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.

Their big test will be the Sunday’s elite race.

However, Ireland’s best chance for a medal will be in the U-23 section, led by Philip Deignan, who is supported by Páidí O’Brien, Andrew McQuaid, Miceal Concannon (Jnr) and Ryan Connor.

“Philip is already a very classy professional,” Concannon said.

He added: “If the rest of the lads can provide the sort of support he needs, then they have a good chance of bringing him home on the podium.”

Banteer’s O’Brien has raced with Deignan throughout the season and his support has been instrumental in his international team-mate’s consistent results.

Team Ireland’s sole representative in the women’s elite category is Siobhan Dervan of Lotto ladies, who has overcome recent illness to return to her early season form.

Cycling Ireland also paid tribute to two full-time officials who are leaving the sport.

Padraig Marrey, who has served as Youth Development Officer and Coaching Officer, has spent four years promoting the sport all over Ireland.

“Padraig has been a major reason why cycling in Ireland continues to grow in popularity,” Concannon said.

“He has also contributed to the upsurge in the numbers of Irish riders now competing at a very high level on the world stage,” he added.

Concannon has also paid tribute to John Bann-Lavery, who leaves his position as Development Officer (Ulster) to take up a position as PR, Communications and Marketing Officers for Sports Services and Facilities at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

“We have an outstanding network of youth cycling volunteers in Cycling Ulster, and John worked closely with these people and clubs to ensure an exciting future for cycling in the province.

“His enthusiasm was boundless and his energy was infectious - as reflected in the continued success of cycling in the province,” he added.