the Estonia-Kalev Chocolate team are heading back to Ireland for the world-ranked race.

Kukk is no longer with the team, but 26-year-old Mart Ojavee is likely to lead the squad. He was part of the 2005 line-up, taking 13th on stage four, and together with Andrei Mustonen will benefit from the experience of competing here in the past.

Five-man teams plus very aggressive racing means that the Rás requires different tactics to other international events.

The team will be completed by Alo Jakin, Silvar Kibur and Markku Ainsalu. "As Estonia's only pro team, Kalev Chocolate should be a real threat," said race director Dermot Dignam this week. "They have the pick of the best riders in the country and with their previous experience of the Rás, which is a big advantage, are certainly coming here with the intention of leaving their mark on the race."

The squad joins Germany (Thuringer Energie) and Czech Republic (AC Sparta Praha) in the overseas line-up. Several more foreign teams are expected to be announced before the race start in Naas on May 20th.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Roche and Philip Deignan finished 70th and 90th respectively on yesterday's third stage of the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The hilly 186.6-kilometre stage to Mamers was won in a solo move by Liquigas rider Michael Albasini. Roche was on the attack early on but was brought back, eventually finishing 10 minutes and one second down, while Deignan was three minutes and 55 seconds further back.

Double Tour de France podium finisher Andreas Klöden (Astana) continues to lead as the race heads into the final stage, a 188.8-kilometre stage from Mamers to Le Mans. Roche is 10 minutes and 43 seconds down in 69th place. Deignan is 85th, 14 minutes and 51 seconds back.

The Letterkenny rider is returning after a knee injury, and before starting the Circuit de la Sarthe on Tuesday, had only one day of racing so far this year. He got things under way in Sunday's Grand Prix de la Ville de Rennes, and knows that it is going to take several weeks to build form.

Deignan is hoping to race back into form and get the nod for the Tour of Spain later this year.

Finally, Irish riders David McCann and Ciarán Power will line out in the 2.HC Tour de Georgia next week. The prestigious US race starts on Monday and runs until Sunday 22nd.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday:Monie Nolan Memorial, Balscadden, starts 12.15; Youth racing (European Youth Olympics selection event), Balscadden, starts 11 am; Cicli Sport GP, starts noon; CI women's commission EGM, City West Hotel, Dublin, starts 3.15 pm.

Sunday:Bill Hyland Memorial, Clonmel, starts noon; Joey Whyte/Pat Howard/Jimmy Gough Memorial races, Stamullen, sign on Gormanston College before 12.40 pm (Under-16 race is selection event for European Youth Olympics); McCann Cup, Carnalea Road, starts 1 pm.