Ullrich digs deep to take title

German rider Jan Ullrich once again showed his class yesterday when he staged a late comeback to take the Elite world championships time trial title.

Ullrich, who won gold in the same event two years ago, trailed Scottish rider David Millar by 17 seconds at the halfway point but a fast finish saw him claw his way back into contention and end the 38.7 kilometre test six seconds clear.

Irish professional David McCann finished four minutes and 55 seconds back in 40th place, suffering on a tough course which saw tipped riders such as Jonathan Vaughters and Florent Brard also finish outside the top 30.

McCann has felt off-form since winning the Tour of Hokkaido last month, and was temporarily sidelined by a kidney infection after his return. He will leave Lisbon with the aim of rebuilding his form in time for the forthcoming Herald Sun Tour in Australia.

Mark Scanlon today attempts to put the disappointment of Tuesday's under-23 time trial behind him when he lines out as part of the Grant Thornton-Team Ireland squad in the espoir road race. The 1998 junior world champion will have the backing of three teammates in the 169-kilometre event, and will hope for a good showing after his seventh place in last weekend's under-23 Paris-Tours classic.

The Irish particpation in the championships draws to a close tomorrow when Tim Cassidy, Philip Deignan, Nicolas Roche and Paudi O'Brien tackle the junior road race and Susan O'Mara competes in the Elite women event.

Back home, competition is limited to the first race in the cyclo-cross season, at Craigavon Lakes.

Last weekend off-road riders crossed swords in the Mountain-bike Downhill championships, where John Lawlor and Tarja Owens took the top slots in the races for elite men and women.

Colin Ross retained his junior title, Peter Popham and Joseph Ward came out best in the veterans and masters category, while Jamie Popham and Greg O'Keeffe took underage wins.