Sunday's Meath Grand Prix at Navan is excluded from the classic league again this season so there is opposition with races at other venues for first category men. However, the Navan promotion will probably benefit from the planned Wexford two-day event being reduced to just two stages tomorrow with no racing there on Sunday.

The Dublin Wheelers five-day race ends this evening in the Phoenix Park but it suffered more than usual this year from the drop in entries - instead of the expected full field of 110 only 75 started.

Even with a the reduced line-up the organisers had difficulties with the promotion and among the changes necessary should be the abolition of 30-second intervals in the time trial.

Because of traffic restrictions for the 1798 commemorations programme in the Wexford area on Sunday no racing is permitted and there will be just a time trial tomorrow morning, 10.30, with a road race in the afternoon, 2.30.

The Tour of the Sperrins is at Cookstown on Sunday with the Hilltown club's promotions at Carrigaline. There are three separate races listed at Navan - one each for first and second category with juniors, veterans and women together.

Ciaran Power has withdrawn from the Irish team for the Manx International next Friday but Richie Beatty was unable to name a replacement yesterday to join Tommy Evans, Paul Griffin and Andy Roche.

Power has not been going well in France since his triumph in the FBD Milk Ras but he will be home for the championship at Collon on Sunday week.

Plans are well advanced for the Mars Challenge on July 5th over the route of 112 miles for stage one of the Tour de France the following Sunday and there will be also be an alternative circuit of 70 miles. Inquiries to Tommy Campbell at 2864451.