Seymour secures slot

CYCLING/Round-Up: The prospect of a good season for national mountain-bike cross-country champion Robin Seymour looks brighter with the news he has secured a ride with Mapei's off-road squad for 2002.

The team is the mountain-bike wing of cycling's top-ranked road outfit, and the Wicklow rider is set to contest both World and Italian Cup races in their colours. He is also aiming to line out in the Ireland jersey for the European and World championships later this year.

Seymour was based in America last season but was unable to find a team there. The Mapei deal, together with his 14th place in his first race in Italy last Sunday, show things are beginning on a good note this year.

Also enjoying the start to their foreign season is the trio of Mark Scanlon, Tommy Evans and Denis Lynch, who are based near Marseille. The VC La Pomme riders followed up their good recent results with a strong ride in the Menton-Savona race in Italy on Tuesday, placing 12th, 17th and 20th respectively.

Domestically, the racing season began last Sunday with the Lacey Cup in Tralee but the long distance to that event means it will be this weekend before many riders have their first competitive outing. There is considerable choice around the country: tomorrow sees a race in Annaclone, while Dunlavin will host the first of the four handicapped events to comprise this year's Leinster league.

On Sunday, riders may choose between the Aghagallon Cup, the Ken O'Keefe memorial in Cork or the Cycleways Cup in Navan. Traditionally attracting big fields, it is hoped the reintroduction of the senior-three category at these races will boost these numbers further. Previously, beginners and lapsed competitors had a tough task in racing against senior-two competitors.

Cycling Ireland expect this move will lead to a growth in the sport as it will enable competitors to race at a level which suits their own abilities. For the same reason, it is necessary that race organisers do their utmost to continue to run separate senior one and two events this year.

FIXTURES: Tomorrow: Leinster Cycling Federation league, Kilcullen. Starts 11 a.m. Annaclone handicap road race, Annaclone. Starts midday. Sunday: Cycleways cup, Navan. Starts 12.30 p.m. Ken O'Keefe memorial, Cork. Starts 1 p.m. Aghagallon Cup, Aghagallon, 1 p.m.