2002 champion Ciarán Power has been cleared by his US pro team Navigators to line out in next month's world-ranked FBD Milk Rás. Power and fellow US-based professional David O'Loughlin will spearhead a strong Irish team in the eight-day Tour. The five man squad also comprises the 1996 winner Tommy Evans, Vincent Gleeson and Andrew Donnellan.
Power's participation is a big plus for the national squad as there was uncertainty as to whether the Navigator team's busy schedule would enable him to return to Ireland for the May 18th start. A large number of foreign squads will travel for the 2.5 ranked event and, with a big increase in the standard of the competition since it graduated to the international calendar, a top-notch Irish squad is essential.
Meanwhile, Irish pro David O'Loughlin finished a fine 16th overall at the end of the 2.3 ranked Tour of Georgia. He rode strongly against the best riders on the US professional circuit and showing that he is in line for some top results once he returns to full-time racing this summer.
The Ofoto-Lombardi rider finished as part of the main bunch at the end of the final stage of the prestigious event, won by David Clinger. Ciaran Power, was 92nd on yesterday's stage in Atlanta and finished in 82nd position overall, 25 minutes and 19 seconds behind Horner.
Filed by Johnny Proby
