Cycling: O'Loughlin tenth in world under 23 time trails
Tuesday, 10 October 2000 17:11David O'Loughlin finished an impressive tenth in the world under 23 time trial championships in Plouay, France today, covering the 35.2 kilometre course two minutes 38 seconds adrift of winner Evgeni Petrov of Russia.
The result is a tremendous boost to the prospects of the young Mayo cyclist, and may be enough to secure him a professional contract for next season. 'It is a tremendous performance by David', enthused national team director Richie Beatty. 'He wouldn't be an out and out time trialist, but for guts and tenacity he is right up there. This performance sets him, and the rest of the team, up nicely for the road race and will also ensure that he gets a good Sports Council grant for next season.'
O'Loughlin, together with 1998 world junior champion Mark Scanlon plus team-mates Dermot Nally and Keith Gallagher will contest the under 23 road race on Friday. O'Loughlin and Sligoman Scanlon are both in excellent end-of-season form, and are aiming to take a medal in the 170 kilometre race.
Filed by Shane Murray
