Tour of Ireland gets big boost

CYCLING:THREE MORE international teams have been confirmed for next month's Tour of Ireland. Tinkoff Credit Systems of Russia, the MTN Energade squad from South Africa and the US Team Type 1 join a number of previously-announced squads in the event which lasts for five days and is ranked 2.1 on the international calendar.

The ProTour duo Columbia and Garmin Chipotle, as well as CSF Group Navigare, SouthAustralia.com and Joker-Bianchi were already competing.

Tinkoff Credit Systems have competed in the past two editions of the Giro d'Italia, this year taking two stages in the Italian Tour. They will undergo a substantial expansion next year, being renamed Katusha, signing some of the biggest names in the peloton and boasting a budget of over €15 million per annum.

The squad in the Tour of Ireland is expected to include the sprinter Alberto Loddo and strong climber Walter Pedraza.

Also among those expected to take part in the race is the Irish Pezula Racing squad. The downturn in the construction industry recently led to the title sponsor ending their backing, but DMC Sports, Terry Dolan and Santini have helped ensure their survival.

Meanwhile, Robin Seymour took an exceptional 15th consecutive Irish MTB cross country championship last weekend, beating closest rivals Conor McConvey and Niall Davis by 28 and 37 seconds, respectively.

Racing in Kilruddery Estate near Bray, the Team WORC rider ended the first of seven laps level on time with McConvey, but had pulled 18 seconds ahead by the end of the next. Davis had lost contact early on and was 31 seconds back at this point.

Seymour continued on alone, adding to his advantage and making sure he would further extend his remarkable record. The Wicklow man will now continue his preparations for Beijing, where he will ride the XC mountainbike event on August 23rd.

Finally, the national track championships will be held in Sundrive Road tomorrow and Sunday. Contact Hugh Byrne on 086 3488708.

DIARY

Friday - Sunday:Portaferry Three-day, Kirkistown.

Saturday - Sunday:Irish track championships, Sundrive road, 11am. Youth Two-day race, Gorey/Arklow.

Sunday:Tobin Memorial, Enniscorthy, noon. Brady Memorial, Robinstown, 1pm (Youth races at 11am). IVCA CP, Warrenstown, 9.15am. Open road race, Castlecoote, Co Roscommon, noon.