Irish professional Ciarán Power recorded another solid display when he placed 31st in the highly ranked Grand Prix Cholet-Pays de Loire race yesterday. The St Quentin rider finished in a large group just over three minutes behind winner Florent Brand of the Festina team, and continues towards his goal of building towards races later in the year. Agent Frank Quinn confirmed: "It was a good ride from Ciarán. The Cholet event is a big race, almost a semi-classic and Ciarán’s performance shows that he is coming into form."
Power is aiming for a strong ride in the Summer races as he chases a contract with a bigger pro team for 2002. The Olympian had joined the second division St Quentin team after the Linda McCartney outfit collapsed earlier this year.
Elsewhere, Team Ireland cyclist Tommy Evans illustrated his continuing good form over the weekend when he placed a fine 5th in the 'La Durtorccha' race, the first round of the southeast division amateur championships in France. Former national champion Evans crossed the line 53 seconds behind Jérôme Fernandes of the CO Chamalières team. His next big assignment is next weekend’s Archer GP in England, which he disputes as part of the Irish national team. Stephen O’Sullivan, Brian Kenneally and former professional Morgan Fox will complete the line-up of the squad.
Filed by Shane Murray
