Olympic mountain bike rider Tarja Owens has become the latest Irish cyclist to secure a place with a professional cycling team, following her move to the Italian SC Michela Fanini set up. The 23-year-old decided to concentrate on road racing for two years to improve her chances at the next Olympics in 2004, and will travel to the team base in Tuscany next Tuesday to begin life with the elite squad.
Owens, delighted with the one-year contract, confessed: 'I don't really have much experience of road racing, but I decided that it would be good preparation for Athens if I was to spend two years doing it. I got in touch with all the squads and landed a slot with the Michela Fanini team - they are a really good set-up and it should be very good to help me develop.'
The Italian team are one of the biggest in women's cycling - current world champion Zinaida Stahurskaia rode with them last season, and they are expected to participate in the women's Tour of Italy and Tour de France this year. While Owen begins as a road novice, the squad has said that they will give her ample time to settle in and find her feet.
Meanwhile, fellow Olympian and partner Robin Seymour looks to be heading further afield with a season based around the American NORBA and AMBC series of events. The 29-year-old is as yet is without a team, but is confident that good results will secure a backer. He will begin his campaign with a ride in the Sea Otter Classic from March 23rd-25th, and is likely to be based in the New York area for the year.
Filed by Shane Murray
