Scanlon chasing contract

CYCLING: The former world junior champion, Mark Scanlon, has moved a step closer towards landing a professional contract for next season after being granted a trial with the division one team AG2r.

The talented 21-year-old will begin a slot as a stagiaire with the French outfit at the beginning of September, secure in the knowledge that a strong display should secure a place with them for 2003. Scanlon, the current national road race champion, was awarded a contract with the Linda McCartney team for the 2001 season, but he was forced to return to the amateur ranks after the financial collapse of the second-division outfit.

Since then he has raced in Marseille with the VC La Pomme squad and recorded a number of encouraging results which, when combined with his 1998 world title, suggest that he has the potential to be the best Irish rider since Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche.

Both riders have provided important guidance to the young Sligoman; indeed, Roche was instrumental in securing the apprenticeship with AG2r.

"Stephen's help was very important in getting the trial," says Scanlon. "He spoke to the directeur sportif, Vincent Lavenu, on a number of occasions and the deal came about because of that. Cycling Ireland and the Irish Sports Council have also been of great help - the Sports Council provided me with funding after the Linda McCartney team collapsed and that helped me to keep racing abroad."

Before donning the team jersey, Scanlon will compete in the European Under-23 championships next week, which is one of his major goals for this season. He goes to the Italian contest motivated by his 10th place in the time trial 12 months ago.

"I am hoping to do a good ride in the time trial," he says, "and will give the road race a good shot too. After that I will start my trial with the AG2r team. I am little nervous about the challenge, but there is a very good chance that I will be able to get a contract for next season."

Irish entries for the Donnelly Junior Tour are due in next week. Contact the race organiser, Alice Sheratt, on 087 2929913 before Monday evening.

Fixtures - Today: Tourmakeady Festival Race. Underage start at 6.45 pm, Senior race at 7.30. Ards Three-day, Stage One, Portaferry (continues until Sunday). Starts 7.0 pm. Tomorrow: BH Raleigh Grand Prix, Rathmolyon, Meath. Starts noon. Sunday: Robinstown Grand Prix, starts 1.0.