CYCLING/News Round-Up: Tommy Evans yesterday continued his fine run of top finishes in the Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi, taking 10th place on the 196-kilometre stage from Kuantan to Bentong. Evans sprinted home in the same time as Australian winner Graeme Brown, who edged out compatriot Stuart O'Grady to nab his second stage victory in three days.
Evans's ride moved him to 13th in the points standings and continued a series of good sprint finishes for the Irish amateur, who has shown commendable determination in mixing it with the professional riders in the race. Thus far Evans has taken a total of four top 20 placings, including sixth and eighth on stages, and is hoping to go higher before the Tour ends on Sunday.
Indeed, Evans could well have had his opportunity in the sprint finish which decided Wednesday's stage, but for the team orders which saw him wait for ailing team-mate Simone Mori and lose over eight minutes in the process.
Yesterday's stage saw a change in the overall standings, with long-time leader Nathan O'Neill conceding the yellow jersey to his Saturn team- mate Tom Danielson after losing time in a crash. The disappointed Australian has nevertheless promised his support to Danielson on today's 113-kilometre stage to Seremban.
Elsewhere, new professional Dermot Nally recorded a solid debut with his new Paternina-Costa Almeria squad earlier this week in the Challenge Illes Balers series in Majorca. The Spanish resident finished in the main bunch on the first two stages and briefly held fifth overall in the special sprints competition, after taking points midway through the second stage.
Following Chris Boardman's recent session with Irish track riders, downhill competitors have their chance to benefit from top-class professional experience when the world number one Steve Peat coaches the National Downhill squad later this month in Bray. Organised by Bray Events.com and supported by the Irish Sports Council, Cycling Ireland and Bray Tourism, the session runs from February 21st-23rd and will focus on the Hibernian Team Ireland junior and elite squads. Outdoor work will take place on Bray Head, while the training headquarters for the weekend will be at the Heather House Hotel.
Fixtures: Today-Sunday: Munster Cycling Federation level one coaching course, Patrician Academy, Mallow. Call J. O'Sullivan at 022 28713 or Michael Concannon at 064 44393 for more information.
