Irish aim to be ahead of the chasing pack at championships

MARK SCANLON is expected to lead by example at the World Road Cycling Championships which start in Madrid today.

The 24-year-old, who rides professionally with the AG2R team, is expected to record at least a top-20 finish and, according to Cycling Ireland president Miceal Concannon, “a top-15 place would be a super result”.

Concannon said last night that Scanlon and the rest of the Irish senior team, which includes David McCann and David O’Loughlin, face a difficult assignment in Spain but are capable of some upsets.