Another change has become necessary on the Ireland team for the FBD Milk Ras which starts on Saturday. Following the replacement of the injured Aidan Duff by David O'Loughlin, the 1996 winner Tommy Evans has also pulled out. Philip Cassidy (37) has been named by national team director Richie Beatty to fill the vacancy.

Duff suffered elbow injuries in a fall on stage two of the Tour of Ulster last Sunday week and, following an operation, decided he would not be fit in time to tackle the nine-day Ras. O'Loughlin, who was to lead the Mayo selection, was promoted.

Evans is unable to participate because of work commitments. He informed Beatty, who called in Cassidy to join Ray Clarke, Eugene Moriarty, Paddy Moriarty and O'Loughlin.

Cassidy was Ras winner in 1983 and, following a good win at Ballyboughal two weeks ago, was recalled to the international scene at Lincoln where he failed to finish. He was to have taken part in the Ras with the Meath team.